We are all connected. Each ALL ABOUT VISITING EARTH program includes the opportunity to make a positive difference in our global village.

"How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world."

-- Anne Frank

ALL AAVE programs combine exploration, fun and community service. We include projects dedicated to improving the communities in which we visit. Whether we are teaching English at a local school, building a community playground, learning about native customs or participating in environmental conservation work, AAVE campers leave something behind to be proud of. Our goal is to enrich the lives of our campers by meeting the needs of local communities and the places we visit.

All participants receive a certificate from AAVE recognizing their community service work upon completion of their program. Hours stated are minimums. Groups with initiative will have the opportunity to give back on a daily basis. Below are descriptions of the community service projects for each AAVE program.

USA Programs

Project Description

Ultimate Alaska

Service Organization:

Chugach State Park

Service Credits:

10-12 hours

The site of our first group backpack, the majestic Chugach State Park, is the perfect place to give back to the areas in which we travel. Our day of service begins with Rangers teaching us the essentials of building and maintaining trails. We put in a hard day's work with the goal of improving the Alaskan wilderness. Projects vary depending on the current needs of the park, but may include trail building, trail maintenance, fire suppression projects and other environmental conservation work. To learn more about the park visit:
Chugach State Park

Ultimate Hawaii

Service Organization:

a. Waipio Cultural Exchange
b. Volcanoes National Park

Service Credits:

10-13 hours

a. We work and stay with a local family in the legendary Waipio Valley, famous for its mystical beauty and the traditional lifestyle. During our stay, we gather ingredients, such as coconuts and Ti leaves, for our traditional Hawaiian feast of lau lau. We also plant coconut trees as a gesture of good will for future generations to enjoy. (6-8 hours)
b. Our second project takes us to the unique and incomparable Volcanoes National Park. The past and present lava flows throughout the park creating a moonscape where the life cycle is forced to repeat itself time and again. We help the park regain its natural state by participating in environmental conservation projects such as collecting seeds, removing invasive species and planting indigenous trees (4-6 hours). To learn more about the park go to:
Volcanoes National Park

Bold West

Service Organization:

a. Golden Gate National
Recreation Area
b. Yosemite National Park

Service Credits:

8 hours

a.We participate in a day of service at one of the world's largest urban parks, the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. The park covers 75,398 acres of land and water, and 24 federally threatened and endangered species exist within its boundaries. We will assist with environmental conservation efforts in San Francisco or the redwood forest, including restoration of impacted areas and removal of invasive plant species. To find out more about the parks and forests included in this recreation area go to: Golden Gate NRA
b. We work to maintain trails in Yosemite National Park. Our goal is to help provide access to the natural world and provide a beautiful hiking experience in this stunning Sierra setting. We learn how to maintain a sustainable trail system and also assist in removing exotic plant species to promote the health of the native plants. For more information visit: Yosemite National Park

Boot Saddle Paddle

Service Organization:

Navajo family cultural
exchange & project

Service Credits:

8 hours

A visit to the Navajo Nation is critical to our understanding of the history and culture of the Four Corners region. Extending into the states of Utah, Arizona, Colorado and New Mexico, "Navajoland" is larger than 10 of the 50 states in America. For our service project and cultural exchange, we work and learn from a Navajo family on the reservation in Arizona. We spend the day assisting on the ranch or helping with larger community maintenance projects. Our experience is enriched as our hosts share with us the customs, language and history of the Navajo people, and we prepare a traditional meal of Navajo tacos. For more information on the Navajo Nation check out:
Navajo Nation

Colorado Classic

Service Organization:

a. Cal-Wood Education Center
b. Rocky Mountain National Park

Service Credits:

10-12 hours

a. We camp one night and work for a day at the Cal-Wood Education Center, a 1,000 acre preserve located between Rocky Mountain National Park and Boulder, Colorado. Cal-Wood's mission is to develop appreciation for the natural world and provide a beautiful, mountain setting for environmental education opportunities. We further this mission by participating in conservation work on the preserve. We learn how to maintain healthy forests as we assist with fire mitigation by marking tree stands and removing branches. We also assist in removing exotic plant species to promote the health of the native plants. To learn more about Cal-Wood go to:
Cal-Wood Education Center
b. We volunteer at Rocky Mountain National Park helping to preserve the land we use by putting in a day's work of trail building and maintenance. This ultimate showcase of the Rocky Mountains, with elevations ranging from 8,000 feet to well above 14,000 feet, provides visitors with opportunities for countless breathtaking experiences and adventures. With the help of volunteers like us, the park is able to maintain the myriad hiking trails for future generations of outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy. For more information on Colorado's most popular park visit:
Rocky Mountain National Park

Rock + Roll

Service Organization:

Colorado Fourteeners Initiative

Service Credits:

