High School Community Service Programs in Baja - The Smiling Faces Service Project

Servicio comunitario en el sol
A lo largo de las costas del Mar de Cortés se ubica la ciudad costera de La Paz. Este hermoso lugar tiene la bendición de poseer días soleados, cielos azules y playas de arena blanca casi todos los días del año. La ciudad tiene una fascinante historia marcada por conquistadores, piratas, misioneros y viajeros que vienen en busca de un respiro lejos de la ajetreada ciudad. Pero como cualquier otro paraíso perdido, La Paz es también el hogar de niños cuyas familias se quedaron rezagadas durante el crecimiento económico de la región y quienes ahora luchan por encontrar un lugar en la sociedad. El orfanato Casa Cuna, es el centro para niños y jóvenes de La Paz y se esfuerza en proporcionar un medio ambiente estable y positivo para aquellos que carecen de recursos o no tienen familia. Rustic Pathways apoya a este hermoso centro y permite que nuestros estudiantes apoyen a los niños mediante actividades educativas y recreativas las cuales buscan incrementar su autoestima; además de enseñarles valiosas destrezas para su futuro. Nuestros estudiantes enseñaran ingles y ellos tendrán la oportunidad de mejorar y practicar sus habilidades en el idioma español. Lo mejor de todo es que tú podrás ser testigo de la alegría y emoción en las caras de los niños mientras disfrutan de todas las sorpresas preparadas especialmente para ellos.

Trabajo gratificante en un paraíso natural
La mayoría de nuestro tiempo la pasaremos en Casa Cuna, pero también nos aseguraremos que tengas abundante tiempo para realizar actividades en La Paz y sus alrededores. Navega por las cálidas aguas de Baja y disfruta de las lagunas ocultas y formaciones extrañas de roca de camino a isla Espíritu Santo, un destino mundialmente famoso con abundante vida marina y aves. Practica snorkel en el hermoso Mar de Cortés y nada junto a peces tropicales y amigables leones marinos (opcional). Da un paseo por las playas de arena blanca de La Paz y detente en una de las ecléticas tiendas para elegir artesanías mexicanas y cerámica. En la noche disfruta el atardecer con tus nuevos amigos mientras los rayos naranjas y purpuras del sol se posan en las intensas olas del mar.

Quién puede participar?
El programa “Smiling Faces Service Project” fue creado específicamente para estudiantes con un deseo sincero de hacer un impacto duradero en las vidas de niños huérfanos y también para aquellos a quienes les gustan disfrutar de las playas y las actividades de la extraordinaria Baja. Este programa es perfecto para viajeros principiantes que buscan practicar su español y trabajar en un satisfactorio proyecto comunitario cerca de casa.

Para más información acerca de este programa, escríbenos a: mexico@rusticpathways.com

Smiling Faces Service Project-Spring Break
Trip Itinerary

Day 1 (Saturday)	Depart United States for Los Cabos, Mexico Upon arrival at the Los Cabos airport you will be greeted by Rustic Pathways Staff and transported to the city of La Paz. In the late afternoon get settled into the home base, Villaggio Mar de Cortez, which is approximately 25 minutes outside of La Paz. After dinner there will be a brief orientation and time to meet your guides and the other students on the trip.

Day 2 (Sunday)	Games and Art Activities In the morning we will start the program’s service project of working with the La Paz orphanage known as “Casa Cuna-Casa Hogar”. This first morning will consist of meeting the children we will be working with during the week and playing games to help the kids interact freely with the Rustic Pathways students. After lunch at the home base, the group will travel into La Paz where students will have the option of visiting an internet cafe to write home or purchasing calling cards from the Rustic Pathways guides. Then the group will return to the orphanage and begin working with the local children on art activities in combination with English tutoring. These first two sessions are intended to help the children open up and establish a relationship with the group. In the evening return to the home base for a swim in the pool and a delicious Mexican dinner.

Day3 (Monday)	Water Safety and English Tutoring The second day of service will be dedicated to helping the children learn about water safety, focusing on teaching swimming lessons. The water safety activity will be held in the morning at a swimming pool in La Paz. After lunch there will be some free time at the home base and then the group will be briefed on the English tutoring activity, and prepare to return to the orphanage. It is common for the children to have English and computer classes in the evenings. The group will participate in these classes and as native English speakers, you will help the children improve their own conversational English skills.

