SPRING BREAK SERVICE PROJECT IN NEW ORLEANS - High School Summer Programs (800) 321-4353

Rustic Pathways has recently developed new partnerships in New Orleans to offer more diverse and meaningful service projects to our students. This information differs slightly from the catalogue. Please contact Michael@rusticpathways.com

Rustic Pathways is proud to continue to offer this unique Spring Break service program in New Orleans. Use Spring Break 2008 to help New Orleanians on their road to recovery. Many Hurricane Katrina evacuees are still scattered all around the United States or remain in government trailers. They want to return to New Orleans to live and work, to send their children to school, and to be reunited with their friends and family. However, first they need houses. Be a part of the solution and help them in their struggle to rebuild and return to The Big Easy!

New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity
In conjunction with the New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity, Rustic Pathways students will join volunteers from all across the United Sates and abroad. People of all ages and backgrounds have been volunteering in New Orleans since the hurricane. They have worked hard and provided locals with the comfort of knowing that people care about them and their city. However, much work remains to be done. Build a Musicians’ Village in a neighborhood that was destroyed by the floodwaters of Hurricane Katrina. The Village includes new houses which bring hope for the future and provide stability for Americans who have lost everything and suffered greatly. This Musicians’ Village project focuses on preserving one of the greatest cultural aspects of New Orleans – music. Come help conserve this rich musical heritage by helping musicians return to their hometown and give them the chance to pass the torch on to the next generation.

Rebirth of the Crescent City
Work alongside New Orleans residents on a variety of projects crucial to the city's sustainability. In addition to building homes with Habitat for Humanity, students will work with local organizations dedicated to the rebirth of the city. Local food banks, recovery school districts, city parks, and neighborhoods in need all benefit from students' hard work. No experience is necessary for any of these projects- just bring a desire to work, learn, and laugh.

Jazz, Gumbo, Grits, and Street Cars
When not building homes, head out into New Orleans and the surrounding area to find out what makes this city so unique and vibrant. Feast on crawfish étouffée, spicy gumbo, alligator sausage, famous po-boy sandwiches and other local favorites. Encounter tribes of Mardi Gras Indians and feel the energy of gospel music at local churches. Visit the historic Algiers neighborhood and see parade floats waiting for Mardi Gras. Listen to jazz at the legendary Preservation Hall and live Cajun Zydeco. Don’t forget your dancing shoes!

Spring Break 2008!
Participate in this rewarding and meaningful service project by yourself, with a friend, or with a school group. Tell someone about this important project and encourage them to help out for a week as well. The group stays at a community center located in a safe and friendly part of town. Full participation in this program will earn students up to 36 community service hours per week. For more information, please contact michael@rusticpathways.com.

Day 1
Saturday
Arrive into Louis Armstrong International Airport (MSY) in New Orleans where your Rustic Pathways Staff members eagerly await you at the airport. Drive to the community center, meet the rest of the group, and enjoy a nice meal. Welcome to the Big Easy! Thanks for helping out.

Day 2
Sunday
Tour New Orleans to see first hand the damage that Hurricane Katrina caused. Learn where the levees breached, how it happened, and gain a sense of the level of destruction that currently remains in New Orleans.

Day 3
Monday
Begin your volunteer work with Habitat for Humanity this morning. After a safety orientation, pick up some hammers, paint brushes, and ladders and commence your volunteer efforts. After work, head to the Mississippi River and watch the paddleboats saunter along.

Day 4
Tuesday
Continue your volunteer efforts. This evening watch a documentary about Hurricane Katrina, its impact, and the recovery process. For dinner, enjoy a delicious plate of jambalaya.

Day 5
Wednesday
Spend the day volunteering at nearby City Park which was totally flooded after the storm. Hundreds of trees had to be cut down following Katrina we’re going to help replenish them! This afternoon go for a walking tour of the French Quarter with your Rustic Pathways staff members and do some souvenir hunting in the French Market.

Day 6
Thursday
Continue your service project and talk to the locals whose houses you are helping to build. Listen to their stories about the storm and become amazed at the resiliency of New Orleanians. Tonight attend a neighborhood meeting to learn about the issues that citizens are facing in their rebuilding efforts.

Day 7
Friday
Spend the day working at a local food shelf and help out some of New Orleans’ most disadvantaged residents. Tonight, head over to a local music venue to listen to some great music and try your hand on the dance floor.

Day 8
Saturday
Spend the morning with the friends that you’ve made in the neighborhood where you’re staying and enjoy one last hearty New Orleans meal before you return home and share your experiences with your friends and family.

An Important Note about Schedule Changes:
Rustic Pathways reserves the right to change, alter, or amend the daily itinerary for this trip at any time. Changes can be made for various reasons including changes in flight or program schedules, changes in the schedules of various external tours incorporated in our trips, the addition of new activities into a trip, or the substitution of an old activity for a new activity. The itinerary shown here provides a good outline of the anticipated daily schedule for this program. As with any travel program, some changes may occur.

