Have no plans for this summer?

Do you want to see the world and contribute to something special? Operation Groundswell (OG) may be the answer for you!

OG is an organization that began with the desire to provide a true backpacker-styled volunteer experience for students and recent grads in Canada.

Interested? You better hurry then!

From the original twenty projects available, only few spots are left on eight projects to East Africa, West Africa, Middle East, Peru, Columbia, Guyana, and India.

Japleen Gill is one of many students participating in these projects. Her trip will take her to Guatemala for six weeks, a change from her work and school lifestyle. Her inspiration came from a Latin American geography class. What will yours be?

Each participant has a website where supporters are encouraged to donate to help fundraise for the local communities each participant is going to.

Who knows? Maybe that will be you next time!

If you are interested in learning more or participating next year there is a Trip Interest Form you can fill out in less than 3 minutes and an application form for those brave hearts willing to go this year!

Check out OG’s FAQ section for more detailed information or go to their Facebook page for some great stories.

This summer, get backpacking and volunteer for an OG project!

By Leslie Pineda