Day4 (Tuesday)	Field Trip and Learning to Swim The children at the orphanage rarely have the opportunity to leave the orphanage, except for when they go to school or on the rare occasions when they are treated to go to the mall or the movie theatre. To provide the children with a different experience, Friday morning the group will take the children on a field trip. The children have a strong desire to spend time outdoors, so the field trip may include a number of activities such as taking the kids to the park, on a hike, or possibly to the beach. Normally, the children attend school in the afternoons, so we will make sure they get back in time for their classes. Afterward, you will take the children to the La Paz pool where they can continue to improve their swimming skills.

Day5 (Wednesday)	Fun in the Sun Saturday is a day of fun in the sun! Students will be able to choose from a number of activities that could include swimming in the warm waters of the Sea of Cortes, relaxing on the white sand beaches of La Paz, renting a kayak and paddling in the waters of La Paz, or taking an optional all-day boat and snorkeling tour to the nearby island of Espiritu Santo (a protected biosphere reserve) where students may swim with friendly sea lions. **These are optional activities that are not included in the program cost.

Day6 (Thursday)	Hike & Shop for Souvenirs Sunday morning take an early morning hike to explore the area around La Paz. After lunch, stop at the Villaggio Mar de Cortes, take a stroll down the La Paz boardwalk and visit the souvenir shops where you may want to pick up some gifts for family and friends back home. At this time students will again have the option of writing home from an internet cafe or of purchasing calling cards and calling home.

Day7 (Friday)	English Tutoring Party! On your last day of service you will work on tutoring English or finishing art projects with the children of the orphanage. As a final treat we will hold a Goodbye Party at Casa Cuna with fun games and prizes for everyone. This will be an excellent opportunity to bring closure to the week and to spend some quality time with the children. In the evening, students will pack their bags and clean their rooms in preparation for their departure the next day. The group will have a final dinner together and free time to reminisce about their week of service and fun.

Day8 (Saturday)	Heading back Home After breakfast depart from the Villaggio Mar de Cortes to the San Jose del Cabo airport and board your flight back home.

*PLEASE NOTE: The itinerary above is not set in stone and may be changed by the staff running this program as they see fit. It is designed to give you a good idea of the day to day schedule and activities that the students will be participating in.*

Smiling Faces Service Project - Summer
Trip Itinerary

Day 1 (Tuesday)	Depart United States for Los Cabos, Mexico Upon arrival at the Los Cabos airport you will be greeted by Rustic Pathways Staff and transported to the city of La Paz. In the late afternoon get settled into the home base, Villaggio Mar de Cortez, which is approximately 25 minutes outside of La Paz. After dinner there will be a brief orientation and time to meet your guides and the other students on the trip.

Day 2 (Wednesday)	Games and Art Activities In the morning we will start the program’s service project of working with the La Paz orphanage known as “Casa Cuna-Casa Hogar”. This first morning will consist of meeting the children we will be working with during the week and playing games to help the kids interact freely with the Rustic Pathways students. After lunch at the home base, the group will travel into La Paz where students will have the option of visiting an internet cafe to write home or purchasing calling cards from the Rustic Pathways guides. Then the group will return to the orphanage and begin working with the local children on art activities in combination with English tutoring. These first two sessions are intended to help the children open up and establish a relationship with the group. In the evening return to the home base for a swim in the pool and a delicious Mexican dinner.

Day3 (Thursday)	Water Safety and English Tutoring The second day of service will be dedicated to helping the children learn about water safety, focusing on teaching swimming lessons. The water safety activity will be held in the morning at a swimming pool in La Paz. After lunch there will be some free time at the home base and then the group will be briefed on the English tutoring activity, and prepare to return to the orphanage. It is common for the children to have English and computer classes in the evenings. The group will participate in these classes and as native English speakers, you will help the children improve their own conversational English skills.

Day 4 (Friday)	Field Trip and Learning to Swim The children at the orphanage rarely have the opportunity to leave the orphanage, except for when they go to school or on the rare occasions when they are treated to go to the mall or the movie theatre. To provide the children with a different experience, Friday morning the group will take the children on a field trip. The children have a strong desire to spend time outdoors, so the field trip may include a number of activities such as taking the kids to the park, on a hike, or possibly to the beach. Normally, the children attend school in the afternoons, so we will make sure they get back in time for their classes. Afterward, you will take the children to the La Paz pool where they can continue to improve their swimming skills.

