LIFE-CHANGING SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES THROUGH RLT
If you are looking for a way to provide your child with an opportunity to grow, learn, and give back through service work, Summer 2021 with RLT will be just what you are looking for!
RLT trips are a unique blend of community service work, adventurous outdoor activities, and meaningful travel experiences. We are proud that service is an integral part of our trips – it not only allows us to help communities, but allows participants to immerse themselves in new cultures and understand the area from a unique perspective. Our established connections with communities around the world allow us to provide our young travelers with experiences a regular tourist wouldn’t receive. It also allows our participants to make meaningful contributions to protect, serve, and help our world and its people.
What service work do participants do?
Service work varies trip by trip. It can be anything from helping care for elephants, hand-feeding wolves, working with students in local schools, helping develop infrastructure, basic construction projects, or restoring coral reefs. RLT groups work alongside local residents, so our efforts and actions are driven by the communities that will benefit from them. For further details about the service opportunities available, view our 2021 programs.
What growth do participants experience through this service work?
Hands-on service experiences allow for first-hand education on topics such as conservation, poverty, diversity, education, environmentalism, and stewardship. This experiential learning differs from school-based learning; it lets participants truly experience and understand the impact that people can have on the world. Our service trips allow for reflection and conversation to help participants process, develop, and fully understand their own vision of service. Our aim is that we not only help the communities we directly work with, but ignite a passion within our young travelers that will serve them for the rest of their lives – driving them to do the right thing for the right reasons and become agents of change.
How are Service Hours Verified?
Following the completion of an RLT program, every participant receives a certificate affirming the number of service hours they completed. Along with the work providing an unforgettable experience and learning opportunity, these hours are often used to work towards National Honor Society and school graduation requirements. In addition, RLT is a certified President’s Volunteer Service Award (PVSA) organization. Service hours completed through all of RLT’s programs are combined to earn a group PVSA award. Additionally, RLT is able to certify service hours for participants that were completed through other organizations, which can allow participants to earn an individual PVSA in addition to the group award. These highly acclaimed awards are widely recognized by colleges and employers across the country.
Is the whole trip service work?
RLT programs offer a hybrid of service work and other incredible travel experiences. Trips might also include whitewater rafting, hiking, climbing, visiting local markets, or experiencing other local attractions. Our trips are centered around youth development and personal growth of our participants. 29 years experience has allowed us to develop itineraries that make meaningful impacts on both participants and the communities we work in.
Can Families Participate in Service Trips?
YES! For parents reading this thinking, “I wish I was a kid again,” our family service trips combine service, travel, family time, and new experiences that you can all share together. We are happy to customize trips specifically for families, or join in on our Costa Rica Family Service Adventure!
Interested in learning more about our philosophy and approach to service work? We invite you to learn more here. For questions, additional information, or to view our 2021 trip brochures, please call the RLT office at 773-342-5200, or drop us a line at info@theroadlesstraveled.com.