Custom Trips

Great experiences are even better when they’re shared

Custom Trips

Gather up a team and get going

Create your own dream team, whether it’s family, friends, co-workers or classmates. We can design a custom volunteer trip for you and your group of six or more so you can change the world together and create a lifetime of memories.

What you’ll experience

Custom Volunteer Trip with Developing World Connections

Heart

Give yourself over to volunteer travel with meaning and purpose and you’ll find it touches you in ways you’ve never experienced before.

 

Custom Volunteer Trip With Developing World Connections

Mind

Open your eyes to a different world and your mind to a different connection with new people and a new culture. You’ll be surprised at how much you learn – not just about others, but about yourself.

Custom Volunteer Trip with Developing World Connections

Body

Stretch yourself by working hard to build a better life for others. You’ll get a deep-down feeling of satisfaction that comes not just from being physically tired, but emotionally content.

Custom Volunteer Trip with Developing World Connections

Soul

Changing lives feels like nothing else you’ve experienced. You’re not just affecting how someone else lives, you’re changing your own way of looking at things.

Where do you want to go?

Philippines

The Philippines are made up of more than 7,100 islands with a deep history and culture; you'll build a needed home or a school to make a brighter future

Trip: PHP01021.DH

Guatemala

Guatemala is distinguished by steep volcanoes, vast rainforests and ancient Mayan sites; its people are enjoying better health when they receive eco-stoves and community programs via DWC

Trip: GMA1021LUG

 

Most custom volunteer trips are not open to the public. Developing World Connections can take you to any of our destination countries and create a trip that works for you and your group.

Got questions?
We have answers.

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Ready to plan your trip?

Apply today »

“Our team of dentist and hygienists from Canada are all out in promoting dental care and eliminating cavities at Mt. Olives Academy at Consolacion, Cebu City. One toothbrush for each student on the program, toothpaste and hand soap enough for a whole year was distributed. What a blessing it is to work together with Developing World Connections, who are our partners in Canada, as they keep on sending teams to Cebu to help, this time with oral health promotion. It fit perfectly with the time of the year and distributing the oral kit of toothbrushes, toothpaste and hand soap to 14 different schools with about 25,000 kids who are on the program.”

 

Students from the College of New Caledonia Dental School

Custom trip to Cebu, Philippines

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Corporate Trips

Volunteering is all about connecting.

Corporate teams that help create change together also create stronger bonds that come from working as a team and sharing meaningful experiences. Being intentional and following through with commitments builds trust throughout business. Plan a corporate trip for your employees. They can make a difference in the world working together.

What you’ll experience

Walk the talk. We can help you fulfill objectives. Foster a culture with experiences that balance your values with genuine employee involvement with a Corporate trip.

Corporate Trip with Developing World Connections

Travel for the Heart

Create a connection with a community or a family that needs a hand up, not a hand out. You’ll discover just how great it feels to do hands-on volunteering while building camaraderie with the people you work with.

Corporate Trip with Developing World Connections

Travel for the Mind

Learn a few new words, meet new people and experience a new country. There’s so much to see and do not just on the project site, but in your free time, that you can’t help but make discoveries.

Corporate Trip with Developing World Connections

Travel for the Body

Do something different from sitting at a desk or whatever your daily routine involves. Learn new skills while working alongside your teammates, or even have a contest to see who can get the most done or do the best job.

Corporate Trip with Developing World Connections

Travel for the Soul

Find purpose in making a difference in someone else’s life and take a moment to reflect on your own. Meaningful volunteer work and travel has a way of touching everyone at a personal level.

Where do you want to go?

Choose any of our destination countries or our in-country partners. We’ll put together a trip just for you and your corporate team that will have an impact while creating connections and memorable moments.

Got questions?
We have answers.

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Ready to plan your trip?

