International Service Trips

Service Immersion Trips...

Going abroad on a service immersion trip can create more memories than a vacation. This unique opportunity allows you to experience a new country and culture, and work alongside people who live a markedly different life than Americans. You may be motivated to go on a service trip to help others and end up surprised at how it helps you. We are looking for participants who have either proven their commitment to service through past experience or who are able to clearly expres their commitment to service.

Chile (December 26, 2019 - January 8, 2020)

Collapsible

ABOUT THE TRIP:

Escape winter and engage in a life-changing experience working with urban underprivileged youth and children in Valparaiso, Chile!

TRIP LEADERS:

Julie and Francisco Townsend have served as leaders on this trip since 2012. Passionate about the culture and people of Chile and fluent in Spanish; their past experiences living and working for the YMCA in Valparaiso, Chile provide a unique focus for the trip.

*To participate, you must be 18 or older, or have a parent participating. No knowledge of Spanish is required.

WHAT WILL WE DO?

Service opportunities include everything from construction, repairs, and beautification of the local YMCA school, serving meals to the homeless, and leading activities for the urban youth at a camp in the Andes Mountains. Participants will also be immersed in the culture and language of the area. You will spend some time exploring important historical and cultural sites in Valparaiso and Santiago, Chile. Learn about the international YMCA and how it serves the city’s urban youth and families! Begin life-long relationships with fellow participants and the people and communities in Valparaiso, Chile.

HOUSING, MEALS, TRANSPORTATION

Participants will stay in dormitory-style bedrooms at the YMCA. Most meals and transportation are included in the program fee. Internet access is also available. The YMCA is within walking distance of restaurants, grocery stores, ATMs and public transportation.

Trip Cost:

Early Bird (Members)	Early Bird (Program Participants)	Regular Cost (Members)	Regular Cost (Program Participants)
$2,900	$3,200	$3,200	$3,500

Interested but concerned about cost? We have scholarships available for students! Click here.

Need more infomation?

You are welcome to join one of the trip information meetings held on February 25, March 29, April 26, or May 24. These meetings will take place at 6:00 PM at the Central Branch YMCA located at:
1020 Barr St.
Fort Wayne, IN 46802

Questions?

Please contact Francisco Townsend at (260)918-2150

Chile Patagonia (December 26, 2019 - January 8, 2020)

Collapsible

ABOUT THE TRIP:

Escape winter and engage in a life-changing experience through the YMCA's international service immersion trip to Chile. Work one week with urban underprivileged youth and children in Valparaiso, Chile and enjoy the next week at the site of the World’s 8^th Wonder, Torres del Paine National Park! It was declared a world biosphere reserve by UNESCO in 1978 and is internationally recognized as one of the most beautiful, unique and purest places on the planet. It is a place of mirrored lakes, cascading rivers, waterfalls, snow-capped mountain peaks, forests and incredible wildlife, all of which make it an unequalled destination for hikers, wildlife observers and adventure sportsmen alike.

TRIP LEADERS:

*To participate, you must be 18 or older, or have a parent participating. No knowledge of Spanish is required.

WHAT WILL WE DO?

After a week of service in Valparaiso, participants will travel to the South of Chile to experience one of the 8 Wonders of the World. Participants will also be immersed in the culture and language of the area. You will spend some time exploring important historical and cultural sites in the World Heritage city of Valparaiso, Vina del Mar and Santiago.

Trip partipants will learn about the Valparaiso, Chile YMCA and how it serves the city’s urban youth and families. You will also build sustainable relationships with fellow participants and the people and communities in Chile.

HOUSING, MEALS, TRANSPORTATION

While in Valparaiso, participants will stay in dormitory-style bedrooms at the YMCA. Most meals and transportation are included in the program fee. Internet access is also available. The YMCA is within walking distance of restaurants, grocery stores, ATMs and public transportation.

Early Bird (Members)	Early Bird (Program Participants)	Regular Cost (Members)	Regular Cost (Program Participants)
$4,500	$4,800	$4,800	$5,100

Interested but concerned about cost? We have scholarships available for students! Click here.

How to Apply:

You are welcome to join one of the trip information meetings held on March 29, April 26, or May 24. These meetings will take place at 6:00 PM at the Central Branch YMCA located at:
1020 Barr St.
Fort Wayne, IN 46802

Questions?

