voluntourism: what are your thoughts?

[Free To Canoe]

Quote:

Originally Posted by travelover I've done 5 trips with Earthwatch. They have a small team of 5 - 10 people that work with a researcher. The volunteers help with the field work. For me it was a great way to see things that I would never see on my own. For example, in the Virgin islands I got to patrol the beaches and collect leather back sea turtle eggs to be relocated. It was an amazing feeling to have this 1000 pound beast laying her eggs right into my hands in the middle of the night. In Kenya I worked on a black rhino preserve and part of the job was to hike daily with armed guards and count wildlife like elephants, giraffes, cape buffalo and, of course, rhinos. In Brazil we spent all day in a canoe observing giant river otters and numerous other birds and animals, including macaws. All of your expenses, including airfare, are tax deductible. Earthwatch also has archeological digs and medical programs in the US and throughout the world. Earthwatch - Change the World. Yourself

Good thread. I may also include this sort of volunteering in my ER plans.

Free to canoe

[travelover]

Quote:

Originally Posted by frank I don't know if I could handle the 10 miles a night with a backpack in loose sand. maybe I'm getting too old for this type of thing. at what age did you volunteer? I was thinking there was something a little less strenuous available, but then I have never checked the options available. Then again the rum might help with the sore muscles.

I was about 50 when I did the Virgin Islands expedition. Most are not nearly this strenuous. Check out their website - some even cater to scuba divers.

[Khan]

Quote:

Originally Posted by frank I don't know if I could handle the 10 miles a night with a backpack in loose sand. maybe I'm getting too old for this type of thing. at what age did you volunteer? I was thinking there was something a little less strenuous available, but then I have never checked the options available. Then again the rum might help with the sore muscles.

When I did such, I was 42.

[Khan]

Quote:

Originally Posted by travelover I was about 50 when I did the Virgin Islands expedition. Most are not nearly this strenuous. Check out their website - some even cater to scuba divers.

There are many expeditions that would love certified divers.