Alternative Spring Break Program -  Year 2023

Kamalbe Project organises Alternative Spring Break Trips that are ideal for college or high school students or independent groups interested in making the most of their spring break by volunteering abroad. We offer  different projects and each one combines travel, adventure and opportunities to serve communities in need. 

The Alternative Spring Break Trips with Projects Abroad are 1-week long and located in a nearby country (to help you avoid jet lag for your short time abroad). You will work alongside other volunteers on a program specifically designed for spring breakers. This structure ensures that you can make a difference – even in as little as a week! In addition, you will have the benefit of experiencing the local culture first-hand. Come by yourself or sign up with a group of friends! During Alternative Break students stay with homestay families, complete service learning projects in our partner community, Xecanchavox and participate in cultural tours and activities. 

Main activities are:
✓ One-one or group Spanish lessons (optional).
✓ Our interactive "Social Justice in Guatemala" curriculum.
✓ Dentist assistant and teaching dental hygene.
✓ Creating sporting opportunites and playing with local children.
✓ Teaching environmental awareness, geography, and English in the local primary school.
✓ Community beautification projects that include painting, planting flowers and trees, painting murals.

​​Since 2011 we have worked with George Mason University and Bennington College, to provide Alternative Break experiences for students. All Universities or high schools are welcome to join us at Alternative Spring Break Progam.

TENTATIVE ITINENARY -
WE CAN ALWAYS PERSONALIZED THE ITINERARY FOR YOU!
March - May - December - 2023
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Minimun group 6 people 
Maximum group 
Day 1
Arrival in Guatemala City, get checked into Hotel Antigua Guatemala.

Day 2
Pacaya Volcano Hike/Horse Ride.
Leaving for Xela.
Arriving at homestay and having a dinner with local families. Orientation for the activities during the week.

Day 3
Visiting Xecanchavox.
Finding your way to contribute to the village. 

Day 4
Helping to teach to children in the community of Xecanchavox about environment issues, farming and providing English lessons. 

Day 5
Cultural exchange with students at New Hope Foundation Service. Visiting project at an indigenous school Presentation of Qachuu Visiting Project from Madre Tierra Ceremonia Maya

Day 6
Service Project with the community of Xecanchavox – help plant and harvest seeds in the fields with members of Kamalbe project. 
Attending Mayan Ceremony for gratitude

Day 7
A mini-forum with female indigenous rights leaders from the local community of Xecanchavox.
Visiting Hot Springs

Day 8
Travelling to Lake Atitlan, one of the most beautiful lakes in Latin America.
Visiting the ruins of the Kackchiquel Kingdom.

Day 9
Return to Home

Testimonials from Alternative Break Program

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"The idea of spending a week with 12 strangers scared me, because we will be spending every waking moment together. But after spending the first day hiking an active volcano and see how willing we were to help each other, I knew that these were 12 amazing people. We were there to “help,” one school the George Mason has been working for years, but instead the kids at the school taught me the importance of human relations and not to assume. This trip affected my life and answer all of my questions, and ensure me that international health is definitely my passion. I recommend everyone to do an alternative break trip at least once. Trust me, it will be one of the best things you do during your time at college. It changes lives in ways you’d never expect."

Marciel Rosario5

George Mason University, US

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2015

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Through this program, we have been able to learn a lot about Guatemala's rich culture as well as it's amazing indigenous individuals and continue to maintain an amazing relationship with them and get updates about the kids we have all come to love. With support from our families and friends we have been able to supply the schools with needed supplies, beautification projects around the schools, and educate the students concerning hygiene and other essential topics to live a healthy life. During our stay we are able to stay with families from the surrounding community that helps us in further getting to know Guatemala's rich culture. Our relationship and constant communication with Kamalbe allows us to bring in new students each year to live these wonderful experiences and we hope to continue our relationship in the coming years.

- Corina Solrzano 2014

George Manson University, US

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2014

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