Sun, Sand and Service


Share in international community service at our wonderful Eco-Lodge Base

Join us for two weeks, four weeks or the entire summer on Sun, Sand and Service at the Rustic Pathways Eco-Lodge. Spend your days contributing to a variety of meaningful and fun environmental and community service projects, and then relax and enjoy your tropical surroundings in the evenings and on the weekends. One of our most popular programs, Sun, Sand and Service will give you insight into the Fijian way of life and introduce you to the natural beauty of this island nation.

Service from the Eco-Lodge
Our South Pacific Eco-Lodge is tucked into the hills south of Nadi and overlooks Momi Bay. It features beautiful ocean views, tropical surroundings and a relaxed island atmosphere. It’s a friendly and social place with lots of space for you to get to know your fellow travelers and our local staff and friends.

We have several ongoing service projects at The Base, and you will be assigned to a small service team that will work on a combination of these initiatives. The projects range from teaching English to refurbishing schools and contributing to reforestation efforts. The small service groups will encourage you to build strong bonds with your fellow students and to take on a leadership role in your group’s projects.

In the evenings, everyone will return to The Base to relax with our local staff, neighbors and friends. Lovo feasts, meke dances, and kava ceremonies will give you a rich taste of traditional Fijian food and culture. And playing soccer with the local children, hanging out by the pool, lounging in one of our hammocks, or dancing around a bonfire will keep your evenings relaxed and fun.

Fijian Culture
The Eco-Lodge sits between two indigenous villages and is surrounded by a host of Indian and Fijian families. People from these two distinct cultures live right next to each other in many of the coastal and urban areas on Viti Levu, Fiji’s main island, even though they speak different languages and observe different customs and religions.

Native Fijian village life is centered around traditional chiefs and daily ceremonies, and Indo-Fijians hold on to separate customs from India. Women dress in colorful saris, and dinners are spiced with curry. You’ll learn first hand about these distinct ways of life and rich cultures. Our local staff grew up in the area, and they will share their backgrounds, families and friends with you while you are in this South Pacific paradise.

Weekend Excursions
If you’re staying with us for two weeks or more, you’ll have the chance to take part in the weekend side trips that run out of the Eco-Lodge. Spend the night in a picture-perfect island paradise, immerse yourself in the local culture during a visit to a Highlands village, or get your adrenaline pumping on a high-energy adventure. There will usually be four optional excursions to choose from each week, and each will show you a different side of Fiji.

Questions? For further information, please e-mail us at fiji@rusticpathways.com.


 

Get involved in 8 rewarding service projects on this program

Environmental Service and Sustainability

Help monitor, maintain, and preserve Fiji's magnificent natural environment


Highlights

    • PARTICIPATE in beach cleanups and help maintain Fiji’s beautiful marine environment and local waterways.
    • PLANT trees and mangroves in an effort to help reforest and prevent erosion around The Fiji Islands.
    • EXPLORE the fragile ecosystem of the islands, and learn how to protect these precious resources.
    • GROW vegetables in our local, sustainable garden.
Details
Fiji’s breathtakingly beautiful islands, beaches, and coral reefs are the country’s main tourist attractions. But, as in many parts of the world, these magical environments are threatened by population growth, pollution, unsustainable tourism, and insufficient resource management. We are involved in a variety of initiatives in Fiji that help preserve the country’s remarkable natural beauty. Students plant trees in a reforestation effort, clean public beaches, plant mangroves to prevent erosion, and lend a hand in cleaning local waterways. Students learn about the challenges of sustainable development, teach locals how to preserve their precious ecosystems, and help care for this incredible environment.

Classrooms, Chalk and Chatter

Interact with students of different cultures through language and learning

Highlights

    • TEACH English to eager school children alongside helpful Fijian teachers and Rustic Pathways staff who will guide you through this amazing experience.
    • PLAY fun games and sing songs that help improve students’ English pronunciation and fluency.
    • CONNECT with village students on a personal level and learn basic Fijian words from your new friends.
    • DONATE books, calculators, pens, and other much needed educational supplies to the schools you help.
Details
We have developed a strong tradition of cross-cultural exchange and learning with a number of local primary schools in the communities surrounding the Eco Lodge. Classes in Fiji are taught in English, but students speak their native language at home. Sharing time with native English speakers is a great opportunity for them to advance their conversation skills and understanding. Through this program our students tutor English and reading comprehension in primary schools. They also play sports, help refurbish or paint schools, and provide much-needed books and school supplies. Students continually find that this rewarding experience teaching Fijian youth expands their world view and changes their outlook on life.
 

Home-Cooked Meals

Prepare healthy meals for needy Fijian families and learn to cook the local cuisine


Highlights

    • COOK delicious Fijian and Indian dishes with our staff and friends and learn about the local cuisine.
    • DELIVER the nutritious and tasty food you prepare to needy children, families, and elderly people.
    • SMILE with a warm heart as you see what this humble gift means in the lives of those who receive it.
Details
Our Home-Cooked Meals program provides hot, nutritious meals to a growing number of families, children, and elderly Fijians who struggle to make ends meet. Students learn how to prepare delicious Fijian and Indian dishes under the guidance of our local staff and their families. We cook the meals in the homes of our neighbors in the local way, over an open fire with huge pots and lots of stories and laughter. Once the dishes are ready, students pack them into containers and hop in the car to deliver them personally to residents of one of the many communities that we have joined forces with for this initiative. Students often share cups of tea with the families to whom they deliver food and are humbled by the appreciation they receive.

