Dan Berg | Colonia Vacacional #1| Digital Photo | 2004

International travel is a high priority for my family.  Our trips have taken us to China, Italy, Costa Rica, Norway, Russia and, last summer, to Peru and Ecuador.  Although we usually visit cultural sites and natural wonders, in 2004, we combined a week visiting Peru’s ancient sites with two weeks of travel and service in Ecuador.  We joined friends who, for the last seven years, have organized a summer camp (Colonia Vacacional) for the children in and near Cuenca, whose mothers operate a recycling cooperative.  Last year, over 80 children ages 3-13 participated in a week of art, music, games and travel.  As all who participate as global volunteers discover, the benefits of such experiences go both ways.