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Last updated: December 14, 2009
Volunteer in Peru
A community of volunteers is coming together to exchange their time, their talent, and their treasure with a community in need in San Francisco de Asis, north of Lima, Peru. Through our combined efforts with the local children and adults, we will leave behind a new building for a community in need and bring back with us changed hearts.
Each volunteer will be working hand in hand with the children who will use what we are building. The project will be led by experienced participants and volunteers do not need special skills.
To join our group of athletes, coaches, teachers, parents and friends in this amazing and unforgettable experience, read on!
Volunteer Spaces Available - As of December 20, 2009 12 noon
The following table shows the number of volunteer slots still open for each week of the project.
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Wk 1 |
Wk 2 |
Wk 3 |
Wk 4 |
Wk 5 |
Wk 6 |
Wk 7 |
Wk 8 |
Arrival Date |
Dec 16 |
Dec 23 |
Dec 30 |
Jan 6 |
Jan 13 |
Jan 20 |
Jan 27 |
Feb 3 |
Interpreter* |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
Const. Lead |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Volunteer |
2 |
1 |
3 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
5 |
1 |
* Must be fluent in Spanish
Registration
The first step in volunteering is to complete the necessary paperwork, of course! Three forms are required and links to them are below. Please note! The registration fee is non-refundable.
To register, please submit Registration form and non-refundable fee - see the Registration form for details.
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Itinerary Planning
Please contact Ericka Lock, our Peruvian project connection - she has offered to answer your general itinerary planning questions. Thanks Ericka!
Regarding flight scheduling, please review the FAQ page for details. |
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Packing List
Please review the information below as you prepare for travel. Keep in mind that the week onsite is very casual. You will need mostly work clothes.
Clothing
With the warm/hot weather in coastal Peruin Dec/Jan/Feb and occasional rainfall, we highly recommend that you pack cool, lightweight clothing. Rain is practically non-existant on the coast, but if you plan to travel to the Andes (Machu Picchu), you'll also want a poncho/rain jacket.
Bear in mind the work site is sand, Sand, SAND. Following are clothing suggestions for the volunteers, (in addition to your normal packing list):
- Comfortable light-weight clothing
- Long or 3/4 length durable pants (to protect your legs)
- Short-sleeved shirts
- Long-sleeved shirts
- Hat
- Close-toed work shoes - like old sneakers
- Flip-flops for inside the living quarters (trying to minimize the sand)
- Bandana/handkerchief
- Towel – highly absorbent travel towel if possible
- PJ's – Keep in mind where you are staying, these are group facilities and not air-conditioned
- Packing tip: Work clothes will get dirty every day so don’t bother over packing you can wear work clothes for several days Clean socks for your feet are very important, pack a few extra pairs
Toiletries
- LOTS OF BANDAIDS - protect your skin before it blisters!
- NewSkin or Second Skin - protect your skin after it blisters
- Alcohol-based hand sanitizer - such as Purell
- Sun block (SPF 15 or higher) - lots of it!
- Insect repellent
- Feminine hygeine supplies
- Extra pair of prescription glasses, copy of prescription, protective glasses case
- Spare contact lenses and all cleaning materials
- Soap
- Skin moisturizer
- Shampoo, conditioner
- Toothbrush, toothpaste
- Lip-balm with sunscreen
- Personal first aid supplies (we'll have a full kit)
- Packing tip - place all your lotions/liquids inside zip lock bags and place in your checked-in luggage
Linens
- Twin sheet set - kid pattern. You will leave these behind for the daycare. (A pillow and lightweight blanket will be provided)
- A lightweight bath towel
Miscellaneous
- Passport with at least one empty page. Passport must expire more than 6 months after your return date
- Refillable water bottle
- Flashlight
- Camera/film/batteries
- Electricity converter is optional - Peru uses the same plug shape as the US but the voltage is 220 instead of 110. Almost all camera, computer and phone chargers can adapt automatically to the voltage change.
- Sunglasses
- Personal medical supplies (e.g., prescription medication) should be carried in original, labeled containers. (Unlabeled medication can be confiscated at airports.)
- Malaria medicine (if you're going to malaria-affected areas)
- Binoculars
- Journal, pen
- Detergent if you want to wash something out at night
- Photos of your friends/family at home to share with kids and hosts
- Gifts for Peru children are discouraged, as it creates an undesirable hierarchy and dependency - thanks!
Tools
- Work gloves (leather and rubber)
- Safety goggles
- Dust mask
- Knee pads
- Swiss army knife
- Pencil
- Packing tips: Label all your own things! Work clothes will get dirty every day so don’t bother over packing you can wear work clothes for several days Clean socks for your feet are very important, pack a few extra pairs
Do Not Pack
Almost as important as what to pack is what not to pack. Basically, don't pack anything you're not willing to lose. Do not wear expensive items (watches / jewelry), and do not wear fancy or expensive clothes.
High poverty and unemployment exist in parts of Peru The usual rules of common sense need apply at all times, which require that you do not put yourself at any unnecessary risk.
Recommendations for packing
Have a carry-on bag with what you'll need for 24 hours after arrival in case your checked luggage is missing. If at all possible, travel in duffel bags, sports bags, or something "soft", instead of suitcases - they cram more easily into the cab! If the duffel is not waterproof/dustproof, put items in plastic bags inside the duffel for extra protection.
Pack leaky items (shampoo, lotions) in zip lock bags - and tighten the cap right before you put them in. You may also want to pack things such as contact lens supplies and any other personal needs in zip lock bags to protect them from dust/sand.
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