12 hours

The Colorado Fourteeners Initiative (CFI) is a partnership among nonprofit organizations, individual volunteers and public agencies to protect and preserve the natural integrity of Colorado's Fourteeners (peaks over 14,000 ft.) and the quality of the recreational opportunities they provide. As members of CFI's "Adopt-a-Peak" program, we put in two days of conservation work on one of these mammoth peaks. Work includes maintaining the standard hiking routes, repairing structures that have deteriorated, and restoring new impacts as they develop. We will also be camping on the mountain, with a dramatic culmination on the third day when we summit our peak as a group! To learn more about the Colorado Fourteeners Initiative go to:
Colorado Fourteeners Initiative

USA Younger

Project Description

Colorado Discovery

Service Organization:

a. Aspen Center
b. Eleven Mile State Park

Service Credits:

10-12 hours

a. The Aspen Center for Environmental Studies (ACES) is a non-profit environmental education center providing a variety of natural science programs for people of all ages and interests. We spend a day volunteering at either their Hallam Lake site in Aspen or their Rock Bottom Ranch site in Basalt, Colorado. An ACES naturalist guides us through projects focused on restoring the health and balance of the many ecosystems managed by the program. Whether enhancing a stream for trout to spawn or assisting in an organic garden, we learn how to help sustain natural communities in this spectacular area. To find out more about ACES go to:
Aspen Center for Environmental Studies
b. We participate in a one-day environmental service project with 11-Mile State Park in central Colorado. The park is bordered on two sides by the Pike National Forest. The surrounding mountains, including Pikes Peak, the Tarryall Range and the snowy peaks of the Continental Divide, complement Eleven Mile's own scenic reservoir, short grasses and rocky outcroppings. Projects vary depending on the current needs of the park, but may include trail building, trail maintenance and other environmental conservation work. To learn more about the park visit:
Eleven Mile State Park

Wild Coast Discovery

Service Organization:

Moran State Park

Service Credits:

6 hours

We camp and volunteer for a day in Moran State Park on Orcas Island in Washington state. With five freshwater lakes and more than 30 miles of hiking trails, the park needs our help protecting fragile plant and wildlife habitats and restoring impacted areas. Rangers will provide the knowledge and tools we need to help preserve wilderness characteristics on the island. Past projects have included the construction of foot bridges throughout the park and invasive species removal. To learn more about the park visit:
Moran State Park

Latin America

Project Description

Surf Camp

Service Organization:

Playa Mayto Sea Turtle
Protection and Conservation

Service Credits:

10 hours

Playa Mayto, on the Pacific coast of Mexico, is part of one of the most important beach systems for nesting sea turtles in the world. Various governmental organizations and NGO's are working to restore populations in this region. We volunteer by patrolling beaches looking for nesting sea turtles and translocating nests to protective hatcheries. We also volunteer in the hatchery monitoring success rates and releasing hundreds of baby turtles into the ocean.

Costa Rica Clasica

Service Organization:

a. Costa Rican Humanitarian
Foundation
b. Asociacion Ostional

Service Credits:

20 hours

a. We live with host families for four days while working with the Costa Rican Humanitarian Foundation (15-18 hours). Our project is to assist a low income neighborhood by building a children's park. We create a playground, plant trees, paint murals and spend time with the local children. For more information on the C.R.H.F. check out: Costa Rican Humanitarian Foundation
b. With the Asociacion Ostional, we spend two evenings working at a wildlife refuge to protect nesting sea turtles (6-7 hours). We volunteer by patrolling beaches, looking for nesting sea turtles and translocating nests to protective hatcheries. We also volunteer in the hatchery monitoring success rates and releasing baby turtles into the ocean. For more information visit: Ostional Wildlife Refuge

Costa Rica Spanish Intensive

Service Organization:

a. Costa Rican Humanitarian Foundation
b. Finca Ecologica

Service Credits:

8 hours

a. We spend the day working with the Costa Rican Humanitarian Foundation (6-8 hours). We share and learn from cultural differences as we help construct and beautify a day care center with Costa Rican "tico" families, and spend time with the local children.
b. The mystical Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is the site of our project with Finca Ecologica. After learning about forest systems and the role the Reserve plays in global ecological awareness, we plant trees to enhance wildlife habitats and the natural experience for future generations (3-5 hours).

Ecuador + Galapagos

Service Organization:

a. Community of San Pablo
b. Ninos de la Calle

Service Credits:

8 hours

a. The small Quichua community of San Pablo de Pulingui, located within Mt Chimborazo National Park, has recently opted to participate in local ecotourism projects. We join the residents of San Pablo to participate in Proyecto Condor, a venture to welcome tourists and develop an ecotourism industry both within the park and on their land. We help with the building of trails and other tourism infra-structure for future generations to enjoy (6-8 hours).
b. In Quito, we work and interact with Ninos de la Calle, (Children of the Street), to develop solutions to a wide range of social problems facing these under-privileged youth (3-5 hours).

