Community Service in Arizona - 8 or 18 Days

  United States

Arizona

Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks and 2-4 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Dates: June and July

Description: Phoenix is surrounded by striking mountains, valleys, mesas and canyons on the edge of the awe inspiring Sonora Dessert. While it offers much in the way of natural beauty, poverty in the area is spreading and there is a great deal we can do to improve the quality of life for those in need. From helping children and senior citizens to assisting "man's best friend", this promises to be both a fun and rewarding experience. Evenings and days off include exciting recreation and entertainment.

Community Service:
    * Assist physically and intellectually challenged children
    * Tour an animal shelter and meet the canine and feline occupants while learning about the importance of spaying and neutering.
    * Provide entertainment for those living in a medical facility

How We Play:
    * Cool off at an amazing Safari Water Park
    * Play the very latest at Gameworks
    * Ice skate in July
    * Go-Karting
    * Catch an Imax show and battle at Laser Tag
    * Amusement Park
    * Arizona Diamondbacks Pro Ballgame

Highlights:
* Hacienda Healthcare - is the leading provider of specialized health care for those with physical and intellectual impairments. They are dedicated to providing the best possible medical, educational, therapeutic and social services for the patients that they serve. We will volunteer at a long term health facility caring for children, adolescents, and adults with physical and mental impairments.

Put on a variety show for the patients, giving them the much-needed gift of laughter. Perform stand-up comedy, dance, put on a skit the choice is yours! Other projects may include reading to them, playing bedside games, doing art projects and assisting in the maintenance of some of the hospital equipment.

* Habitat For Humanity (HFH) - has built more than 225,000 houses worldwide, providing more than 1 million people with decent, affordable shelter. Habitat for Humanity - Valley of the Sun provides low-income families in Arizona with their very own homes. They also run a "ReStore" thrift shop where they provide surplus new and used building materials and home furnishings to these families at an affordable cost.

You will work in the Habitat for Humanity recycling/thrift store. You will accept donations such as used kitchen sinks, appliances, tiles .. all which can be used to complete one of the Habitat homes. You will help sort, shelve, ship and sell some of the items back to the community at a discounted price. If you have ever wanted to work in a store and if you like dealing with the public and taking things apart, you will enjoy this project.

* Maricopa County Animal Care - promotes the health, safety and welfare of people and their pets in the area. They provide services such as vaccinations for pets of low-income families who would otherwise not be able to pay for these routine needs. Educate the public on the importance of spaying/neutering and its effectiveness in alleviating homelessness amongst animals. (Students who cannot or prefer not to work with animals will spend the day working in ReStore for Habitat for Humanity)

* Touring Highlights Include:

- Enjoy a well deserved day off from service at Waterworld Safari Park.
- Beat the heat indoors ice skating and catch an IMAX movie.
- Battle your new friends in Laser Tag, take a swing in the batting cage, or take a spin in the go-karts at Fiddlesticks amusement center.
- Try your hand at virtual reality at Gameworks!
- While our time together may be short, the benefits we have provided to others as well as the rewards we have experienced ourselves will be long-lasting.

** For those students on the 18 day program, we'll head out on a mid-trip, overnight excursion to hike the Grand Canyon, and enjoy a red-rock Pink Jeep Tour in Sedona before returning to Phoenix, for a second week of service.

Qualifications: Participants should be prepared for our program. Once you are part of a team, you are committing yourself not only to hard work on service days (from 6-8 hours) but also to your fellow volunteers and those we will be assisting. In sharing this rewarding experience, you are guaranteed to form lasting friendships and will no doubt take away much more than you give. You will receive a certificate of completion recognizing 30-80 hours (depending on program) of service and listing projects accomplished.

Cost in US$: USD 2,199 for 8 days / USD 4,499 for 18 days

For 8 days:
Certificate of 30 hours of service & list of projects accomplished is issued after the trip.

For 18 days:
Certificate of 60 hours of service & list of projects accomplished is issued after the trip.

Credit Available: yes

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to United States Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work in Groups of limited up to 30 participants

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Exit Debriefing Abroad

360 Student Travel's Mission Statement: 360 Student Travel will allow you the opportunity to step in a new direction. Travel, volunteer, or improve your foreign language skills we are here to help you take that new step by helping you keep your other foot planted. Regardless of travel style, all programs are created with the understanding that no matter what you want to accomplish during the summer, it is still summer, and the challenges and experiences should be enjoyable as well as rewarding. On our Community Service Program you'll be making the world a better place and discovering the world at the same time - ziplining in Costa Rica, exploring a glacier in Alaska, or marveling at the "Big 5" in Africa. If you're open-minded and interested in achieving goals, volunteering, and helping others, then this will be a meaningful and adventurous summer for you. If you're thinking of studying Spanish or French and want the excitment of travel join us in either Spain, Costa Rica or France. On most of these language programs, we study at multiple locations within a country so you experience its full diversity. On our Pre-College Enrichment program get a sneak peek at college life while being immersed in the culture and excitement of Barcelona. We have teamed up with the renowned International House School, centrally located just steps from Plaza Cataluna, to bring you exciting courses from Creative Writing and International Business to Spanish Language, and SAT prep with Princeton Review. Join us on our Global Adventures if adventures are for you. We offer the most unique variety of activities imaginable that encourage individual growth and character.

Year Founded: 1992