Day5 (Saturday)	Fun in the Sun Saturday is a day of fun in the sun! Students will be able to choose from a number of activities that could include swimming in the warm waters of the Sea of Cortes, relaxing on the white sand beaches of La Paz, renting a kayak and paddling in the waters of La Paz, or taking an optional all-day boat and snorkeling tour to the nearby island of Espiritu Santo (a protected biosphere reserve) where students may swim with friendly sea lions. **These are optional activities that are not included in the program cost.

Day6 (Sunday)	Hike & Shop for Souvenirs Sunday morning take an early morning hike to explore the area around La Paz. After lunch, stop at the Villaggio Mar de Cortes, take a stroll down the La Paz boardwalk and visit the souvenir shops where you may want to pick up some gifts for family and friends back home. At this time students will again have the option of writing home from an internet cafe or of purchasing calling cards and calling home.

Day7 (Monday)	English Tutoring Party! On your last day of service you will work on tutoring English or finishing art projects with the children of the orphanage. As a final treat we will hold a Goodbye Party at Casa Cuna with fun games and prizes for everyone. This will be an excellent opportunity to bring closure to the week and to spend some quality time with the children. In the evening, students will pack their bags and clean their rooms in preparation for their departure the next day. The group will have a final dinner together and free time to reminisce about their week of service and fun.

Day8 (Tuesday)	Heading back Home After breakfast depart from the Villaggio Mar de Cortes to the San Jose del Cabo airport and board your flight back home.

*PLEASE NOTE: The itinerary above is not set in stone and may be changed by the staff running this program as they see fit. It is designed to give you a good idea of the day to day schedule and activities that the students will be participating in.*

Below you will find a general packing list for both the Spring Break and Summer Smiling Faces Service Project programs. This packing list provides a general guideline to make your packing easier, though please make sure to bring all essential items!

Baja Climate: Packing for Baja programs is made easy by the fact that the climate there is mostly sunny and warm. Students should expect to deal with a day of rain or two, though this is not very common. Daytime temps can get quite warm, with average daytime highs in the 90s.

PLEASE DO NOT OVER PACK OR FORGET TO BRING ITEMS THAT WE HAVE DEEMED TO BE ESSENTIAL! ALL STUDENTS MUST BE ABLE TO CARRY WHAT THEY BRING!

Carry-On Luggage: A small backpack is the best carry on bag

Essential Items:

    * Passport and Wallet *Travel Wallet or safety wallet is a good idea.
    * Photo Copy of Passport
    * Medications
    * Emergency Contact numbers for Rustic Pathways

Recommended Items:
• Sunglasses
• 35mm camera, digital camera, and/or disposable camera *Please don’t bring an extremely expensive camera that can easily get broken, lost, or stolen.
• Journal and Pens
• Good Book (trade with buddies)
• Toiletries

* Make sure everything you pack in your carry-on complies with the new carry on regulations of the TSA: http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/ai rtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm

Checked Luggage: A medium sized duffel bag or large back pack work best - wheeled bags are OK as long as they are medium sized and can easily be carried like a duffle over rough terrain.

Essential Items:

    * 2 Photo Copies of Passport
    * Sunscreen (enough for your entire stay) Pack in PLASTIC BAG
    * Contact lenses and accompanying paraphernalia. Pack in PLASTIC BAG
    * A nice outfit for working in the orphanage

*All women must wear long pants or dress below the knees and a long sleeve shirt. All men should wear pants and a collared shirt.

Recommended Items:

* Long Pants (1 or 2, suggested to have 1 lightweight and 1 jeans or heavier)

*Non-cotton pants that zip off into shorts work well

    * Underwear (5 to 7)
    * Socks (5 to 7)
    * T-Shirts and tank tops (4 to 5) *having a couple of quick dry shirts like capilene or polypropilene is very nice.
    * One nice casual outfit for going to La Paz
    * Rain Jacket (1) *A lightweight breathable shell (Gore-Tex etc) works well
    * Shorts (2 or 3)
    * Swim Suit (1 or 2)
    * Athletic Shoes *Shoes that dry quickly and are suitable for light hiking work best
    * Sandals and/or Flip-Flops *it is recommended to have a pair of strap on sandals that will not fall off in water (Teva or Chaco brand sandals work great)
    * Toiletries:
          o Non-Fragrance Shampoo and Soap in a Plastic Dish
          o Non-Fragrance Deodorant,
          o Toothpaste and Toothbrush PLASTIC BAG
    * Beach towel
    * Extra bathing suit

