YardEdge’s Karin Wilson is promoting the wonderful idea of “Volunteer Vacations” in Jamaica. The idea is that people may combine a vacation in Jamaica with one, two, or a few days of volunteering at a local school, orphanages, or other venues. While promoting “this new exiting vacation trend (voluntourism),” Wilson is committed to this idea because “there are of course many ways to volunteer for worthy causes or places here.”

Founded in 2001 by Maureen Wright-Evans, Jamaica Volunteer Vacations is a tour company that combines customized tours of Jamaica with a volunteer component, whereby visitors combine their vacation with a few days of volunteering. It offers a range of packages which combine a variety of locations with volunteer activities including teaching to children, construction work, spending time with disabled children (providing a service for the blind, the deaf, and those with physical challenges) such as doing drama or craft-making projects or just engaging them, health care, career guidance, coaching, taking a group for a treat (such as a trip to the theater), collecting and distributing gifts, holding workshops, helping to develop a computer department, and many others.

Jamaica Volunteer Vacations visitors report having “a life changing experience” where they were able to experience and have fun in Jamaica but also to make a difference in people’s lives (see testimonial videos on their website below).

Guests will stay at Smokey Manor Guest House (shown here), a guest house located in the hills overlooking Kingston. This location is ideal for travelers looking to volunteer at a local school or other location and to experience the island. As a special offer to YardEdge readers, Jamaica Volunteer Vacations is offering a 10% discount off their published prices if you book through YardEdge (just indicate that you were referred by YardEdge).

Check out some of the available packages here plus the special Jamaica Cultural Explosion: Independence and Emancipation Celebration package.

If you’re interested in learning more, email yardedge@gmail.com

Article from http://www.yardedge.net/jamaica-vacations/enjoy-a-volunteer-vacation-in-jamaica-plus-10-discount-for-yardedge-readers