ODFL named
'Outstanding Philanthropic Youth Organization'
by the Association of Fundraising Professionals - Silicon Valley Chapter in November, 2009 Make a donation here:
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Summer Service Trips
Every year, ODFL sends students overseas on a Summer Service Trip to help complete projects underwritten by ODFL. Typically a group of 12-14 students with at least 1 male and 1 female adult chaperone travel together for 2 - 3 weeks and students pay for their own travel expenses. If you would like to travel with ODFL as a student or chaperone, please contact Lisa Bolton, ODFL Director of Delivery Services.
Here are some articles about past ODFL Summer Service Trips:
WHY PARTICIPATE IN A SUMMER SERVICE TRIP?
Getting involved with ODFL starts with the decision to donate one dollar, but why not broaden your participation and actually HELP with the project construction? Imagine being abroad and hefting bricks funded by your friends and watching a school materialize before your own eyes. It is truly a life altering experience to live with a host family – step into their shoes and immerse yourself in the local culture!
Read a student's reflection after her Summer Service Trip to Nicaragua in 2009.
SAMPLE ITINERARY
DAY 1
Travel from USA to destination; start orientation if flight times allow.
DAY 3:
After breakfast, begin language lessons for 2 hours. Spend the day touring capitol, main town, or local tourist destinations.
DAY 4: (optional)
Depending on arrival destination, spend more time learning the language and orientating one self. This day can also be spent working on the project.
DAY 5:
After breakfast, final language lessons for 2 hours. Depart for the location of the project. Join students, parents, teachers, and community leaders for a welcome at the project site. Tour the existing site, meet the host families (students partnered by gender in groups of 2) and get to know some of the students that will benefit from the new project. After lunch/dinner and orientation, break off and walk home with host families for a night’s rest.
DAY 6-9:
Rise early each day and head to the project site. Work hard on the new classroom and experience what a day is like in the life of local student. If time allows, visit other schools, communities, or projects in the area in the afternoon or evening. A soccer game or similar will be a fun way to integrate the locals with the American teens.
DAY 10-12:
Excursion #1. A rewarding activity for hard work on the project like trekking, a safari, snorkeling cruise, etc. Return to project site.
DAY 13 -15:
Rise early each day and head to the project site. If time allows, visit other schools, communities, or projects in the area in the afternoon or evening.
DAY 16:
Celebration for the completion of the project with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and dedication of the structure. After photos and farewell, depart for the final excursion
DAY 17-18:
Excursion #2. A rewarding activity for completing the project. Make way back to the departure airport.
DAY 19:
Depart for the USA
Sample Packing List
| 1 | Medium backpack | This will act as your main travel bag. Most airlines charge extra for baggage weighing in excess of 44-50 lbs. |
| 1 | Rain Cover for pack | Trash bags will work, but aren’t as efficient |
| 1 | Day pack/travel pack | Small backpack for day hikes with a trash bag to use as a cover when it rains. |
| 1 | Sleeping bag w/stuff sack | Lightweight/compact (less than 5 lbs) and warm to 45o F. Synthetic or down fill. |
| 1 | Waterproof jacket shell | Must be sturdy to withstand wilderness conditions and large enough to fit over your warm layer. Air-Weave or Gore-Tex is recommended. Vinyl and coated nylon are acceptable, but not optimal because they do not 'breathe’. |
| 1 | Pair waterproof pants | Nylon or other synthetic is best. Zip-off style is handy |
| 1 | Warm jacket | Fleece or sweater for cool evenings |
| 1 | Insulating top | 1 lighter top or vest made from a non-cotton material |
| 1 | Insulating bottom | Non-cotton is best, sweats are ok |
| 1 | Set of long underwear | Non-cotton material for both top and bottom |
| 1 | Long sleeve shirt | Lightweight, light colored shirt for protection from bugs and sun. If it has a collar is can dub as a dress shirt. |
| 2-3 | T-shirts | Cotton is ok; tops must cover the shoulders. Don’t forget to wear your ODFL t-shirt to the airport. |
| 2-3 | Pants/skirts | Khakis or synthetic work best. It is important to have something lightweight to cover your legs as we may go some places where shorts are inappropriate. Zip off pants work well. No jeans as they are hot and heavy. |
| 2 | LONG Shorts | At least 1 pair should be made of quick drying nylon; Thighs must be covered at all times. |
| ? | Underwear (sports bras) | Enough underwear to keep you happy; cotton is acceptable. Modest colors and styles are encouraged. |
| 1 | Pair Hiking Shoes | Light-duty hiking boots or shoes. |
| 1 | Pair Shoes or Sandals | Comfortable footwear for vehicle and down time. |
| 4-6 | Socks | Preferably synthetic. |
| 1 | Sock liner | For trekking |
| 1 | Sun Hat | Baseball cap or other wide-brimmed hat to keep the sun and rain off. A string or strap to attach it is helpful in windy weather. |
| 1 | Umbrella | Travel-sized |
| 2 | Water Bottles | Plastic Nalgene water bottle. Wide mouth is best. One quart size minimum. A Camelback is a good alternative. |
| 1 | Flashlight | Or headlamp with extra batteries. Keep it small & light. |
| swimsuit | ||
| 1 | Sunglasses | A sports strap to hold them on is helpful. |
| 1 | Small bag of toiletries | Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, etc. (Ladies - new environments and activities may alter cycles. Bring an extra supply of feminine products. Leave make-up at home.) |
| 2 | Sets of medications | Medications can be hard to replace in Nepal. For critical meds we recommend giving an extra set to your trip leaders in case one gets lost. |
| 1 | Sunscreen/lip balm | SPF 30+. |
| 1 | Insect Repellent | Avoid aerosol cans. Dryer sheets??? |
| 2 | Bandanas | Used for a variety of things including marking your bags, washing up, kerchief, etc. |
| 2-3 | Wet-Ones/Handy Wipes | Small, travel-sized soft packs. |
| 1 | Towel | Small towel, synthetic is best. |
| Moleskin | Stop blisters on the trek. | |
| Travel first aid kit | With bandages, scissors, nail clippers, aspirin… | |
| 1 | Nice outfit | To wear for the welcoming and dedication ceremony |
| Rehydration powder | Gatorade, Camelback tablets, etc. | |
| Pajamas | ||
| 1 | Mosquito net | Freestanding |
| Ear plugs | ||
| Phone card | Shop online for best rates | |
| 1 | Travel alarm clock | May be in an inexpensive digital watch |
| Hand Sanitizer | ||
| Host gifts for your family | Pens, pencils, coloring books, baseball hat, notepads/books, soccer balls, maps, books, etc. | |
| Mini Photo Album or family photos | To give to your host family or to give to a local as an exchange for their picture. | |
| Thank you card | To give your family | |
| Optional: | ||
| Journal and/or book | Record hard names to remember, stories, etc. | |
| Money belt | This is better than an “around the neck” money holder | |
| EmergenC or Airborne | ||
| Currency converter | ||
| Luggage lock or zip-ties | Locks must be TSA approved | |
| Plastic bags | Can cover your pack, hold dirty shoes, clothes, etc. | |
| Camera and plenty of film or memory cards |
Bring more memory than you think you will need (1-2 GB) in some sort of padded bag. Digital cameras and video cameras work great, however access to electricity can be limited sometimes so bring extra batteries. | |
| Binoculars | (medium strength) and/or spotting scope | |
| Power adapter | See below for web address | |
| Swimsuit | ||
| School supplies: | To give to teachers of the new school | |
| Snacks |