Leadership, fun, and sun in the heart of the Caribbean
***Please note LIA 2022 will take place in Costa Rica. See Costa Rica LIA program details here.***
White sand beaches, crystal clear blue water, coral reefs teeming with aquatic life, spectacular natural blowholes, mountaintop views, all framed by idyllic sunrises and sunsets. In this stunning island setting, Global Routes will engage in hands-on service learning projects to promote 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 and then, after learning a bit about island culture, they will design, create, market, and orchestrate a FREE two-week summer camps for local children. These “Windsor Mountain-style” friendship camps are the core of The Grenadines program and will be your main vehicle for interconnection and cultural exchange.
Who Should Participate?
This program is designed for Windsor Mountain alumni students and other students interested in traveling to share in cross-cultural experiences, community service learning, and continued leadership development. We are looking for students who are interested in working with younger children and who are eager to teach and share new sports, games, theater, dance, arts, crafts, music and other creative activities. Students who have had some leadership experience in their school, community, or summer camp will excel on this program.
Discover, explore, and enhance leadership and teaching skills by creating and leading a two-week Windsor Mountain-style friendship camp for the kids in your host community.
Get a taste of ‘real Caribbean life’ by spending two weeks in a small and authentic Caribbean community.
Work with Peace Corps volunteers on community service projects.
Swim, snorkel, hike, and explore the natural beauty of the islands.
Sail the classic schooner The Friendship Rose.
Make new friends and have the experience of a lifetime!
Join in the summer camp fun at Windsor Mountain for the first three days of this program. This is a great opportunity to connect with the Windsor Mountain community while taking the next step in your leadership training journey. Get to know your group, shadow a camp counselor, and begin to prepare for your journey. On day three, pack up and fly together with your group to Kingstown, St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Once there, you will begin to get to know this unique cluster of islands, with team building and initiative games and then meet with a Peace Corps Volunteer for a brief introduction to the Caribbean- Island Culture 101.
After a few days in Kingstown, your group will travel to the small inland town of Lauders and settle into life on ‘island time’. While there you will explore the hidden culture of the island by meeting new people, trying new foods, and learning to work efficiently as a group. Activities include swimming, bodysurfing, hiking La Soufriere Volcano, visiting Dark View Falls and the Owia Salt Ponds and finally relaxing at the beach. Based on what you have learned about the island, you will then work together as a team, along with local teens to design and lead a Friendship Camp for children in the community where you will be living. The activities will range from field games, theater, sports, and arts and crafts.
After your incredible experience on St. Vincent, your group will head across the sea to Bequia, a small island just south of St. Vincent. Once there you will join the local school for a day of afterschool activities, volunteer at the Old Hegg Turtle Sanctuary, snorkel, and unwind at the breathtaking Lower Bay Beach. Explore the differences in land, culture, and people between the two islands.
Gather your bags and head back through St. Vincent to Windsor Mountain! Enjoy time with your group participating in closure activities, debriefs, and reflection on an amazing month in the islands. Share your experiences with the camp community and enjoy being back in New Hampshire.
“My daughter returned with much greater awareness, introspection and maturity. I highly recommend this program on every level. The leaders and the directors are truly outstanding!”
– Amy, Parent, The Caribbean