Record breaking summer for volunteer travel

Participants at Toronto’s Leadership Academy take a break to stretch between sessions.

Over the past two months, the definition of “summer vacation” has dramatically changed for over 1000 students, youth groups, families and adults. This summer brings a record high number of travelers who have chosen to spend their summer vacations with Leaders Today to lend a helping hand in some of the world’s most impoverished regions.

“There are a growing number of travelers who are interested in seeing and experiencing a new part of the world as well as helping those in need,” says Ashley Hilkewich, director of international trips at Leaders Today. “We always remind travelers that the real journey begins once their trip comes to an end. It’s the actions they take on a daily basis—whether it be awareness campaigns, fundraising or acts of kindness—that continue to transform our global community.”

This past month, youth from all over the world gathered together to take just that kind of action. Free The Children and Leaders Today’s Take Action! Academies—held in Toronto, Vancouver and Beijing—gave students a forum wherein they could learn about and discuss the issues affecting the global community today. They were able to develop their leadership skills and come up with creative ways to improve their local and international communities. Plus with over 240 students, it was a great place to meet new friends from around the world! 

Whether it’s through taking part in our academies or getting involved in the volunteer trips, “The commitment shown by youth to give back demonstrates people’s awareness of living the Me to Welifestyle,” says Hilkewich. “Our travelers are finding new meaning in their lives and creating a more peaceful world by reaching out to others while immersing themselves in a new culture.”

A trip participant shares a kiss with a giraffe in Kenya.

Each volunteer and leadership trip offers travelers the opportunity to learn about new cultures, build leadership skills, volunteer in local communities and create new life-long friendships. Once travelers return home, they are encouraged to use their new knowledge and inspiration to influence positive change.

Currently Leaders Today offers volunteer and leadership trips to Arizona/ Mexico, China, Ecuador and Kenya. This summer, Leaders Today also announced their plan to travel to India in July of 2008 to volunteer with rural communities in Tamil Nadu.

If you are interested in joining the growing number of people traveling with Leaders Today and Free The Children, you can visit our website by clicking here. Come experience the diversity of our world for yourself, and learn how you have the power to be a leader today.

Learn More About the Take Action! Academy

Free The Children is the largest network of children helping children through education in the world, with more than one million youth involved in our innovative education and development programs in 45 countries. Founded by international child rights activist Craig Kielburger, Free The Children has an established track-record of success, with three nominations for the Nobel Peace Prize and partnerships with the United Nations and Oprah’s Angel Network.