    * Personal First Aid Kit (suggested)
          o Band aids
          o Triple Antibiotic Ointment
          o Medical Tape
          o Moleskin or preferred blister care
          o Preferred Mild Pain Reliever
          o Antihistamine (Benedryl or preferred type)
          o 2 Non-adherent, sterile dressing
          o 2 Gauze dressing
          o Swimmers ear

*Note: See the following link for ideas on small, personal first aid kits:
http://www.adventuremedicalkits.com/kit_detail. asp?series=300&seriesNav=Dom&kit=302&kitNO=0125-0292

    * Insect Repellant (1 small bottle) pack in PLASTIC BAG
    * Hat for sun
    * Hand Sanitizer (1 bottle per week) pack in PLASTIC BAG
    * Flashlight/Headlamp w/ Extra Batteries
    * Watch or Clock with an Alarm
    * 32 oz. Water Bottle *Nalgene© bottle works well
    * Heavy Duty Garbage Bags (2)
    * Large (one gallon) Ziplock© Freezer Bags (2) to keep camera, ipod or other items dry

Other Optional Items:

    * Spanish/English dictionary
    * Travel Pillow *a pillowcase can be a great dirty laundry bag or a comfortable pillow if you stuff it with a sweatshirt. So you could bring two pillowcases, one for each purpose.
    * Deck of Cards
    * Picture of mom, dad, boyfriend/girlfriend, dog, to share with local students
    * Frisbee, Aerobee, Hackysack, Football, Soccer Ball or Volleyball
    * Musical Instrument (Guitars and Harmonicas - smaller is better)
    * Rash Guard Top for the water safety service activity and the optional snorkeling activity (this is recommended as additional sun protection)
    * Swimming goggles

Donations:
The children at the orphanage that we work with in Baja can benefit greatly from donations that we are able to bring from the U.S. Many of these items may be things that you or friends already have and there is no need to go and buy donations unless you choose to.

          o ESL Textbooks/CDs for Spanish Speakers
          o Easy games like Go Fish and Uno to learn basic English, colors and numbers
          o Children’s books
          o School Supplies – paints, markers, pens, pencils, paper, notebooks
          o Clothing – for young girls and children
          o Coloring books, Children’s toys, stuffed animals and Games

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS-Latin America
SMILING FACES PROGRAM - Spring & Summer Sessions

1 - How long is the flight to this country?
1A – Direct flight from Los Angeles to San Jose del Cabo takes approximately 2 hours 30 minutes. Direct flight from Houston to San Jose del Cabo takes approximately 2 hours 45 minutes.

2 - Will there be a flight leader to this country?
2A – No. All students traveling to Mexico programs must make their own travel arrangements to meet the group at the airport within the specified time. Likewise, students must make their departure flights within the specified time that the group will be at the airport. A Rustic Pathways staff member will have each student’s itinerary and will be waiting at the San Jose del Cabo airport for each student’s arrival.

3 - Do we need to get visas for this program?
3A – Students from the United States and Canada will be automatically issued a 180 day tourist card upon entry into Mexico.

4 – What Mexican state(s) does this program pass through?
4A- During the Smiling Faces Service Project students will be in the state of Baja California Sur. They will arrive in San Jose del Cabo and travel to La Paz, where they will spend the majority of their time.

5 - What immunizations do we need to get for this trip?
5A – Rustic Pathways does not make recommendations regarding immunizations. We strongly suggest that you consult with a travel doctor or your family physician for medical recommendations based on the area where the student will be traveling (as listed above). You can also check the Center for Disease Control website at www.cdc.gov for more information. Yellow fever vaccinations may be required to enter Mexico if you have traveled to some international destinations prior to your trip to Mexico. Please check the Center for Disease control website for more information.

6 - How does this program connect to other programs?
6A – For Spring Break Sessions: Saturday morning students will depart from La Paz for the San Jose del Cabo airport and take an internal flight to Guadalajara in order to meet up with the group that will be traveling to the Service in El Pueblo program.
For Summer Sessions: If connecting with a Mainland program, Tuesday morning students will depart from La Paz for the San Jose del Cabo airport and take an internal flight to Guadalajara (if connecting to the Service in El Pueblo program) or Mazatlan (if connecting to the Copper Canyon Train Journey) in order to meet up with the group that will be traveling to the student’s respective program.
If connecting with another Baja program, students will travel from La Paz to the San Jose del Cabo airport and wait with Rustic Pathways staff for the arrival of the other students.

7 – How long is the drive from the San Jose del Cabo airport to this program?
7A—The drive from the San Jose del Cabo airport to La Paz is approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on weather and other driving conditions.

