Raise Funds!

Well, the first batch of schools have come back from spending their Spring breaks in some of the most beautiful places on this planet!  Naturally, we beg for everyone’s feedback so we can make sure we’re at the top of our game! 

The #1 way students say to raise funds for their World Challenge expedition?

GET A PART-TIME JOB! 

Students found it easier to raise their funds by working part-time.  It led to “consistent income” and many found that the companies they worked for were even willing to donate some funds to help their employees out! The jobs that some of our Challengers are doing? Bagging groceries, tutoring, working over the summer at a camp, bussing tables at a restaurant, landscaping and more.

Some other Challengers found some new twists on ways to raise funds.  One spent his afternoons offering to detail cars at his parents’ places of business. Another started selling items online for people who didn’t have time or knowledge how to navigate places like Craigslist or eBay.  “Let’s face it – I can make loads more doing something I enjoy on a regular basis than just waiting for group fundraising activities” said one of our Challengers.

How much did they make?  These Challengers who raised funds without relying on schools and family said they paid for over 85% of their expeditions. “It’s having regular income that’s key” said another Challenger. 

Some of the Challengers ran their own special “adventure-thon” to prepare for their expeditions.  They wore their gear and hiked for the weekend, walked 10 miles in their boots, or did a mini expedition on home turf first, but they asked for sponsors. “I had friends, family and neighbors sponsoring me per mile. It worked out great because I broke in my boots, got used to carrying my backpack for an extended period of time, and raised money for my trip!”

Many have also begun taking advantage of the new link available on the Fundraising tab of My World Challenge.  “I mailed out my personal link to my entire family and told them about my upcoming World Challenge expedition and why it was important to me.  I asked them to donate any little bit they could so I could have this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and promised to take loads of pictures to share. I still can’t believe how generous everyone was!”

We want to know your most successful ways of raising funds! Please keep giving us the feedback so we know what works and can pass it on!

HOW TO SELECT YOUR EXPEDITION GEAR – WHAT TO KNOW

When shopping for gear for your expedition, it’s best to plan as far ahead as possible.  You’ll want time to break in your boots, feel comfortable carrying weight on your back, and knowledgeable about what’s in your gear.

Because everyone comes in all shapes and sizes, we recommend that you check out reviews online. For example, someone who is shorter may find they want a smaller pack than the average, standard size. The same applies to folks that might be on the taller side.  Unless you are perfectly “average” size, you’ll want to be fitted for a backpack to make sure you are comfortable throughout your expedition.

Footwear is important.  Check out reviews of footwear, but also Google “best footwear for hiking in …” as you may find useful tips online. 

We’d love to recommend a one-stop-shop, but our best recommendation is to check reviews on sites like Amazon.com as well as Google.  Then stop at REI, EMS, Kittery Trading Post or Dick’s Sporting Goods and pick up your gear.  For some of the essentials such as your mess kit, you can find deals at your local Army-Navy store.  Don’t forget that you can find what you’ll need for your expedition on your MyWorldChallenge site.

Then, help the next person out by posting your own review! And don’t forget, we always love to see pictures of your footwear both before and after your trek!

Happy shopping!

Southern Peru’s Ultimate Adventure – The Salkantay Trek

Visiting the ancient Incan city of Machu Picchu is an experience not to be missed, but have you ever thought how you might get there?

World Challenge offers the Salkantay trek to it’s challengers, which is how we like to arrive at Machu Picchu.  This off-the-beaten-path trek provides an authentic perspective of an original Incan trail, as it takes you through the heartland of the Inca empire. You’ll discover spectacular scenery of picturesque valleys framed by soaring snow-capped peaks in the distance. You’ll continue your journey up through the Andes, passing coffee and banana plantations along the way. In fact, this trek is so rad, National Geographic listed it as one of their “ultimate adventures” in 2011. Grab your hiking boots and get ready to explore Peru’s ancient past, filled with epic adventures along the way!

This trek is available on World Challenge expeditions to Southern Peru, check it out for yourself!

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Giving Thanks in Your Community

For most of us, Thanksgiving means being with family and friends, watching some football, and stuffing ourselves (no pun intended) with massive amounts of turkey and pie.  But it’s important to remember that during this time of year, there are many that could use a helping hand.

If you want to really give thanks for what you have this Thanksgiving, consider volunteering at your local homeless shelter or community center.  Organizations across America devote themselves to giving Thanksgiving meals for those who don’t have a table surrounded by loved ones of their own.

How can you volunteer?  We’re glad you asked!

• Find an organization/location.  Google ‘Thanksgiving Charity Campaigns,’ and find one in your local area.  Your local community center or nearby churches almost always organize these events.   Just Give and Create the Good are also great places to start.
• Contact them.  Events like these are very organized, and you need to figure out exactly how and when you can help out.
• Get your family, friends, and fellow challengers to volunteer with you; doing something like this together is a definite bonding experience!
• Make the most of it.  Just like when you begin your Community Service phase on Expedition, really interact with the people around you and give back to your community.  Imagine your dinner table at Thanksgiving – people are joking, talking, laughing – help create that environment when volunteering.

If you can’t volunteer, be sure to donate food to your local food drive.  Turkey’s, canned goods, and non-perishables are always needed!  The Salvation Army is accepting donations for Thanksgiving.

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone.  Make this one count!