FAQ's About Kids Play International's Volunteer Trips

Athlete Ambassador Emily Cook (left) and Founder Tracy Evans (right)

Traveling to a new country can be both exhilarating and intimidating at the same time. Not knowing exactly what to expect is exciting yet can leave us feeling hesitant and overflowing with questions.

But guess what? We love questions! We want YOU to get involved and let us know what questions you might have about traveling to Rwanda or Malawi, volunteering with Kids Play International, going gorilla trekking, or anything in between. 

If you're curious about it. Most likely someone else is, too. Below are some common questions we've been hearing. If you have one of your own, please post a comment! 

Any special fitness requirements for this trip?

Our KPI Volunteer Trips are very active and do require a general level of healthy physical fitness. We will be walking, wandering, playing, and vinyasa flowing (for the yoga trip in July), the days away! If you have any injuries or special requirements, please consult your physician first. Also, please let us know at the time of inquiry. 

Why is gorilla trekking $750 buckaroos?

The Rwandan Silverback Gorillas are an endangered species (we recommend checking out the film “Gorillas in the Mist”, which was filmed and took place here). The permit fee goes towards protecting the National Park, supporting the Rangers and Trackers who stay with the gorillas throughout the day, and protecting the gorillas against poachers. Only a certain number of permit passes are given out each day.

What if I don’t want to go gorilla trekking?

The gorillas will definitely be sad to hear you won’t be stopping by to say hi. This is a very unique and awe-inspiring experience that we encourage you not to miss. However, if you choose to not go trekking, you will be able to get some extra down time at the Mountain View Gorilla Lodge.

 

What is the food like?

One of the best ways to experience a culture is to experience the food. We recommend checking out a blog that Jaime Komer, an Athlete Ambassador of KPI, posted about her experience with Rwandan cuisine after her trip in May of 2012: "There's no compare to local fare."

For the Yoga Volunteer Trip in July 2013:

Do I need to have yoga experience?

Absolutely not! Whether you’ve been practicing for years or never stepped on a yoga mat in your life, we’d love for you to join in on the fun. 

*If you have any injuries, please let the Instructor, Jaime Komer, know ahead of time.

Do I have to attend each yoga session?

Don’t you fret, the yoga sessions are completely optional. So if you’re craving a few extra zzz’s one day, go for it!

Where will we get our yoga on?

We are going to get the most out of the scenic beauty of Rwanda by holding most yoga sessions outdoors. This includes outdoor lawn locations at hotels, the Let’s Play! Sports Field, and even alongside the calm waters of Lake Kivu.

Where Are We Going?

Isn't that the question of the day! But let's get a little more specific, shall we? Kids Play International will be leading two volunteer trips to Rwanda in 2013 and we'd like to tell you a little more about this wonderful country. 

Country. Culture. Experience.

Known as the “land of a thousand hills”, Rwanda is an awe-inspiring country known for its vibrant culture and it’s welcoming, resilient people. Located in Central East Africa, this small country is surrounded by four others; Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. 

Rwanda experienced a horrific, nationwide genocide in 1994, leaving almost one million people slaughtered, and countless others affected. There are several genocide monuments throughout the country, recognizing these events. On each KPI Volunteer Trip, we always visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial within the first few days of arrival, so that we may better understand the story, history, and culture of this special country. 

Being just south of the equator and higher in elevation, Rwanda offers a fairly mild climate with two rainy seasons and two dry seasons (don’t worry, we like to visit during the dry seasons). 

This unique landscape is also quite the happening place for….gorillas! There are very few places in the world where you can experience a Silverback Gorilla in its natural habitat, and Rwanda is one of them! 

As we dish out more about our Volunteer Trips, we'd love for you to join in on the fun with Facebook and Twitter!

2013 Volunteer Trips

When you decide to travel with a purpose with KPI, you're in for a trip of a lifetime...Get ready to be inspired!

