Our 2012 Trips are underway and having a great time! Our trip leaders will be updating us from their countries and we will post any news we get right here! 
So, to stay up to date on the 2012 expeditions, this is the place to be. 

Here are a few group shots of the expeditions that are currently taking place. 

Fiji 1

Peru 1

 

Tonga 1

 

Belize 1

A Letter from a 2010 participant...

Tessa went to Peru with HEFY in 2010. She enjoyed here time serving the wonderful people of Peru. Since returning home to Boston she has continued to help those she met at the El Girasol orphanage. She is now a senior in high school and we recently received this letter updating us on her continued service. 

Here's a little bit about my work after I came home from Perú...

My expedition to Perú with Humanitarian Experience for Youth was

absolutely amazing. I fell in love with the country and the people I met

there, especially the kids at the orphanage. I realized how privileged

and blessed I am in my life, and I wanted to continue my service to the

great kids there. After I got home, I contacted the teacher administrator

associated with my school's spanish club and asked her if she was willing

to help me with my fundraising ideas, and she willingly accepted.

For the past two years now, I've been running the spanish club at my

school with the focus on fundraising for "El Girasol". We did a variety

of fundraisers ranging from leaf raking, bake sales, sales of specially

designed, "El Girasol" t-shirts among other things. 

I was so grateful for

the experience that I was able to have on the trip and its success in

motivating me to continue serving from my home in Boston. I hope that the

money I was able to  raise, with the help of the members of my club, will

be able to make a difference in the lives of the children of Perú.

Thanks again so much for all of your help! I really appreciate it!

Thanks,

Tessa

A Visit From Tonga

Our local coordinator from Tonga is here in Utah visiting family, and it's a blast having him stop by the office to help us coordinate details for the trip. So far he's met all the interns, helped us film a video, and been introduced to our tropical candy jar.

Our coordinator described to us the current state of mourning in Tonga after the death of their most recent King, George Tupou V. He himself was deeply saddened  by the loss of Tonga's leader, and the whole country will be in official mourning for the next three months. Anyone who is going with on our first expedition might expect to see some of the Tongan people wear black in respect of their King. Our hearts go out to the Kingdom of Tonga, and we are grateful and honored to serve with them in a few short months.

Participant Advice: Don't Be Nervous to Ask

To continue with our stories about Fundraising, here's what Katie (a 2012 Tonga participant) had to say:

"At first, I was very nervous to send out letters, letting other people know what I was going to be doing this summer.  I was afraid of the responses I would receive.  But in actuality, I have gotten nothing but positive feedback!  The local businesses, doctor offices, friends, family etc. are all very proud of my decision to give time and help serve others less fortunate in a different country.  I had multiple notes given back telling me that they wished they had been given the opportunity to enjoy such an adventure and to serve.  They were more than glad to help my costs.  The only bad response you can get is no response so don't be afraid or nervous, just do it!"

Thanks for the advice Katie!

Fundraising Tip: Ask Businesses

Cassie, a 2012 Peru participant, sent us a ton of donations from local businesses in her hometown. We asked her how she did it, and here's what she told us:

"I am really excited to go to Peru this summer! To raise donations, I went through the phone book and found local businesses. I also asked my parents for the names of their friends who would be likely to contribute. I wrote a letter, which used parts of the HEFY sample letters, and mailed it out to everyone on my list. I included a stamped return envelope. It is so fun to get checks in the mail. I think most people are very generous, and when they get an opportunity to help, they are willing to contribute."

Great idea Cassie! Thanks for sharing your success.

Being an Adult Coach is Spectacular!

Mary Dewey (2010 Trip Leader) her Dad (2010 Adult Coach) in Fiji

Summer is getting closer and we are still in need of Adult Coaches. I have been a trip leader for 5 HEFY expeditions and have seen the lives of our adult coaches change just as much as the youth who participate.  Being an Adult Coach on an HEFY expedition is not just about being a chaperone for the youth, it’s about being a mentor, a friend, and a spiritual leader.

To be an adult coach you don’t need any special training, experience traveling, or be fluent in a foreign language. Our best adult coaches are just moms and dads who love the gospel and have a desire to serve with the youth of the church.

As an adult coach takes part in the humanitarian project, they work side by side with the youth. This has been an opportunity to share mission stories, give the youth confidence,  and build lasting relationships. As a Trip Leader I have often felt like I am too busy trying to run the program and work out details with the project that I don’t get nearly enough time to just be with the youth. I have been so grateful for the Adult Coaches, for the time and love they’ve shared with the youth in our groups. I know the youth really look up to them. I’ve also depended on them so much to help with Trip Leader responsibilities whether it’s running errands in town, helping a youth prepare a talk for a fireside, or keeping the group entertained with magic tricks while we wait longer than expected for dinner.

A couple years ago I was able to bring my own dad on a trip. I was engaged at the time so it was our last trip together just father and daughter. I loved it. We really grew together and created memories that we still talk about today. Meeting other people was fun and exciting and I loved serving the people in Fiji, but the memories I made with my dad will always be my favorite.

At the end of each trip we have a final testimony meeting, I am always touched by the feelings the Adult Coaches express about the ways the experience has really changed them. Check out some of the things the past Adult Coaches have said about their experiences. 

 “The youth participants were inspiring, the interaction with the local members was enlightening, and the service was both challenging and deeply meaningful.”

-Rachel Esplin Odell, Peru 2010

“This trip has changed my life. I went as an adult coach to 20 of the most amazing young people I have ever met. I grew to love the people immensely.”

-Tracy Riley, Fiji 2010

“I was able to take the time to go on this trip with my daughter. We will never be the same. I think the parent/leader program is great and very valuable.”

-Bryce Clayton, Peru 2010

“HEFY deserves my glowing endorsement. As a parent leader, I would have no hesitation recommending HEFY to other parents or their children.”

-Selena Pannell, Peru 2010

As a past trip leader I have to say, our trips would not be successful if it wasn’t for our wonderful Adult Coaches.  

-Mary Dewey

Program Manager for HEFY

More Fund Raising Success!

Last week we received a thick envelope from Kiera, who is coming to Fiji with us this summer. Inside was a large stack of checks she received from friends and family to go towards to her expedition. Here's what she had to say:

 
"Most of my fundraising came from putting together different parts of the sample letters on the HEFY website and sending them out. I sent out over 100 letters to friends and family, telling about what we will be doing to help the people of Fiji. I loved receiving donation mail everyday because it showed how much people actually care and want to help out. I'm so grateful for everyone that helped donate and although I was hesitant to ask others at first, it turned out to be a huge help."



Don't hesitate or fear fund raising. It makes it possible for anyone to go on an HEFY trip, and we promise it works.