Righteous Journeys (cont.)

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Outside Magazine January 2002

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Righteous Journeys (cont.)

BAHAMAS
Earthwatch Institute
800-776-0188
www.earthwatch.org
Dates: February 16-23, June 26-July 6, November 23-30
Cost: $1,545
Some scientists believe that climate change, disease, and other environmental stresses will kill off the world's living coral reefs by the year 3000. But don't let that distant date numb you into inaction—you can help now by assisting researchers in an ongoing study of coral bleaching in the Bahamas. You'll spend four to five hours a day in the water, mapping sites where scientists test water temperature and acidity. "My conviction about the value of volunteers has been well rewarded," says Tom McGrath, the project's principal researcher. "They've plunged in, learned the corals, delivered solid data...and still managed to have fun." You'll bunk at the Bahamian Field Station on San Salvador.

GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS, ECUADOR
WorldTeach
800-483-2240
www.worldteach.org
Dates: Eight weeks, late June-late August
Cost: $3,990 (includes round-trip airfare from Houston)
Marine iguanas and giant tortoises get top billing in the Galápagos, but English-speaking humans are also a crucial link in the Darwinian chain. Of the thousands of Ecuadorans who live here, those who can communicate with tourists have an edge in the job market. Log time in the cradle of evolutionary theory by living with host families and teaching English to residents on Cristóbal, Santa Cruz, Isabela, and Floreana Islands. "veryone was so eager to learn,"says Sue Schiele, a volunteer and retired schoolteacher, "hat after three days I knew a large percentage of the population."

NEPAL
Amizade Ltd.
888-973-4443
www.amizade.org
Dates: May 18-June 1
Cost: $1,899
Since his triumphant 1953 Everest summit with Tenzing Norgay, Sir Edmund Hillary has worked to improve the lives of the Khumbu region's Sherpa people. Help maintain the legacy of the lanky New Zealander, whom locals call Burra-Sahib (big in stature, big in heart), by rebuilding a school he founded in 1961 in Khumjung, a village five hours by foot from the town of Lukla. This project, when complete, will allow students to attend school to age 15. "[The Nepalis] know education is the key," says Amizade executive director Michael Sandy, "but they can't afford it. We are partnering with them to help fill a need." Volunteers camp or stay in local homes.

THAILAND
Volunteers for Peace
802-259-2759
www.vfp.org
Dates: May 18-June 1
Dates: April 1-15
Cost: $350
In Khao Yai National Park, a remote forest 120 miles northeast of Bangkok, poachers and poor villagers snare birds, baby monkeys, and tigers (for their penises, which are highly prized in Chinese medicine). You'll help put a stop to this illegal trade by walking patrol with park rangers, assisting researchers with animal counts, and teaching farmers to cultivate vegetables as an alternative to poaching. But be forewarned: Changing community views is not an overnight task, says Patrick Fransson, founder of Greenways, VFP's partner organization, which oversees the volunteer efforts in the field. "Some people will turn around now," he says, "but most likely it will be their children." Volunteers stay in park dorms and with host families.

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