As we're master planning away to create the coolest Volunteer Trips with Kids Play International possible, we figure it's only fair that we give you a sneak peek. With overwhelming response for ways to get involved, we are now offering three opportunities to experience KPI in Africa. 

Mark your calendars, here are the dates for the upcoming 2013 Volunteer Trips:

Rwanda: May 28th - June 10th (led by 4-time Olympian, Cameron Myler) 

Price: $1799 per person (plus airfare) *add $750 for Gorilla Trekking Permit

*Optional add-on Safari to Tanzania! 

Malawi: May 13th - 26th (led by Founder of KPI and 3-time Olympian, Tracy Evans)

Price: $1899 per person (plus airfare)

*Includes Safari to Zambia!    

Rwanda: July 14th - 28th (led by Olympic Silver Medalist & Yoga Instructor, Jaime Komer) 

Price: $1799 per person (plus airfare) *add $750 for Gorilla Trekking Permit

*Optional add-on Safari to Tanzania!

Wait, There's a Life Beyond Sports? That's Silly Talk!

We've all heard the stories about the high school athlete getting signed to a professional team, forgoing the college route, and then somehow injuring themselves so severely that they can no longer play. This is a heart wrenching moment in someone's life, when their dream of continuing their athletic journey comes to sudden stop. 

Though this unfortunate story is not too common, the choice (forced or optional) to finally stop playing a sport is one that most of us have experienced at some point in our lives. We're talking all levels, high school, college, pro, Olympic. Heck, let's even go back to AYSO.

Some of us crazy kids are so athletically driven that once we reach the point of hanging up our jersey (or goggles, suits, caps, you get the drift), we might be completely dumbfounded at the direction to take our lives. What's next?

Wait, did I just hear my parent's voice? "Education is more important than playing sports. You can't play sports for your entire life, can you?" Well, I suppose they've got a point, even Kobe Bryant will retire one day. And very few of us will be retiring with his benefits! 

What I love about Kids Play International is the simple yet ideal purpose to the program. We give children the opportunity to play sports. To learn all the life lessons we will inherently pick up when training, working with others, and competing. The clever bit (like my parent's voice in the back of my head) is that these kids who are involved with KPI are given opportunities for scholarships, to continue their education. So that they may continue to grow, beyond their love for playing sports. 

Because no matter how good we are or how much we love it, at some point in our lives it will be time to change directions and create new opportunities for ourselves. Where the heck will we go? That's for you to decide. The world is yours my friend, go get it! 

Save the Date: On September 24th, join us for Cocktails for a Cause in New York City at the 48 Lounge! 

Follow KPI on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!

Professional & Olympic Athlete Ambassadors

Giving Back
The power and influence of sports. Before we can learn the life lessons that have helped mold us into who we are today, we must have the opportunity to play. Many Olympic and Professional Athletes have taken this to heart and dedicated their time and knowledge to sharing their love of sports with others.

What is an Athlete Ambassador?
KPI partners with professional and Olympic athletes who are passionate about their sports and giving back. They not only want to make a difference in the lives' of children in Africa but are passionate about traveling with a purpose. We're all about supporting our Athlete Ambassadors by sharing their stories and successes, and we love that they share KPI's!

Who are KPI's Athlete Ambassadors?

Anne Poulin - Professional Soccer Player

Cameron Myler - 4-time Olympian in Luge

Chanda Gunn - Olympic Bronze
Medalist for USA Hockey

Emily Cook - 2-time Olympian in Freestyle Skiing

         

Jaime Komer - Olympic Silver Medalist for USA Water Polo

Psst...

Do you know know an elite athlete that embodies the core values of KPI? Send us an email with a brief description of the athlete and why you think they'd be a great addition to the KPI Team!

Please email: jaime@kidsplayintl.org.

Are you in the loop?
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram (found under "kidsplayintl"). Check out Facebook or click here for all the snazzy info and latest updates on our Cocktails for a Cause event in New York City.