8 – What is the climate in the region where this program takes place?
8A—The Smiling Faces program takes place in La Paz, a small desert city located on the East Cape of southern Baja. Students should be prepared for hot, dry weather with daytime highs in the 90s during the day.

9 - Is this a good program for students interested in practicing their Spanish?
9A—The Smiling Faces Service Project does not include formal Spanish language instruction; however Rustic Pathways students will have multiple opportunities to practice their Spanish with children from the La Paz Children and Youth Center while helping them learn English, play games, and learn to swim.

10- What service projects will I work on and how are the projects identified?
10A- Rustic Pathways students will be dedicating their time to working at the Casa Cuna-Casa Hogar, a state run orphanage in La Paz, helping kids learn English and learn to swim through interactive games. The children at the Casa Cuna-Casa Hogar have a need to interact with others outside their school and orphanage, as well as participate in activities that go beyond their studies.

11 – How physically strenuous is this program?
11A- The Smiling Faces Service Project is appropriate for most physical activity levels. Students should be prepared for light physical activity including snorkeling and swimming during the service project.

12- What costs are not included on this trip?
12A—The majority of costs associated with the program are included on this trip. Students should have extra allowance money if they wish to buy souvenirs of their stay in La Paz, as there will be time to visit the local gift shops. Students should also bring extra money if they wish to purchase additional snacks or drinks.

13 – What are the optional activities available at an additional cost on this program?
13A-Optional activities may include but are not limited to a boat and snorkeling trip to the island of Espiritu Santo (USD$65). Please note that these optional activities are subject to change. Occasionally Rustic Pathways staff identify new opportunities throughout the summer that we feel will enhance the students overall experience. Optional activities may also be canceled.

14 - What kind of food will we be eating? Where?
14A—Students will be eating traditional Mexican food, as well as Italian food, prepared at the lodge where students will be staying. Breakfast may include cereal, fruit, yogurt, and toast. Lunch and dinner will vary between Mexican dishes such as enchiladas and tacos, and Italian dishes such as spaghetti and pizza. On occasion students may also eat out at a typical Mexican restaurant.

15 - Can we cater to specific diets?
15A-Rustic Pathways can cater to most dietary needs on this program. There will be ample access to fruits, vegetables, rice, beans, and grains for those who are vegetarian. Vegan diets can be accommodated, but with a little more foresight and planning as this is not a diet commonly encountered in Mexico. Please know that while we are happy to accommodate alternative diets, many of the special diets common in the United States are not common in other parts of the world and travelers must be patient and understanding in having these needs be met. Please contact mexico@rusticpathways.com with any questions regarding special diets or allergies.

16 - Will the kids be drinking bottled water?
16A—Water in Mexico is NOT potable, so students should not drink tap water. Rustic Pathways will provide purified drinking water to students and bottled water is available for purchase at local supermarkets and grocery stores.

17 - What will the accommodation on this trip be like?
17A—During their time on the Smiling Faces Service Project, students will stay at a lodge (Villaggio Mar de Cortez) that is located on the outskirts of the city, approximately 25 minutes outside the city’s center. Students will sleep two to three in a room; boys and girls will sleep in different rooms. The lodge has a spacious common area with a shallow pool where students can relax and get to know one another.

18. What are the bathroom facilities?
18A- Each room has a private bathroom with running water, American style toilets and showers. Hot water is available most of the time.

19 - How many girls and boys are usually on this trip?
19A – We expect a good mix of boys and girls however the exact numbers vary from week to week.

20- What is the ratio of guides to students?
20A- Rustic Pathways generally strives to maintain a ratio of approximately 1 guide for every 5 students. Our guides go through a rigorous selection process including interviews with our program managers and a full background check.

21-Is your staff qualified in First Aid?
21A- Because safety is our number one priority, all of our programs have staff that is certified with First Aid and CPR training. Many of our guides are also qualified Wilderness First Responders, EMTs, Wilderness EMTs, or Life Guards.

22 - How often (if at all) will students be able to do laundry on this program and what will it cost?
22A—Students should pack enough clothes and personal items to last through the end of the Smiling Faces Service Project; however if students are arriving to the Smiling Faces program from another Rustic Pathways program, they will have the opportunity to do laundry during the week. Laundry is approximately $8.00 USD per load, this includes wash and dry.

23 - How often will they have access to phone and internet?
23A-Students will have limited access to internet at internet cafes in La Paz. They will be able to purchase international phone cards from the guides or at local convenience stores which can be used to call home from the public phones in the city.