Please contact Francisco Townsend at (260)918-2150

Chile (March 6-15, 2020)

Collapsible

ABOUT THE TRIP:

Escape winter and engage in a life-changing experience working with urban underprivileged youth and children in Valparaiso, Chile!

TRIP LEADERS:

*To participate, you must be 18 or older, or have a parent participating. No knowledge of Spanish is required.

WHAT WILL WE DO?

Service opportunities include everything from construction, repairs, and beautification of the local YMCA school, serving meals to the homeless and leading activities for the urban youth at a camp in the Mountains.

Participants will also be immersed in the culture and language of the area. You will spend some time exploring important historical and cultural sites in the World Heritage city of Valparaiso as well visiting Vina del Mar and Santiago, Chile among others.

Learn about the international YMCA and how it serves the city’s urban youth and families. Build life-long relationships with fellow participants and the people in Valparaiso, Chile.

HOUSING, MEALS, TRANSPORTATION

Early Bird (Members)	Early Bird (Program Participants)	Regular Cost (Members)	Regular Cost (Program Participants)
$2,500	$2,800	$2,800	$3,100

Interested but concerned about cost? We have scholarships available for students! Click here.

How to Apply:

Questions?

Please contact Francisco Townsend at (260)918-2150

Service Immersion Trip Application

Name: *

Select the service trip you would like to apply for: *

Service Trip Experience *

Have you ever participated in a Service Trip or Service Experience before, either at the YMCA or through some other organization? Please explain/describe.

Trip Interest *

Please explain why you are interested in this trip. What gifts do you bring to serving others (can include talents, personality characteristics, knowledge, past service experience, level of commitment, interests, faith statement, etc.)

Cross Cultural Experience *

Describe experiences you might have had with individuals from a different culture/country. Include information about past travel, nationally and internationally.

Full Name as it appears on your Passport *

Date of Birth *

Month

Day

Year

Street Address *

City *

State *

Zipcode *

Cell Phone *

Home Phone

Email Address *

Emergency Contact *

Emergency Phone Number *

Relationship to Emergency Contact *

Please check the following statements to signify you have read and understand them

I understand that each participant is responsible for the full cost of the trip (trip cost chart is at top).

I understand

Deposit for Germany Trip *

I understand

I understand that there is a $1,700 deposit due NO LATER THAN April 30, 2019 which will be used to purchase my Germany plane ticket

Deposit for Chile Trip *

I understand

I understand that there is a $1,700 deposit due NO LATER THAN August 31, 2019 which will be used to purchase my Chile plane ticket.

Deposit for Chile Trip (March) *

I understand

I understand that there is a $1,700 deposit due NO LATER THAN August 31, 2019 which will be used to purchase my Chile plane ticket.

I understand that the full cost of this trip may vary slightly from the projected cost due to unexpected and unpredictable changes in trip costs such as airfare. *

I understand

I understand that I must attend all three of the pre-trip meetings. *

I understand

I agree to not to impose my ways, food, language or mentality to the people I encounter, but rather seek to experience their culture. *

I agree

I agree to bring a positive outlook. I realize that cultural conditions may be harsher and less comfortable than I am accustomed to in the US. *

I agree

I agree to be open and honest with other community members and willing to share part of my life with them. *

I agree

I agree to take part in the team's activities, including meetings before we arrive, while we are there and when we return. *

I agree

I agree to respect the choices of my group leaders and will not undermine their decisions. *

I agree

Submit

This deposit will only be refunded if the minimum number of participants is not met and therefore the trip does not proceed. International trip insurance is included in the price of this trip. This insurance does not cover cancellation due to change in plans or inability to pay the entire cost of the trip. Submitting this form indicates that you have read, understood, and agree to abide by all of the above.

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Service Immersion Trips...

Chile (December 26, 2019 - January 8, 2020)

Collapsible

ABOUT THE TRIP:

TRIP LEADERS:

WHAT WILL WE DO?

Trip Cost:

Need more infomation?

Questions?

Chile Patagonia (December 26, 2019 - January 8, 2020)

Collapsible

ABOUT THE TRIP:

TRIP LEADERS:

WHAT WILL WE DO?

How to Apply:

Questions?

Chile (March 6-15, 2020)

Collapsible

ABOUT THE TRIP:

TRIP LEADERS:

WHAT WILL WE DO?

How to Apply:

Questions?

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