Youngsters, Story Books and Songs

Provide structured learning and games for young children


Highlights

    • ENJOY laughs and smiles with children as you teach new games and share unforgettable times together.
    • IMPROVE your drawing skills while making a big difference in the lives of these adorable little kids.
    • GET TO KNOW these friendly Fijian children who will welcome you with warm hearts and open arms.
    • MAKE a lasting impression on children who will always remember the time you shared together.
Details
Fijian children are fun and affectionate. They live without many of the modern amenities others in the world take for granted yet are some of the happiest people on the planet. However, they often do not have access to kindergartens to prepare them for their education ahead. Our students run their own classes for these kids and assist in resource-strapped kindergartens. They provide resources and new ideas and help raise awareness about the importance of early-childhood education. Through this program, students also revitalize playgrounds and donate much-needed art supplies books, and games that enhance the lives of these children. Students love working with the kids and quickly collect wonderful experiences, memories, and photos in return for their time.
 

Hammers, Nails and Brushes

Contribute to various building projects in friendly villages surrounding the Eco-Lodge


Highlights

    • LEND A HAND improving the homes of families in the communities surrounding the Eco-Lodge to ensure they have access to safe and comfortable housing.
    • PAINT houses popular colors – pink and purple are favorites – and bring smiles to local families.
    • IMPROVE conditions at local schools and construct playground equipment for the local kindergarten.
    • RECEIVE heartfelt thank-yous and know that your dedicated efforts will last for many years to come.
Details
This project focuses on revitalizing underprivileged areas of Fijian communities. From individual homes to schools to health-care centers, many buildings in the communities surrounding the Eco-Lodge are in need of upgrades. Students work alongside experienced local staff who have extensive knowledge of construction techniques. No building experience is necessary, but an enthusiastic and energetic attitude is essential. This is a hands-on project, and students are rewarded by knowing they helped build something that will last for years to come. Projects can range from renovating houses and building toilet blocks for local schools, to painting community buildings and landscaping school grounds.

Medical Aid and Assistance

Work with local care givers to assist in a variety of heath-care situations


Highlights

    • VISIT rural nursing stations and help dispense donations and provide basic medical supplies.
    • LEAD fun and interactive workshops for local students about important dental-care issues.
    • VOLUNTEER at the local hospital, spend time with Fijian patients, and assist friendly nurses.
    • CONSTRUCT village dispensaries and help improve conditions at village nursing stations.
Details
Inadequate medical supplies and an insufficient number of health-care workers mean that many people here don’t have access to basic care. We are involved with local health-care facilities and clinics where students donate time, energy, and supplies to help ensure that locals get the care they need. Students volunteer in the local hospital, give donations to village nursing stations, and provide basic maintenance work of village dispensaries. We also join forces with a local dental education program and lead fun and interactive workshops with local students on the importance of brushing daily. This program will be of particular interest for students with a heart for human-based service.
 

Plaster, Paint and Pencils

Develop relationships and share laughs as you create art with young Fijians


Highlights

    • INSPIRE creativity and imagination in young minds.
    • ENRICH a school’s curriculum with art classes and activities and exchange new ideas with local teachers.
    • PROVIDE materials, tools, and supplies for art projects that local schools couldn’t otherwise afford.
    • HELP kids create their own masterpieces, which they will take home to share with their mom and dad.
Details
Having limited resources means that most local schools cannot provide art classes to their students. The Plaster, Paint and Pencils program offers students the chance to share their creative talents with eager young apprentices. Students open the door to a world of creativity and imagination for youngsters who have few chances to express themselves artistically. Armed with brushes, paint, drawing pencils, and paper, each service team will create new projects and lead art classes at local primary schools and kindergartens. Classes full of wide-eyed and excited children eagerly await, and our students marvel as new ideas come to life and confidence grows in the Fijian youth.

Computers are the Future

Help Fijian school children develop basic computer skills


Highlights

    • SHARE your computer knowledge and open new windows of opportunity for eager Fijian youth.
    • HELP teachers learn new technological skills so they can help their students become computer literate.
    • TEACH Fijian youth and help them learn how to use computers, basic software, and an e-mail account.
    • LAUGH with your students and feel a great sense of accomplishment as you watch their skills grow.
Details
Computer skills and technical knowledge are in great demand in Fiji, but few people in this developing country have access to these skills. Fiji is still struggling to catch up with the technological age, and students here are eager to learn skills that could help them succeed in the future. Students teach Fijian youth how to type and use common software, such as Microsoft Word and Excel. We tutor those who are unable to afford classes on their own or who do not have access to computers. Students also introduce the Fijian youth to the Internet, show them how to set up an e-mail account, and better equip them with the skills they need to enter the work force and expand their career opportunities.