VOLUNTEER & EXPLORE CULTURE
Here's your chance to volunteer and make a difference in a Mayan village if you have just one day, or overnight! Our Volunteer Packages take you behind the scenes to experience daily village life. Immerse in the rich cultural heritage of the local Mam-speaking Maya and gain insight into the challenges of life in the developing world. Share your interests and talents for an experience volunteers have described as "profoundly enriching" as you join in our empowerment efforts and change lives! Come alone, as a couple, or as a group to enjoy our Activity Packages which are all kid- and family-friendly!
Full-Day Option
9:00 AM-4:30 PM
You'll be welcomed by our expert Staff for an unforgettable day of cultural exploration and volunteer service. We can pick you up and deliver you back to Quetzaltenango, if you like. 100% of your contribution funds our non-profit organization's Empowerment Programs!
• WELCOME - Arrive at 9:00 AM at our El Comál Restaurant and Welcome Center at Xela AID Complex to meet select members of our Staff. Enjoy a delicious, traditional breakfast and introductory film, "Feel the Magic," where you'll learn more about our empowerment programs that are significantly improving the quality of life for village residents.
• VILLAGE TOUR - After breakfast around 10:00 AM, we'll stop by our fire ring of "naguals" where a staff member will provide a brief explanation of Mayan cosmology. A guide will then take you to explore the local village. On a gentle walk along streets lined with fields of fresh corn, potatoes and other local crops, you'll go behind the scenes to learn about the daily life of the Mam-Maya people.
• VISIT A MAYAN HOME - Your tour will continue when you visit a local home where you'll get an up-close and personal view of family life, including learning a new skill (its a surprise!).
• LUNCH, WEAVING DEMONSTRATION - Near noon, return to El Comál and our Welcome Center for a delicious lunch and demonstration of traditional Mayan backstrap weaving. This will include a presentation from a Master Weaver about the meaning of the colors and symbols that appear in the Mam-Maya weavings of our San Martín community.
• COMMUNITY SERVICE! - Clean water and food save lives. Guatemala lacks the infrastructure to ensure clean water, which has become one of Local Hope's most important contributions to health in the region. Half of the children suffer from malnutrition and half of their families suffer from food insecurity, making food a priority as well. One of our specialties is enriching the lives of children! After lunch, become an honorary member of our Empowerment Team by serving on projects that will enrich lives. Choose to:
1. Prepare clean water filters, or 2. Assemble emergency food bags—either of which you'll deliver right into people's homes!
If you are interested in health care: 3. Join a health project to assess children's health and distribute anti-parasitic medicines or vitamins.
For great fun, treat 20 kids either to 4. An art project, or 5. A soccer game—both of which will be a good time for all involved!
As another option, 6. Practice English with one of our determined staff. It's a skill they can put to good use, and monetize.
No matter how you choose to share your talents and interests, your efforts will be deeply appreciated. (You'll be able to select a specific activity when you register!)
• SWEET TREAT, CLOSING CIRCLE - Near 4:00 PM, you'll gather back at El Comál for a sweet treat and to share a few words about your experience at Local Hope's Xela AID Complex. But wait, there's more!
• OUR FAIR-TRADE COOPERATIVE - Wowed by the noontime weaving demonstration? We wouldn't want you to leave without an authentic keepsake. Wrap up your experience by visiting our Fair-Trade Weaving Cooperative and use the Gift Card included for adults and students to choose a hand-woven treasure to remind you of this special experience!
P.S. NEW LIFE FOR OLDER SHOES - Tennis shoes and sturdy sandals can protect the feet of our village children! Should you wish to donate a pair or two, we will put gently used or new shoes for children 13 and younger to excellent use!
COST - 100% of fees fuel Local Hope's Empowerment Programs
> Children 5 and Under - Free with a full-pay adult
> Adult (age 18+) - $140
> Full-Time Student with ID (up to age 21) - $96
All-Inclusive Overnight Stay
2:00 PM Check-in to 1:00 PM Next Day
Our expert Staff will welcome you to an overnight experience at our top-rated Eco-Guest House and out-and-about in nearby Mayan villages. We can pick you up and deliver you back to Quetzaltenango, if you like. 100% of your contribution funds our non-profit organization's Empowerment Programs!
