Ellen from the YMCA of Greater New York sent me this great video of kids from the New York area who took a volunteer vacation to Thailand to build a YMCA there. This program is part of the YMCA’s Global Teens program which aims to produce “peace, tolerance and understanding” through international travel and cultural exchange.
Those who have listened or watched the Amateur Traveler know I am a big fan of volunteer travel or voluntourism. I am about to take part in something like my 16th trip to Mexico to build housing and there is nothing quite as satisfying as working hard helping others as the teens in this video learned.
The program is for teens age 14-18 and adult chaperones (age 23 and up). The YMCA also welcomes cooperate sponsors of trips or individuals.
Signups are being taken now for 2010 trips. The deadlines to register are:
- For Group Leaders: FRI, OCT 9th @ 5pm EST
- For Teens: WED, NOV 18th @ 5pm EST
by Chris Christensen
Chris Christensen is the host of the Amateur Traveler. Chris left his day job in January 2010 to focus on consulting, podcasting and blogging . He was the Executive Vice President of Engineering and Operations for a company in Silicon Valley (LiveWorld) that runs online communities for companies like eBay, Marriott, American Express, Campbells, Kimberly Clark, A&E, and Mini Cooper.No Responses to “New York YMCA Teens Go Global”
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Tags: volunteer travel
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Joyce Major
Says:September 19th, 2009 at 8:11 pm
Great news. I’ve been a voluntourist all over the world and teach classes encouraging others to get out and help. Great to see the Y is also doing this.