Trekforce in Central America

  Belize

• Other Cities in Belize: 
Rural Areas

  Guatemala

• Other Cities in Guatemala: 
Rural Areas

Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks and 3-6 months
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks

Description: Belize Jungle Training
A vital park of living in the jungle is knowing what to expect and how to deal with it. Therefore your Jungle Instructors typically military trained will teach you all you need to know, from how to put up your hammock, where to look for food and water, how to navigate. Your week of Jungle Training provides enough time for you to fully understand these new skills whatever your previous experience is. An exciting and informative week will leave you ready to head into the jungle.

Expedition and Trek
Trekforce works at the request of our host country partners like the Belize Forestry Department. As one of the world's most under-populated countries, there are large areas of Belize that are still unexplored. As the centre of the ancient Mayan culture, the Government's Archeology Institute believe there are numerous Mayan caves and artefacts to be found, catalogued and mapped.

We typically undertake a community based project to protect the local area, like the recent construction of a watch tower for Park Wardens or the proposed research station for scientist. We are typically one of the first people to enter these regions thus there are many opportunistic wildlife sightings as we head deep into the jungle. Cave tubing, zip line and ATV driving may also
be included.

Explore Guatemala
The Explore part of the programme takes you from the jungles of Belize to the communities of Guatemala. We head across the border to build your Central American experience by living with a host family. We are based here for month during which you attend formal Spanish Language lessons. A chance to explore this vibrant country.

Learn Spanish in Guatemala and teach in Belize
Having developed your existing Spanish or leant it for the first time, we now return to Belize and teach in rural schools, undertaking field trips with the children. You will not only develop your confidence in Spanish, but your public speaking and team leadership skills.

Dive and Survivors Party
To finish off your Trekforce adventure we head to the coast and then by boat to the barrier reef. Based on the cays we complete the PADI Discover Scuba introduction which includes a dive or snorkel on the surrounding reef. Swimming with Rays and Barracuda in the marine reserve is the ideal way to complete you Trekforce Expedition.

Highlights: Search for lost Mayan ruins and caves, explore remote wilderness areas, learn leadership and jungle survival skills, live in host families, experience two different countries in one programme, swim in the clear coral sea with barracuda and rays, teach in village schools, build communities and make friends for life in this incredible adventure.

Qualifications: Volunteers only require enthusiasm.

Cost in US$: 1,200 GBP to 4,100 GBP

Inclusions
Pre-departure meeting, all meals, airport pick-up, training, local transport, accommodation, emergency back-up and reunion party are included.

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: A Gapforce volunteer is 17 or over, fit to dive with enthusiasm to spend time living outside their usual home comforts.

Age Range: 17 plus

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Job and Internship Network

Gapforce's Mission Statement: We feel that with all of the air travel that is necessary to participate in our global projects it is right for us to take measures to balance out the CO2 that is produced. We have therefore taken the approved measures to ensure your Gapforce adventure is carbon neutral. We aim to have UK qualified medics or doctors on all our expeditions. We utilize BSI 8848; the provision of expeditions and adventurous activities outside the UK. We only have a positive impact on our environment. We also adhere to the Year Out Groups Code of Practice for Expeditions and are a part of the Foreign and Commonwealth Offices Know Before You Go campaign. We are an independent organisation with no corporate shareholders etc. We can therefore ensure your payment goes to where it's needed most: your project. Part of every allocation is specifically provided to help build the future of your selected community.

Year Founded: 1997