Day 1
• ARRIVAL - Around 2:00 PM, arrive and check in to our Eco-Guest House where our Guest Experience Staff will greet you and help get you settled in.
• VILLAGE TOUR - Around 2:30 PM, after a brief stop to learn about the "naguals" representing Mayan cosmology, you'll explore the local village with our guide. On a gentle walk along streets lined with fields of fresh corn, potatoes and other local crops, our guide will take you behind the scenes to learn about the daily life of the Mam-Maya people.
• VISIT A MAYAN HOME - Your tour will continue when you visit a local home where you'll get an up-close and personal view of family life, including learning a new skill (it's a surprise!).
• R&R, HAPPY HOUR - After your local tour and in-home visit, return to our Eco-Guest House and relax in your room or gather in our Hearth Room. There are games for kids or the whole family. Adults may enjoy an alcoholic beverage before our delicious, gourmet dinner.
• DINNER IS SERVED - At 6:00 PM, enjoy a scrumptious, three-course dinner prepared with fresh local ingredients by our expert chef. Our film, “Feel the Magic,” will introduce you to the inspiring work taking place at Local Hope's Xela AID complex that is significantly improving the quality of life for village residents.
• HANG OUT - In the evening in our Hearth Room, enjoy games with your group or our staff on duty. Snacks and beverages are available. Coffee and tea are available 24 hours and are courtesy of the house.
• ALL THE COMFORTS OF HOME - Take a steaming hot shower in your spacious, ensuite bathroom and enjoy all the room amenities including fluffy towels, a hair dryer, soap, shampoo and conditioner, free WIFI, ample and convenient electrical plug-ins and USB charging bedside, reading lights, a desk, space heater, extra blankets, window shades and ample space for your clothing and luggage. Our guests report sweet dreams!
Continue to Day 2, below
Day 2
• GOOD MORNING! - A delicious breakfast awaits at 8:00 AM where you'll meet our knowledgeable, caring staff. During breakfast, they will brief you on the day's activities.
• COMMUNITY SERVICE! - Clean water and food save lives. Guatemala lacks the infrastructure to ensure clean water, which has become one of Local Hope's most important contributions to health in the region. Half of the children suffer from malnutrition and half of their families suffer from food insecurity, making food a priority as well. One of our specialties is enriching the lives of children. After lunch, become an honorary member of our Empowerment Team by serving on projects that will enrich lives. Choose to:
1. Prepare clean water filters, or 2. Assemble emergency food bags—either of which you'll deliver right into people's homes!
If you are interested in health care: 3. Join a health project to assess children's health and distribute anti-parasitic medicines or vitamins.
For great fun, treat 20 kids either to 4. An art project, or 5. A soccer game—both of which will be a good time for all involved!
As another option, 6. Practice English with one of our determined staff. It's a skill they can put to good use, and monetize.
No matter how you choose to share your talents and interests, your efforts will be deeply appreciated. (You'll be able to select a specific activity when you register!)
• LUNCH, WEAVING DEMONSTRATION - Near noon, return to our El Comál Welcome Center for freshly prepared lunch followed by a demonstration of traditional Mayan backstrap weaving. This will include a presentation about the meaning of the colors and symbols that appear in local Mam-Maya weavings.
• SWEET TREAT, CLOSING CIRCLE - After lunch, we'll have dessert and share a few words about your experience at Local Hope's Xela AID Complex. But wait, there's more!
• OUR FAIR-TRADE COOPERATIVE - You'll be so inspired by our weavers, we wouldn't want you to leave without an authentic keepsake from our community! Adults and students can use the Gift Card included with this experience to pick out a hand-woven treasure from our Fair-Trade Weaving Cooperative — something special to remember your visit!
P.S. NEW LIFE FOR OLDER SHOES - Tennis shoes and sturdy sandals can protect the feet of our village children! Should you wish to donate a pair or two, we will put gently used or new shoes for children 13 and younger to excellent use!
COST - 100% of fees fuel Local Hope's Empowerment Programs
• Children 5 and Under - Free with a full-pay adult*
• Adult (18+)
> Double-Occupancy - $150
> Single-Occupancy - $199
• Full-Time Student with ID (up to age 21)
> Double-Occupancy - $128
> Single-Occupancy - $177
*We welcome children five and under, but please note they don't count towards double occupancy or receive a gift card. Thank you for your understanding.
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