EXPERIENCE AMERICA’S GREAT OUTDOORS
BUNAC launches new Volunteering programme
Live and work in the most spectacular national parks in America with a brand new volunteering programme exclusive to BUNAC, the market leader in the field of work abroad. Volunteer USA offers UK citizens aged 18 or over a unique opportunity to spend up to three months actively contributing to a series of challenging outdoor conservation projects in stunning locations like the Grand Canyon, King’s Canyon and Yosemite National Park. Ideally suited to the physically fit, adventurous and independent traveller, Volunteer USA is a demanding yet rewarding way to take time out on a summer or winter vacation or an extended career break.
Volunteer USA participants work as part of a team on a series of short projects in different locations, helping to preserve and maintain America’s most famous areas of outstanding natural beauty. Projects include trail maintenance, fencing, re-vegetation – planting and transplanting native species - plus initiatives to protect endangered local wildlife such as the Desert Tortoise and the Apache Trout. Each project typically lasts for four days, followed by a few days’ respite at base. Volunteers are expected to work long hours, often in extreme weather conditions, so fitness and stamina are essential. Camping equipment and food are provided during project times; some campsites are well equipped, others are more basic. Between projects and before heading home, most participants enjoy free time exploring America’s west coast and visiting vibrant cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco and Las Vegas.
Further information and a Volunteer USA Application Pack are available at: www.bunac.org/volunteer or call (020) 7251 3472. The 10 to 12-week programme fee of £250 goes towards food, accommodation and transport during each project. Also included are programme materials and full pre-departure support from BUNAC in the UK, plus guidance and supervision during the programme from BUNAC’s US partner organisation, American Conservation Experience. Participants need to budget for flights, insurance, meals during time off and spending money. No visa is required.
Traditionally known for its long-standing camp counselling programme, Summer Camp USA, BUNAC now runs volunteering/teaching placements in South Africa, Ghana, Costa Rica, Peru, Cambodia and China. The organisation’s portfolio also includes flexible working holidays to the USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Information on all programmes can be found at: www.bunac.org.
Press: for further information, contact Sarah Leavesley or Haydn Parks at BUNAC, tel: (020) 7251 0662 (please quote 020 7251 3472 in articles), e-mail: sarah.leavesley@bunac.org.uk or haydn.parks@bunac.org.uk Photography is available.