Trek for Knowledge: Frequently Asked Questions
Why does BwB offer the Trek for Knowledge for students and teachers?
Throughout the school year, BwB program members work hard at fundraising to sponsor the construction of a BwB school in a developing country. Every single dollar that BwB program members raise goes to support the school construction! The Trek for Knowledge enrichment program allows BwB members to take their commitment to the next level!
The Trek offers BwB members the opportunity to see and participate, first-hand, in the result of their fundraising work. The Trek also demonstrates the important thread of community service that runs through all that BwB does.
How do I apply for the BwB Trek for Knowledge?
Trek for Knowledge is open to freshman, sophomore and junior high school students who are active members of a BwB program at their school. Check the website to view the current Trek for Knowledge schedule and application deadlines.
What kind of work will Trek team members be doing during the Trek?
The greatest portion of the Trek Team's time will be spent in the rural Trek village. The Team's daily schedule will revolve around work on the construction site, as well as exploration of the lifestyle and culture of the host village. Half of the day will be spent working on the construction site. Trek participants will be expected to roll up their sleeves and get their hands dirty - digging the foundation, carrying sand, gravel, or water to the site, mixing concrete,
and moving bricks, among other tasks!
How long has BwB been doing Trek for Knowledge?
We took our first group of students and teachers on Trek in 1999. Since then, more than 800 participants have gone on 67 BwB Treks to seven different countries.
In addition to working on the school, what else will Trek participants experience?
Trek participants will be immersed in the rich culture of the host community. Living with host families will allow for total cultural immersion rather than typical tourism. Trek Team members will have the opportunity to eat local food, learn games from their host bothers and sisters, and listen to elders tell stories. In addition to family life, BwB staff will organize daily cultural workshops.
Depending on the country and village, students might get the chance to harvest coffee, milk a cow, learn a traditional dance, talk with a midwife, mix herbs with a traditional healer, get henna applied to their hands and feet, or make shea butter.
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Who will chaperone the students on the Trek Team?
Each Trek Team will be lead by two American BwB Staff members, and joined by BwB Staff who live and work in the Trek country. In addition, each Trek Team is comprised of both high school students and teachers. The teachers help to support the Trek Staff in chaperoning the student team members.
What does the Trek cost for its participants?
BwB is very fortunate to receive sponsorship for all Trek for Knowledge trips. Through generous support by financial donors, BwB covers the costs of travel and lodging for all Trek Team members, meals in the Trek village, as well as pre-departure training and post-travel follow-up for the Trek Team. The Trek Team members are responsible for the cost of personal items, including their passport, visa, immunizations, transportation to and from the airport of departure, personal souvenirs, and a recommended gift for the host family.
For passport costs, visit http://travel.state.gov/passport/get/fees/fees_837.html.
For a list of immunizations suggested by the Center for Disease Control, visit http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinationList.aspx.
While away, will Trek participants be able to communicate with home?
BwB will arrange for the Trek Team to call home upon arrival in the Trek country to let family in the U.S. know that they have arrived safely. As the Trek for Knowledge takes place in rural, remote villages, this is the only chance to call home for the duration of the trip. Before departure, family members will be provided with emergency contact information at the BwB office in the United States. BwB Trek Staff will remain in constant communication with
BwB Staff in the U.S., and therefore be able to respond to emergency situations.
What will BwB do in an emergency situation?
BwB takes all precautionary measures to ensure the safety and security of the Trek Team at all times. Prior to travel, BwB establishes a relationship with the United States Embassy in the Trek Country. BwB also collaborates with local authorities, and established organizations working in the vicinity to prepare for emergency situations. The BwB Staff will establish various contingency plans incorporating the use of a satellite phone, which enables the staff to communicate from all remote locations, as well as an emergency vehicle.
In the history of more than 70 Treks for Knowledge trips to seven countries around the world, BwB has not experienced a situation that has threatened the security of the Trek Team.