*Photo of Jaime Komer by Jeff Farsai.

Cocktails for a Cause in NYC!

Who's ready to dance, bid, walk the red carpet, drink, chat, and laugh the night away in true style? That's right my philanthropic party lovers, Cocktails for a Cause is heading to New York City!

Kids Play International's first annual East Coast fundraiser will take place at the luxurious 48 Lounge on September 24th. This stellar location will set the mood for an evening celebrating and supporting KPI's Let's Play! and Girls Dream Big programs. 

Here's the quick little dish about these two great programs:

Let's Play! is a community sports education program in Gatagara, Rwanda. We currently have an outstanding program director and several local coaches leading over 300 children through the after-school program. 

Girls Dream Big is a scholarship program that helps identity girls who are in need of funding to continue or finish their schooling, while empowering and supporting them through sports. 

The Juicy Goodness
This is a chance for us all to get together, learn about and support a very special organization, and even rub shoulders with some Olympians! If you have yet to visit Rwanda or Malawi with KPI, this is also the perfect opportunity to chat with the volunteers and athlete ambassadors who have first-hand experience. Maybe by next year, you'll be sharing your own KPI volunteer trip experience! 

I Need My Ticket!
We make things eazy-peazy. You can purchase your tickets online here for $30 or $40 at the door (ticket receipt is required at door). 

Not Able to Make it?
Even if you happen to be galavanting around the world, we still whole-heartedly appreciate your support. If you'd like to donate (believe it or not, $25 sends a Rwanda child to primary school for one year), please peruse here. 

Don't Forget to Bring Your Bidding Paddle
Just kidding, we won't be doing live bidding (that get's wild!). But you're still in luck, we'll be hosting a packed silent auction. With all these professional athletes that KPI is involved with, my guess is that there will be some pretty hot and unique items available. Happy bidding!

Nitty Gritty
Cocktails for a Cause
Monday, September 24th 2012
6:00pm − 9:00pm
48 Lounge
1221 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10020

Warning: Symptoms of the Olympic Fever

I recently returned home from a jaunt across the pond to cheer at the Olympic Games and appear to have symptoms possibly related to the Olympic Fever. 

Have you heard of this serious illness? For the past year it's been spreading and gaining momentum across the globe. I'm surprised the World Health Organization has not posted an international alert (maybe they've caught it and keeping it under wraps).

Please review the following symptoms to see if you or a loved one have fallen ill to the Olympic Fever. We strongly suggest taking precaution when attempting to diagnose a loved one or friend, they may attempt to dress you up as a Wenlock (cyclops mascot, quite scary indeed). 

*You don't leave home without wearing a cape of your country's flag. And why wouldn't you, it looks better than a Snuggie and you feel like the Caped Crusader. 

*When making a reservation at a restaurant, you place your reservation under William and Kate or Elizabeth and James (Bond, James Bond).

*You now do a victory dance at the end of every workout. 

*As you take your dog for a walk, you now greet neighbors with Usain Bolt dance moves. And then you run as fast as you can around the block. 

*You've created i.d. credentials for yourself and any other VIP's allowed into your Sponsored Hospitality House (aka your home).

*You now place your priceless pin collection in a safe (and you know who to talk to on the black market to get more).

*You have competed and/or hosted a Beerolympics, where you drink a beer from as many different countries as possible (you know the rules, you must be standing at the end to win. Don't forget to make a podium in your house to accept your medal).

*You now strut your stuff in a speedo (don't forget your goggles). And if you don't already, you shave your arms, legs, and back. So speedy!

*You attempt to start the wave at office meetings. A round or rectangular table is ideal for such an event. Horn blowers are optional.

*You stand on the curb of a busy street waiting to cheer all cyclists who ride by.

*You attend your children's athletic events covered in body paint and holding a cheer sign. Who cares if they're only in kindergarden.

