World Camp seeks new volunteers

Author: Liya Gao

World Camp for Kids is a non-profit organization started by seven UNC students in 2001. Today, the World Camp for Kids headquarters are located in Ashville, NC and the programs are run almost entirely by college student volunteers. After visiting South Africa in 2001 and witnessing the issues, the original volunteers decided to do something about them. Researching ways to spread awareness, ten UNC students traveled all around Africa before settling on Malawi as the location for their work in 2002. Programs soon expanded as well and in 2006 trips to Honduras began as did trips to India in 2007. The Campus's Liya Gao sat down with World Camp recruiter Baker Henson.

The Middlebury Campus: So what does World Camp do at these locations?
Baker Henson: Volunteers travel to schools and teach students anywhere from age 8-18 about issues such as HIV/AIDS, gender issues, deforestation and more. Our main priority is to spread awareness to kids living in third world countries.

MC: So how many volunteers do you need?
BH: We are looking for 50 volunteers total for each of the three locations (Malawi, Honduras, India) for two sessions.

MC: When do the sessions run?
BH: They are five weeks each in the summer. The first session runs from the end of May to the end of June and the second runs through the month on July.

MC: What is the preparation like for the sessions?
BH: Once you are accepted, we will send you material to learn before you arrive on site. For example, basic biology, if you are to teach about HIV/AIDS or alternative energy. There is also a four-day orientation at the site prior to session.

MC: Is there any time off for the volunteers?
BH: Yes, there is a three-day educational camp for the volunteers, as well as breaks on the weekends for tourist activities.

MC: Where do the volunteers stay?
BH: Volunteers stay with local families for two days and later in residences that we provide.

MC: How much is the volunteer fee?
BH: The fee is $2,700 for Malawi and Honduras and $2,300 for India. However, this amount can be fundraised, which is what many volunteers end up doing.

MC: Where can I find the application?
BH: Students can find the application as well as information about the program online at www.worldcampforkids.org. We are accepting applications until May 1.