INDIA: Volunteer at Local Summer Camp!

Many of the children come from poor families and have no way to entertain themselves during the Summer ... so if you've got nothing planned this summer, why not come to India and have fun with the kids!

The children love the Summer Camps - they're entertained, have somewhere to go when there's no one at home ... and they get a meal and win prizes! The prize for you is the big grins across all the kids' faces.


PROJECT OVERVIEW

This is a special Summer project arranged the children something to do during the holidays that will be fun, entertaining and perhaps teach them some skills at the same time.

This is our first year being involved with the Madurai Summer Camps and it's a very exciting opportunity for us, the children and you! The main appeal of the summer camps is that you can give hands-on attention to all the children in an informal setting. We have run a very similar project at summer camps in Ghana since 2005 and have received comments like, "the best time of my life", "I loved every minute of it and I'm going to miss my children!" and the best one, "I'm coming back for next year's camp".

The activities on offer for the children are so wide-ranging that there is something for everyone:
► Many sports, including football, badminton, karate, yoga, chess, gymnastics and there is even a cricket coaching camp for those of you who share the nations love for the bat and ball!
► A great range of creative activities including dance, art, design, drawing, puzzles, Indian folk music, drums, Western dance, even skating!
► More academic activities are also available mental maths, handwriting, spoken English, English grammar, computers, current affairs and amazing facts.
► We also have a ‘kiddies camp’ for those of you who love nurturing the little ones! This is aimed at providing an all-round and total learning and growing environment for them. You can help with story time, audio/ visual, music and dance.

The kids will be learning to use English at the same time, so they'll not only have fun, they'll also benefit from the activity. These activities also benefit the children by improving their team-work skills, social interaction and building their confidence.

The Summer Camp will take place in the grounds of several schools where our teaching volunteers assist during normal school term time. There are 7 schools running the camps this year and their dates all differ slightly. There are normally around 3 hours available each day at each summer camp.

During the holiday period it is likely the school will have only a few members of staff present as the rest of the staff are likely to be away on holiday. For this reason you will have the opportunity to become quite involved in the structure, running and development of the camp, which will require you to work on your own initiative for a lot of the time. For this reason, being creative is a must.

You may work with large or small groups of children, so you need to be diverse and organised, but you are encouraged to utilise any skills or passions you have, whether these are playing sport, music, drama or just games. Past volunteers made a real difference by introducing a fun and creative way for the children to express themselves and learn about new things. You’ll be rewarded by how much fun the children will have!
So if you haven't got anything planned and you're free for a couple a weeks or longer from April onwards, why not come to India and have fun with the kids.

Our India Manager and his team will look after you well. You'll get lots of advice about the do's and don’ts of Indian culture, what to do and where to go.

We can also arrange your flight dates to give you additional time at the end of your project for travelling around and sightseeing - this is a fascinating and wondrous country!


WHAT YOU’LL GAIN FROM DOING THIS PROJECT

► An exciting, never-to-be-forgotten adventure!
► The rewards from helping others and Making a Difference!
► New skills, more confidence, a greater understanding of a different culture, invaluable personal and professional development.
► An entry on your CV or résumé that will put you head and shoulders above most others in the job market
► And best of all ... an unforgettable experience!


WHAT TO DO NEXT

► Talk to us - We're there to help you. Call +44 (0) 1903 502595
► Most of our team are ex Travellers volunteers and are ideally qualified to offer advice and guidance because they know what you're looking for. They'll help you find your perfect project - and then make it all happen!
► If you’d like more information about this or any of our projects, please email or call us!
► If you’d like to apply for this project, please go to our website and complete the application form. As soon as we receive it, we’ll liaise with you and then start making your travel adventure happen.
► It’s as easy as that.


ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES YOU CAN DO WHILE ON THIS PROJECT

Add to your travel experience in India by doing some additional exciting optional extra activities.

• YOGA & MEDITATION CLASSES: Learn or improve your Yoga skills. Kick-start your days with Yoga followed by Meditation, it’ll set you up for the day!
• 2-HOUR BASIC TAMIL LANGUAGE COURSE (only £7). You'll learn some basic phrases to kick-start your placement
• 4-WEEK TAMIL LANGUAGE COURSE: (£49) taken at the same time as doing your main project.

Lessons are by a retired Professor of Tamil. You'll appreciate the benefits of having some Tamil during your placement ... and the locals will love you for trying to speak their language.

This project can also be combined with any of our other projects in India, such as Sports or Work Experience, Teaching or various Care, giving you a varied and broad experience of life in India.

Duration

Our placements are very flexible, you can choose your own start and finish dates.

Start Dates

Flexible start and finish dates you choose during the summer camp. Our placements are flexible and can be tailored to match your preferences. For availability please contact the office.

Costs / Benefits

Costs vary depending on length of placement, but starts at £795 for two weeks. You can participate for up to one year, subject to visa requirements.

Included is full support from the moment of booking and throughout your placement to your return home. There are support staff 24/7 in all our destinations worldwide and a 24 hour emergency international telephone line direct to the Head Office. All meals are provided, unless otherwise stated. Accommodation is provided (whether a rented house, a hotel/hostel, homestay, apartment or flat).

You’ll be met at the nearest airport on your arrival by our in-country manager who will take you to your accommodation and give you a full induction into the area. He/she will also be on call 24/7 and you’ll see them frequently.

Pre-departure you’ll receive comprehensive information about every aspect of your placement and necessary preparations, ranging from what to pack, to visa information, to what to do on your weekend travel in the country. Your safety, well being and happiness throughout your placement are our primary concerns and we will keep in touch with you throughout. International flights not included.

Requirements

No qualifications or previous experience are necessary, just a good dose of enthusiasm! Everyone is welcome on a Travellers programme, whether gap year, undergraduate, on a career break - or even retired! From 17 years old upwards, and all nationalities. This placement would suit anyone who wants to make a real difference, wants first-hand experience of a different culture and has initiative.

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