Note: There is currently no known cure for the Olympic Fever. Studies may suggest that symptoms will slowly decrease, though there is no concrete research confirming this. Now where the heck did I put my cape? 

Blog by: Fierce competitor in Beerolympics and creator of the Komero Hospitality House, Jaime Komer.

The Nitty Gritty on KPI

Have you ever thought about supporting a nonprofit organization but weren't entirely sure how effective your contribution would be? Ha, I'm right there with you! I want to see numbers, pictures, stats, the real deal! 

Without further ado, we'd like to share with you the impact that Kids Play International has had on the  youth of Africa*.  It's profound, inspiring, educational, and encouraging (at least we think so, we hope you feel this same!).

Since 2008, here's some ways how KPI has shared the love of sports and education:

-We've established our first Let's Play year-around community sports education program. This program started with 20 kids and has grown to over 300!  

-We have set up a sports room in Malawi and two in Rwanda. These rooms are full of donated equipment that the children of the Let's Play program get to use.

-In May, we organized our first ever Coach's Workshop, training 10 local coaches and even one program director. 

-Through our Girls Dream Big! empowerment program, we are giving the opportunity for over twenty young women to finish their education.

-We have provided over $5000 worth of sports equipment (including soccer uniforms to over 100 kids!).

-Whether it be a new sport or a familiar one, these kids love to play! We've taught baseball, softball, track and field, volleyball, American football, and possibly the most popular sport in the world, soccer.

-It's always great to partner up for a good cause! KPI works with OlympAfrica, City of Joy-Rwanda, and the Rwandan Olympic Committee.

*Try as we might, numbers, pictures and stats still can't describe the real deal experience of helping a child in person. That's why we have volunteer trips!

Fun Facts About Rwanda

A particularly cool perk about spending time in Rwanda with Kids Play International (KPI) is the authentic experience of the culture. With the Let's Play program being held in a small village called Gatagara, we venture off the beaten track and literally onto the not-so-frequented roads. That's right, get ready for some 4-wheeling! 

Now that we have our 2013 Volunteer Trips scheduled and your brain must be overflowing with questions about Rwanda, we'd like to share some fun facts about this beautiful country. 

Warning: These fun facts will not provide the full-on authentic experience that you will get when going on a trip. If we could bring over a silverback gorilla to show you, we would. 

RWANDA

"the land of a thousand hills"

Where am I? Rwanda is surrounded by four countries, Burundi, Tanzania, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. In Africa, the country is located smack in the middle and a tad to the right (that sounds more official than Central/Eastern Africa, right?). It's also 75 miles south of the equator.

Who's there? The population is approximately 12 million people. Though Rwanda is densely populated, the lush landscape leaves your eyes gazing over the horizon and its endless rolling hills.

Lions, tigers, and bears, oh my! With the unique landscape there is a variety of animal life to match it.  There is a national park in the east called the Akagera National Park, which has large animals including hippo, giraffe, zebra, elephant, and other animals you might see in the savannah.
There are two national parks that have a forest vegetation, the National Volcanoes Park (primates including the renowned silverback gorilla) and the Nyungwe Forest National Park (chimpanzees and monkeys).
*KPI volunteer trips visit the National Volcanoes Park!

Rain or shine? Rwanda has two rainy seasons and two dry seasons. Rwanda is at a higher altitude, which helps explain the rich, fertile soil. Don't worry, we do our best to visit Rwanda when the weather is at its best.

Hi, bonjour, & muraho! The official language of Rwanda is Kinyarwanda, French, and English.

Would you like something to drink? With all this lush landscape, all sorts of things are growing! The major the exports here are coffee and tea. Yum!


Such a tease, there's so many more! Stay tuned to see what else this vibrant country is all about!