Peru + Machu Picchu

Service Organization:

a. Lake Titicaca cultural exchange & project
b. Cuzco Kids

Service Credits:

12 hours

a. We travel across the vast and magical Lake Titicaca to the shores of Amantani Island with specially constructed chimneys from the mainland. After meeting with the local villagers, we spend a day working side-by-side with our host families installing the chimneys into the mud walls of their kitchens (6-8 hours). By properly ventilating their living structures, the project helps prevent respiratory disorders and allows the local people much healthier living conditions while saving fuel and reducing pollution.
b. In Cuzco, we work with a children's organization to develop solutions to a wide range of social problems facing these under privileged youth, including teaching English (3-5 hours).

Europe

Project Description

Ultimate Alps

Service Organization:

Von Gunten farm -
Groeden, Switzerland

Service Credits:

4 hours

Our group will help out on a Swiss family farm with various beautification efforts throughout the property. We also gather local plants from the Alpine meadows to making traditional tea with the family.

Bike Amsterdam-Paris

Service Organization:

Coastline Restoration

Service Credits:

5 hours

Our ride along the Belgium coast will include a stop to give back to the natural North Sea dune environment. Conservation tasks include trash removal, maintaining hiking trails and restoring sections of natives plants and grasses.

Bold Europe

Service Organization:

Roc Roi Rafting Company -
Sort, Spain

Service Credits:

8 hours

The rivers of Europe are magnificent with secluded, wild stretches. We give back to our white water rafting environment by participating in conservation efforts along the river. Projects include maintaining hiking trails and restoring sections of the Noguera Pallaresa river sides.

France Classique

Service Organization:

Gorges du Verdon National Parc of Mercantour

Service Credits:

5 hours

The magnificent wild mountains and rivers of southern Europe, including "Gorges du Verdon" and National Parc of Mercantour, give us the opportunity to give back to our environment. A four-hour conservation project is planned where we maintain trails and restore natural habitat.

Espana Clasica

Service Organization:

Roc Roi Rafting Company -
Sort, Spain

Service Credits:

4 hours

England - Ireland - Wales

Service Organization:

Tipperary Horse Farm, Ireland

Service Credits:

5 hours

The lush countryside of Ireland provides us the privilege of getting our hands dirty while we lend our time and energy at a traditional Irish horse farm. We will assist with farm duties, including feeding and grooming the horses and land conservation efforts.

Italy & Greece

Service Organization:

Island Coast Restoration

Service Credits:

4 hours

Our adventures on the Greek Island coast will include conservation work by land and sea. In Peloponnese our group will lend a hand constructing stairs and foot bridges along local hiking trails near our camp. In addition, following our last set of dive exercises, we give back to the marine environment and future divers by picking up trash from the sea floor.

Asia - Africa - Australia

Project Description

Africa

Service Organization:

Village of Sepupa, Botswana

Service Credits:

16 hours

The Africa Service Project is situated in Sepupa, Botswana, a small fishing village on the banks of the Okavango River in the Caprivi District. Through gift-giving, community involvement and hard work, our group is able to uniquely bond with the people of the area. On our first day in Sepupa, we present gifts of writing materials, books and sports equipment to the local school. We also participate in maintenance and beautification projects at the school, such as painting, fencing, and repairing and constructing student desks. Our second day is dedicated to interacting with the school children and villagers by participating in a village-wide soccer tournament and fishing on the Okavango with the local fishermen.

Australia

Service Organization:

Byron Bay Surf School

Service Credits:

8 hours

Together with the Byron Bay Surf School, we contribute to beach restoration efforts in the magnificent Byron Bay coastal area, Australia's most popular surf spot. In order to restore impact areas and improve wilderness characteristics along the beach, we assist with the construction of fences and the removal of invasive plant species.

Thailand

Service Organization:

Mae Hong Son Commmunity

Service Credits:

8 hours

North of Chiang Mai lie the lush limestone mountains and our base camp in the Mae Hong Son region. This pristine region is filled with caves that contain rivers, waterfalls and an abundance of greenery. Our hill tribe trek will take us into the remote countryside where we stay in hill tribe villages. We will bring along paper, pencils and school books and materials and spend two half-days working with local children teaching them English.

China

Service Organization:

a. Huiling Performance
b. Giant Panda Breeding Center
c. Yi Minority Village

Service Credits:

8 hours

a. Huiling Performance, an AAVE supported local charity for Chinese with learning disabilities, gives us a valued glimpse into the social network of China. We spend time in Beijing working with underprivileged youth to gain knowledge and experience of the local children's living conditions (2 hours).
b. In Chengdu, we spend time at the Giant Panda Breeding Center observing these magnificent creatures up close. We also learn about the efforts being made to save this endangered species from extinction (2 hours).
c. Finally, we visit the Yi minority village in Dali. We provide school supplies for the village, teach English to the local youth and spend time working in the fields (4 hours).

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