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GTC Volunteer Vacations
Volunteer and vacation - a combination worth the time and effort.
There are millions of ways to make a difference and we believe that one person can make a positive difference. One act at a time, one day at a time and at Generations Touring Company one trip at a time.
Want to do something that matters? Is your grandson a vigilant recycler? Is your daughter a passionate vegetarian? Is your nephew an idealist who wants to change the world? Does your teen look for ways to volunteer for things that matter? Would you like to share something that matters with your children or grandchildren? You are not alone.
In a poll conducted by Condé Nast Traveler and MS-NBC, 14% of Americans have taken a volunteer vacation, but 55% indicated they would like to participate in a volunteer vacation. And of those who have gone on volunteer trips, 95% confirmed they are likely to do it again.
Volunteering is hot. Across the country youth use their power to impact their schools and communities. In fact 28% of teens ages 16 to 19 are volunteering in some way with frequency according to the Corporation for National and Community Service. Many school districts require volunteer hours for graduation honors. Colleges and universities ask of potential students: how have you made a difference?
We at GTC think that sharing an authentic volunteer experience with a child or children offers tremendous rewards for everyone involved. And we have connections to make the volunteer experiences happen for multiple generations.
It takes time to volunteer. You may be thinking - does spending a few days as a volunteer away from home really matter or is it just another way for privileged do-gooders to assuage guilt? Here at GTC We think every effort makes a difference. Naturally some make a greater difference but like any situation much depends on the dedication of an individual and the scope and the volunteer project. Whether the time is spent in the USA cleaning the Gulf's oil-soaked beaches, teaching English in Peru or planting trees in Thailand the obvious benefit to the local community is essential.
We believe in the power of one. One person can change an opinion; one person can listen and share; one person can help carry a heavy load; one person can plant a tree or hoe a garden; one person can support a new friend. One person can make a difference one day at a time, one act at a time, one smile at a time – links in a chain forged for positive change.
Make a difference together. An important part of the total experience is the bonding through activities for a joint cause. Participating in voluntourism builds social capital. The shared experience is often and eye-opener for youngsters who volunteer away from home. And for participants it can be life changing because being needed and being able to contribute is rewarding.
Voluntours provide first-person experiences and nurture the concept of planet stewardship. For local people and their communities, the work of volunteers can positively impact their perception of outsiders. After all, despite our manifold differences, we are all citizens of the same planet.
Volunteering as a family – really? Granted it is a tad more complicated to volunteer as a family or go away one-on-one with a child to make a difference. We are sensitive to these issues and thus are in the process of organizing three volunteer opportunities for 2011. The details are yet to be finalized.
What we can tell you is that the experiences will be well-suited to anyone older than 10 and that they will be ideal for grandparents traveling with grandkids. Each GTC voluntour will allow participants to work side-by-side with locals to accomplish a shared goal. It will not be all work and no play and we will offer opportunities within the USA and abroad.
To be on the first-to-know list simply indicate so by sending us an e-mail at info@generationstouringcompany.com or call toll-free us at 1-888-415-9100.
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