Olympism, the foundation of Kids Play International

Here's a question for you. What was your favorite Olympic moment growing up? A race, an event, a story, a triumph? Did it inspire you to think beyond the norm and dream BIG? Heck ya, it did! That's the beauty of the Olympic Games, they're a time for setting and reaching ferociously audacious goals, celebrating athletics at its purest, and bringing countries together.

The Core
When you pull away all the layers of the Olympic Games, you come to the core definition of Olympism: "The practice of sport is a human right. Every individual must have the possibility of practicing sport, without discrimination of any kind and in the Olympic spirit which requires mutual understanding with a spirit of friendship, solidarity, and fair play."

This is the true essence of Kids Play International.  Needless to say we're pumped up about the upcoming Games, as they're a welcomed reminder of what can be achieved when you have a dream and a goal. Cheesy? Maybe a little. Inspiring? Absolutely (which rules out the cheesiness).

Two Olympians in action! Perhaps we found a new Olympic sport?

This summer is about to get wild. I'll be making a raucous in London as a social media Storyteller for lululemon athletica. They will be hosting some rockin' events in town, while sharing the gift of yoga with the international community. Let's get our game face on, cheer signs out, and cover ourselves in body paint, it's time to put you smack dab in the middle of all the excitement! Be sure to check in here for behind-the-scenes stories and adventures!

On our trip to Rwanda, Emily Cook (Olympian and elite ambassador for lululemon) and I had a chance to get our yoga on...in the rain!

Not too familiar with yoga or lululemon? Have no fear, my dear! lululemon is a yoga inspired athletic wear company that also offers in-store complimentary yoga classes. You can check each store's website for details.

A Healthy Combo
Get ready folks, the 2013 trip calendar includes a Yoga Volunteer Trip! We'll have the opportunity to lengthen, strengthen, restore, and reenergize while giving back in the lush land of a thousand hills. All levels welcome, stay tuned for all the delightful details!



psst! My favorite Olympic moment from growing up? Honestly, anytime the Olympic fanfare by John Williams came on, I'd be glued to the TV, like a dog and his dingleberries. It became a big part of my pre-game music mix during college (the song, not the d-berries).

This athletic-loving blog is by: Jaime Komer
These too-cool-for-school photos are by: Don Cook

The Great KPI Volunteer Recap!

A Lively Bunch
What happens when you put ten motivated and successful individuals in a foreign country together for two weeks?

Nothing less than an unforgettable adventure!  Just like any sports team you've ever played on, it's wonderful when a group can naturally become cohesive, with each each person adding their own unique twist and pizazz to the mix.  

Let me introduce you to our lively crew of 10: Tracy Evans, Cameron Myler, Emily Cook, Anne Poulin, Kathy Kendrick, Cindy Burkhardt, Kirsten Elleby, Don Cook, Janelle Allen, and myself, Jaime Komer.  As usual, Don Cook is hiding behind the camera!

A Resilient & Vibrant Land

Powerful.  Moving.  Emotional.  These are just a few things that come to mind when taking in the experience when visiting the Genocide Memorial.  
The Children's Wing (right) is an area dedicated to the youth of Rwanda who were murdered during the genocide.  Countless photos hang on the wall, some with personal descriptions of the child's name, a favorite activity, a best friend, and finally, how they died.  Needless to say the emotions one feels when walking through this area is profound and heart wrenching.  Yet it is something that I think we should all experience to help us to better understand this country's history, culture, and livelihood.  


Let's Play Kids Camp

Kids Play International (KPI) put on a special three day Let's Play Camp in Gatagara, the same town where the colorful KPI Sports Room is located.  We were expecting about 100 kids and guess what, we knock the ball out of the park with approximately 300 kids attending!  


So how exactly do ten KPI Volunteers and several Rwandan Coaches motivate and challenge 300 kids?  Maybe you'll just have to come out to get a first hand experience!  We did it all: Volleyball, baseball (for most, a new sport to learn!), soccer, and track & field!  