What kind of medical support is available to the Trek Team?
All BwB Trek Staff have completed an 80-hour Wilderness First Responder Course, which allows them to safely assess and make educated decisions regarding Trek Team member health and safety. For more information about the Trek Coordinators wilderness medicine credentials, visit http://www.wildmed.com.
BwB will also provide specific information and training to the Trek Team members about preventative and personal care. The Trek Team will learn about foods and beverages that are safe to eat, as well as basic hygiene. During the Trek, BwB Staff will travel with comprehensive medical kits to address first-aid needs. An emergency vehicle and driver is stationed in each Trek village. In addition, BwB Staff collaborates with local medical professionals to be prepared for complex medical needs. Finally, BwB purchases emergency medical evacuation insurance to cover every Trek Team member while traveling.
My Trek participant has particular personal or medical needs. How can I see that these are taken care of?
The BwB Staff will take care to be informed of any personal or medical needs of the individuals on the Trek Team. Should a Team member require specific care, the BwB Staff is available to provide this support. In preparation for travel, Team members will have ample opportunity to discuss their personal concerns and needs with the Trek Staff. Each Trek participant is required to complete a medical history form and visit their personal physician for authorization to travel with BwB to a remote village in the developing world.
What medical supplies does a Trek participant need to bring?
It is not necessary for Trek Participants to bring an extensive supply of medical supplies, as the BwB Staff will travel with a comprehensive medical kit. If a Trek Team member is taking prescription medications, the Trek Coordinator should be notified prior to departure.
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How important is it that a Trek participant has a current, valid passport?
It is critical that all Trek Team members possess a current, valid passport (or are guaranteed of having it in hand by the time of departure) before BwB can secure airfare for Team members. Team members will receive detailed information on how to obtain or update their passports and there is plenty of time to get a passport after acceptance onto the Team.
Do Trek participants need to receive vaccinations before traveling?
BwB believes in preventative medical care as the best way to avoid illness while traveling. BwB will provide a list of recommended vaccines from the Centers for Disease Control. Trek Team members will work with their doctors to determine which vaccine are right for them. For a list of immunizations suggested by the Center for Disease Control, visit http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinationList.aspx.
What are the host family accommodations like?
Trek Team members will spend their time in the Trek village living a lifestyle similar to those in the community. The accommodations are basic but comfortable. Local families volunteer to host a pair of Trek participants. Before the families are selected as hosts, BwB Staff visit their homes to assure that the accommodations are safe, clean and appropriate.
What about the bathroom?
Because we are traveling to remote village where villagers live simple lifestyle, toilet facilities are rustic. An open mind and willingness to "get over it"are necessary for Trek. Toilets might resemble an outhouse or a hole in the ground, depending on the Trek country.
Do Trek participants need to know the language spoken in the Trek village?
It is not a requirement that Trek Team members know the national or indigenous language of the Trek village. Local BwB Staff will assist the Team members with translation when necessary. However, Team members should expect to be immersed in the language, and participate with a positive attitude about getting past the language barrier! A positive attitude and the willingness to be silly and laugh go a long way!
Will Trek participants need to purchase new clothes and camping equipment in order to participate?
No! BwB strongly recommends that Team members bring clothes and supplies that they are comfortable getting very dirty during travel and intense work on the construction site. A second recommendation is that Team members consider borrowing equipment for the trip. Trek participants are provided with a detailed packing list after being accepted onto the Team.
What does it mean that each Trek participant has to "share the Trek experience with their community" when they return?
Trek Team members will receive training and support to share this experience through slide presentations. Each Team member will be expected to complete a minimum of eight presentations to their community – most of them in their school.
The Trek for Knowledge is an opportunity of a lifetime! The goal is to empower Trek Team members to bring this experience home so that others can benefit from the culture explored, the relationships made, and the lessons learned while living in the Trek village. These lessons are the ones that will enable each and every one of us to understand how we are truly a part of a global community.