Summer Camps & Programs

Program Description

Lifeworks International

Global Service-Learning Programs
British Virgin Islands, Costa Rica, Thailand, China, Galapagos, and Australia

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For More Information, Contact
Lifeworks International
P.O. Box 5517
Sarasota, Florida 34277
941-924-2115
800-808-2115 (toll-free)
Fax: 941-924-6075
http://www.lifeworks-international.com
E-mail: info@lifeworks-international.com

Type of Program: Cultural, experiential, and adventure-based community service programs; students qualify for high school community service credits
Participants: Coeducational, ages 14–19, grouped by age
Enrollment: Up to 15 students per group
Program Dates: Two- to four-week programs from June through August
Head of Program: James Stoll

Location

Lifeworks offers community service programs in the British Virgin Islands (land- and sea-based voyage), Costa Rica, Thailand (outskirts of Bangkok and in the provinces), China, Galapagos (based on Santa Cruz island, with day and overnight trips to neighboring islands), and Australia (Sydney, Queensland, and Northern Territories).

Background and Philosophy

Backed by more than thirty years of offering experiential education for youth, Lifeworks is a service-learning opportunity. Based on the premise that every participant has something unique to offer, students are provided the opportunity to make their own ripple in this world through their involvement with Lifeworks. At the core of Lifeworks is the mission question “what mark would you like to leave because you were given the opportunity to walk the planet?”
    Students work in collaboration with established local, national, and international service organizations. The symbiosis of such an arrangement enables students to share in knowledge specific to the region in which they are living and undertake significant local assignments. Skills and learning are fostered through hands-on participation in service projects. Each program location offers a distinctive focus so that students may gain insight into a new field of study or further develop an existing interest. Team building, leadership, and self-reliance development are a natural part of living and working in a close community with a common goal.
    At the completion of the program, a direct donation is made to the service organizations with which students have worked. This donation is included in the tuition cost and helps to fund ongoing projects. All participating students are enrolled in the President’s Student Service Award—an initiative that recognizes young Americans for outstanding community service. This award scheme is also sponsored by the Corporation for National and Community Service.
    Lifeworks programs are designed to focus on three levels of support: human, community, and global, each intrinsically linked. Service at the human level aims to transcend cultures and beliefs as participants work toward a broader common goal. Lifeworks looks for effective ways to reach individuals through their community, with health, education, environmental, or safety-based projects. It is the hope of Lifeworks that individual involvement will have an impact at the global level.

Program Offerings

In the British Virgin Islands, Lifeworks participants assist with the BVI College and local schools, the Red Cross, the Conservation and Fisheries Department, the National Parks Trust, and the Marine Parks service organizations of the British Virgin Islands. This is a mobile, live-aboard service program based on a sailing yacht to enable multiple projects and marine-related work. Ongoing projects include the repropagation of mangrove systems and the monitoring of turtle populations and nesting. As part of a worldwide effort, students participate in the Darwin Initiative, which includes the tagging and monitoring of turtles and their nests, along with sea grass, water-quality, and beach monitoring around the islands. At intervals, Lifeworkers visit local schools and community centers to develop full days of activities and programming for children. Outside of project work, students also snorkel, hike, and sail throughout this island group.
    Lifeworks Costa Rica is involved in a variety of community service projects with the Fundación Humanitaria. Students work with schools, health centers, and care facilities to help make a real difference in the community. Living with homestay families offers a unique cultural exchange, which is enhanced with a formal Spanish language component. The program includes a trip to Tortuguero to see turtle nesting sites and to aid in beach cleanup and travel to the Monteverde Rainforest and Arenal volcano.
    In Thailand, Lifeworks teams up with the DPF Foundation for underprivileged children. DPF’s Founder and Senator, Ms. Prateep Ungsongtham Hata, was awarded the prestigious World Children’s Prize for the Rights of the Child in recognition of her work with Bangkok’s disadvantaged children. Students work in the kindergartens and schools created by the foundation, with a focus on enhancing the children’s self-esteem through team-building games, art projects, and teaching English.
    During the China program, Lifeworks students work primarily with physically disabled children in privately funded orphanages. Students organize and implement sports and arts and crafts activities for the children, assist in providing direct care for the younger ones, and help in the construction of a playground. It is an opportunity to work as part of one of the most needed efforts in China. Between projects, students explore Beijing and visit the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, and the Terracotta warriors.
    In Galapagos, Lifeworks students work with the national parks on Santa Cruz and San Cristobal islands, assisting with maintenance of the giant tortoise hatchery facility and activities, signage, and general upkeep within the parks. Other projects are involved with local schools, cultural exchange, and ranger patrol programs. In addition, there are trips to St. Bartholomew, to the Plazas to snorkel with sea lions, and for a long weekend of exploring and horseback riding on the high volcanic island of Isabella.
    In Australia, working with the Australian Red Cross, Lifeworks students participate primarily in Aboriginal community projects. Beginning in Sydney, students have a cultural orientation as well as explore the city. Participants take an active role in learning about Aboriginal history and customs, with a unique and rare opportunity to experience their culture firsthand. Students live within the Aboriginal community of the Tiwi Islands offshore from Darwin, designing local youth projects and putting them into action. Students learn how Aboriginals live with the land, use bush medicines, and preserve their ancient traditions and, in turn, offer the local children summer program activities. Students’ interaction and education is furthered with travel to the National Parks of the Northern Territories and then to Queensland, where the reef and rain forest meet.

Enrollment

Enrollment is limited to 15 students per group, with participants from all over the United States. International students are also encouraged to participate. All programs are coed.

Extra Opportunities and Activities

Unique to Lifeworks is the Lifeworks Forum, which takes place at intervals throughout the program. Students take time to participate in a variety of discussions, focusing on assisting each student in identifying and moving toward making their own individual contribution to the world. The Lifeworks Forum focuses on that goal as well as discussing related subjects, including integrity dilemmas, goals and affirmations, and other life choices people make.

Staff

The average age of staff members is 27 and up. A staff-to-student ratio of 1:6 is maintained throughout the programs. Lifeworks selects staff members who have good organizational skills, demonstrate ingenuity, have mature decision-making abilities, are responsible, and have experience working with teens. Desirable staff qualities include adaptability and an adventurous spirit.

Costs

Program costs for 2008 ranged from $3870 to $4670, depending on location and duration chosen. Each program’s tuition includes a direct donation to be made by the students to the service organizations with which they work.

Transportation

Students fly in small groups, and staff assistance is available at arrival airports.

Application Timetable

Applications are accepted at any time. Some programs are filled faster than others. Some fill in February, and most are full by April. Students should call for information on availability if applying late.