Bridge Caribbean

Located in the southeastern Caribbean Sea close to South America, the beautiful island nation of St. Vincent and the Grenadines is populated by a friendly mix of people who trace their ancestry to Africa, Europe, and the British Isles. Under the radar of most island-hopping tourists, this destination is small enough to feel at home, yet large enough to provide surprising variety. This contrast offers the perfect opportunity to learn about the social, political, economic, and environmental issues affecting the lives of Caribbean residents.

Bridge Caribbean participants will:

• Get a taste of 'real Caribbean life' by spending two weeks in the small island town of Barouallie

• Partner with St. Vincent's Ministry of Education to design and create Camp Windsor Mountain, a ten-day Friendship Camp for the island kids

• Work with Peace Corps volunteers on community service projects

• Swim, snorkel, hike, and explore the natural beauty of the islands

• Take an excursion on the classic schooner The Friendship Rose

• Make new friends and have the experience of a lifetime!

A perfect combination of Service Learning, Leadership Training, and Fun in the Sun: The Caribbean islands are breathtaking: white sand beaches, crystal clear blue water, coral reefs teeming with aquatic life, spectacular natural blowholes, mountaintop views (for those adventurous enough to make the hike!), all framed by idyllic sunrises and sunsets. In this fabulous island setting, surrounded by surf, sun and fun, Bridge Caribbean students will learn to make a difference. The group will engage in hands-on service learning projects that grow organically from activities that promote genuine cross-cultural communication and exchange. Guided by experienced trip leaders, our students will take the time to get to know the people of the islands—the children, the teenagers, the adults, and the elders—and then, after learning a bit about island culture, they will design and create a two five-day summer camps for local children. These friendship camps are the core of the Bridge Caribbean program, and a unique and ideal way to approach the fundamental goals of Windsor Mountain Student Travel. Teenagers interested in teaching and leadership will have the chance to take a risk and test their skills in a real live teaching situation, with children from a completely different cultural background. Last year our Bridge Caribbean students found out quickly how crazy things can get when over 80 island kids show up expecting to have fun.

Who Should Participate?

2009 Proposed Itinerary:

click here to view 2009 Proposed Calendar

Days 1-2 • Arrive in Kingstown, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and meet a Peace Corp Volunteer for a brief introduction to the islands.

Days 3-18 • Travel to Barrouallie and settle in to life on ‘island time’. Explore the hidden culture of the island. Meet new people, try new foods, and learn to work efficiently as a group. Swim, bodysurf, and relax at the beach. Dance in the streets at Vincy Mas! Marvel at the Costume Parade in Kingstown. Hike La Soufriere Volcano. Visit Dark View Falls and the Owia Salt Ponds. Based on what you have learned about the island, work together as a team to design and implement Camp Windsor Mountain!!

Days 28-30 • Say goodbye to Bequia. Travel back to Kingstown for a final banquet and group closure activities.

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2009 details for this program are subject to change as new developments and opportunities arise. If you would like more information or have specific questions please contact Angus Whyte, Summer Travel Program Director, directly by email  or phone at   603-478-3166.