A major highlight during this time for me (and I'm guessing for a few others!) was seeing the joy that playing sports can bring to a child. This is something that is shared cross-culturally, across borders, and across the world.  
At the end of our camp, we handed out certificates, photos, and a goodie bag full of school supplies!  
What a special opportunity to bring the community together and support a healthy and active lifestyle!  

Coaches Clinic

This was the first Kid's Play Coaches Clinic held in Rwanda and we had a great turnout!  This was a special time to share with all the coaches the core values behind KPI (do you remember the first core value we chatted about last week?  Hint: it starts with an "S").

It was also a chance for us to get to know each coach and learn about their goals and core values when coaching!

Gorillas in the Mist

How close can you get to a gorilla in their natural habitat?  Apparently pretty gosh-darned close!

Rwanda is known for its lush landscape, rolling hills, and of course the majestic gorillas!  So human-like in their gestures and mannerisms (though I did notice that they did appear to pass gas a bit louder than most humans do), being in the presence of these gorillas left me awestruck and mesmerized (no longer talking about the gas, mind you).

Truly an adventure worth putting on that bucket list of yours, gorilla trekking takes you right into the jungle to the gorilla family.  Each family is followed by trackers who radio to your Ranger where to meet them.  These trackers not only stay with the gorillas all day (they sleep outside the jungle at night) but also help protect the families from poachers.  

This is truly but a nutshell of our life-changing experience on the May 2012 KPI Volunteer Trip.  

"Life-changing" is a big statement.  But let's face it, this was a big trip.  

This blog was written by:  Jaime Komer

These gorgeous photos were taken by: Don Cook

Why SCHOOL is an important part of SPORTS!

Kids Play is kicking off July with a spotlight on one of our SPORTS for Life values: SCHOOL!

No question that SPORTS are at the heart of everything that Kids Play does: we love teaching kids in our Let’s Play! program in Rwanda how to spike a volleyball, hit a home run, dribble a soccer ball and pass a baton. However...as much as we love teaching kids how to excel ON the field (our founder, Tracy Evans, is a 3x Olympian, so no surprise!), we really love using sport as a tool to teach life lessons that can be used OFF the field. 

Kids Play's SPORTS for Life values are the foundation of our Let's Play! community sports education program and our Girls Dream Big empowerment program. 

Here's what those SPORTS values are all about!

• S: school – importance of getting an education
• P: physical fitness – leading an active and healthy lifestyle
• O: opportunity –  equal opportunities for both girls and boys
• R: respect – for yourself and others
• T: teamwork – achieving more by working together
• S: self-esteem – building confidence in yourself and your abilities 

Warming up before our Let's Play! program

In our Let's Play! program, after the kids take a warm-up lap around the field, we gather in a circle and discuss one of the SPORTS for Life lessons. We focus on just one lesson every week, which gives our in-country coaches the chance to engage the kids in a two-way conversation and get them thinking about how they can use the lesson in their own lives. 

So, SCHOOL...why is it one of Kids Play's core values? According to UNICEF, physical education has been shown to improve the learning performance of kids by increasing school attendance and the desire to succeed academically. One of the UN's Millennium Development Goals is to ensure that by 2015, children everywhere - both girls and boys - will be able to complete a full course of primary schooling. While many African countries are getting close to achieving that goal, there's still a problem with kids - particularly girls - starting, but then not finishing, school. More than 30% of primary-school students in sub-Saharan Africa drop out before graduation. 

Tracy and the kids taking a break from the field

We use our Let's Play! program to address the problem by engaging the kids in discussion and reinforcing the importance of staying in school. Kids Play also identifies kids who are not in school and provides financial sponsorship so that they are able to complete their educations.

We agree with UNICEF: sport is not just an end in itself, but also an effective tool to help improve the lives of children, families and communities!

We’ve got volunteer trips to Africa on the books for May and June of next year, so come check out our programs and our SPORTS for Life values for yourself! 

Til next time!