Pack the following items in your carry-on luggage:

	» Airline Tickets
	» Identification
	» Health insurance card
	» Wallet with about $100
	» Sunglasses
	» Toothpaste
	» Toothbrush
	» Journal and Pen
	» Water Bottle
	» Snacks
	» Camera and film (bring all of your film in your carry on)

Pack the following items in your checked luggage:

	» Sleeping bag
	» Pillow
	» Lightweight long pants (2 pairs)
	» Underwear (7 pairs per week)
	» Socks (7 pairs per week)
	» T-shirts or tank tops (6 t-shirts per week)
	» Long sleeve t-shirt (one for Summer and 2 for Spring Break) » Sweatshirt » Swimsuits (2 swimsuits)
	» Lightweight rain jacket
	» Shorts (5 pairs)
	» Tennis shoes
	» Work shoes or boots
	» Sandals or flip-flops
	» Soap in a plastic dish
	» Biodegradable shampoo (pack in a zip-lock bag)
	» Personal First Aid Kit (optional)
	» Small bag for day trips
	» Sunscreen (pack in a zip-lock bag)
	» Chapstick
	» Aloe Vera (optional)
	» Insect repellant (one heavy in DEET and one natural citronella- pack in a zip-lock bag)
	» Hand sanitizer (2 small bottles packed in a zip-lock bag)
	» Handiwipes or towlettes
	» Hat for sun
	» Flashlight or headlamp with an extra battery
	» Towels (2 towels - not white)
	» Laundry bag or pillowcase
	» Medications- Bring with you whatever medications you will need during your trip, and you must disclose to your staff during orientation all of the medications that you are carrying.
	» Contacts and solution if necessary (packed in a zip-lock bag)
	» Small travel game like cards or dominos
	» Musical instruments are always appreciated if they can be easily carried
	» Frisbee, hackysack, or other fun, easy-to-carry items
	» A set of camping dinnerware – plate, bowl, cup, fork, knife, spoon (label these with tape or permanent marker to keep track of your own.)

Notes:
-Students will have their own sleeping pad at the community center.

Remember don’t be that person with way too much stuff. We will be working, playing, and exploring so think comfort, not style.
The people of New Orleans eagerly await your arrival!

1 - Will the kids be drinking bottled water?
2 - Do we need to get visas for this program?
3 - What will the accommodation on this trip be like?
4 - What immunizations do we need to get for this trip?
5 - What costs are not included on this trip?
6 - Will there be a flight leader to this country?
7 - How does this program connect to other programs?
8 - How long is the flight to this country?
9 - What kind of food will we be eating?
10 - How many girls and boys are usually on this trip?

1.There will be bottled water on hand at the RP base. However, students are encouraged to bring large, “Nalgene” type water bottles to use throughout the day.

2. No visas are required to travel within the United States. Students will need a valid, government issued ID (i.e. Driver’s License, State ID card, Passport) to board a domestic flight. International students should consult their embassy.

3. Students will stay at the Louisiana Himalayan Association community center in Mid-City New Orleans. Rustic Pathways will provide 4 inch mats to sleep on and students are required to provide their own sleeping bag and pillow. The center is air-conditioned and has bathrooms on the premises. Students are not allowed to leave the property unsupervised but there is a large back yard and areas on-site to hang out. (Pictures Forthcoming)

4. No immunizations are required to travel to New Orleans.

5. The program fee covers all accommodation, food, and entertainment. However, students may want to put some spending money in their wallet or allowance as there will be opportunities for students to shop for souvenirs, purchase snacks, and try out different restaurants if they choose not to eat the group meal.

6. Students from the U.S. will fly unescorted to New Orleans. A Rustic Pathways staff member will be there when students walk out of the terminal on their way to baggage claim. (Please remember to wear your Rustic Pathways T-Shirt!) If the staff member and student fail to meet up, be advised that the student should wait at baggage claim. Students will then depart the airport as a group for the RP base.

7. Students travelling to New Orleans in the summer have the ability to connect to nearly all other Rustic Pathways destinations. Please call our office 1-800-321-4353 for more information.

8. N/A

9. Breakfasts on work days will consist of cereal, oatmeal, granola bars, and fruit. During breakfast time, students are responsible for packing their lunch as well. PB&J, Turkey, Ham, Cheese, chips, fruit, cookies, etc… will all be provided. Dinner will be prepared by a local chef specializing in Creole cuisine. There will also be other assorted meals at local restaurants. Students will also have the ability to travel to the local store to buy snacks and sodas. Be sure to note any allergies or dietary requirements on your registration.

10. We cannot predict the exact ratio of boys and girls on the trip. Historically, the New Orleans program appeals to both genders.

ADDITIONAL FAQ’s

Is New Orleans safe? What neighborhood will you be in?

Yes. Rustic Pathways takes many precautions to ensure our students’ safety. Students are never out in the city unescorted by RP staff. Rustic Pathways provides our own transportation and therefore, with the exception of the occasional trolley ride, never utilizes public transportation. We do not visit the French Quarter at night.

The RP base is in Mid-City New Orleans. Though the neighborhood took on many feet of water following the storm, the neighborhood’s resiliency remains strong and inspiring. All buildings occupied by Rustic Pathways have been inspected for any potential safety issues. Though the neighborhood is generally safe, we do not allow students to leave the property unescorted.

Should I bring my musical instrument?

Though we have a busy schedule, there will be time to relax and jam. Many students are inspired by the music of New Orleans so feel free to bring your instrument if it is easy to carry. Rustic Pathways is not responsible for lost or stolen items.

To view press coverage immediately following Katrina, please visit:
http://www.nola.com/katrina/

For a visual breakdown of why and how the flooding occurred, please visit:
http://www.nola.com/katrina/graphics/wide.ssf?/katrina/graphics/flashflood.swf

To listen to WWOZ, the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Radio Station, please visit:
http://www.wwoz.org/ontheair/stream/streamPopUp.html