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Corporations that have teamed up with DWC include:

Corporate trip with Developing World Connections

Fluent

Corporate trip with Developing World Connections

Hopewell

Corporate trip with Developing World Connections

Daybreak Rotary Kamloops

Corporate trip with Developing World Connections

Softchoice

Corporate trip with Developing World Connections

Arrow Transportation

Corporate trip with Developing World Connections

ASK Wellness

Corporate trip with Developing World Connections

Embassy Bosa

Corporate trip with Developing World Connections

Home Hardware Kamloops

“We boarded not one, but three planes and in all that I still wasn’t getting pumped up.  Everything seemed like a haze or a dream and I was just walking through it. It wasn’t until we were driving through Udaipur and pulled over to for a look at one of the lakes that it really hit me.

“As we began to meet the people we were to work with it was clear that the colour and energy felt around it came from the people themselves. Their excitement for the potential we bring with us shone as brightly as that pink camel.

“As I looked around, the true beauty of India woke me up and I became excited for the potential of what we could accomplish here!”

Tara Bradbury

Softchoice Corporate trip, India

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High School Trips

Make a difference

Whether it’s a few days or a few weeks, every bit of time you spend on a DWC project is helping a person, a family or a community. You might not start the project or you might not finish it – but we’ll make sure the job gets done. You’ll know that your contribution will make someone’s life better. Your efforts do have impact. Plan a High School Volunteer trip today.

What you’ll experience

High School Volunteer Trip with Developing World Connections

Travel for the Heart

Unite with your classmates while working on a project that makes life better for someone else. You’ll find out more about yourself in the process.

High School Volunteer Trip with Developing World Connections

Travel for the Mind

Discover what it’s like to volunteer abroad in a country where everything is different. There’s so much to learn and explore – adventure awaits!

High School Volunteer Trip with Developing World Connections

Travel for the Body

Dive into work alongside your fellow students and local labourers that makes you sweat for a great cause and leaves you satisfied in a way you’ve never felt before.

High School Volunteer Trip with Developing World Connections

Travel for the Soul

Find your passion as you realize that helping others makes you feel fantastic. Your perspective will change – and you’ll be happy it did.

Where do you want to go?

We will customize a trip for your high school or even a particular class. Most of our high school volunteer trips are destined for Guatemala, Peru, Cambodia or Kenya. Check out our destinations for information about these countries, then talk to us.

For parents and guardians

Give us your child, we’ll give you back a global citizen. You’ve protected your child his or her whole life. Now we’re asking you to trust us and let us send your teenager overseas to do volunteer work. We understand your concerns and it’s only right that you have questions. Let us answer them.

Why should your child go?

This is a rare chance for your teenager to take some steps toward independence but still be within the security of travelling in a chaperoned group with responsible adults making sure everything goes smoothly. Your son or daughter can focus on the experience itself, working hard on a project that has meaningful impact, seeing historic and cultural sights and getting exposure to a bigger world.

How safe is it?

Every trip is as safe as we can possibly make it, because we want students to have the best experience of their lives. We monitor any potential problems in countries where teams travel, our in-country partners advise us of any issues and our team leaders know the country, the culture and first aid. Parents are welcome to contact us at any time with their questions or concerns.

What about the cost?

Travel can get expensive; there are hotels, food, airfares and other costs to consider. That’s why young people going on DWC trips are encouraged and supported to do some fundraising. We can provide a fundraising guide and we’ll also issue a charitable tax receipt to anyone who donates $20 or more to your teenager’s overseas trip fund.

If you have more questions, feel free to contact us. We’re glad to set your mind at ease and reassure you that your child will be safe, secure and happy travelling with us.

Got questions?
We have answers.

Ask your question »

Ready to plan your trip?

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Schools that have sent students on DWC volunteer trips include:

Balmoral Hall school in Winnipeg, Man.

Balmoral Hall school

Winnipeg, Man.

Bodwell high school in North Vancouver, B.C.

Bodwell high school

North Vancouver, B.C.

Sa-Hali secondary school in Kamloops, B.C.

Sa-Hali secondary school

Kamloops, B.C.

Kuper Academy in Kirkland, Que.

Kuper academy

Kirkland, Que.

Panorama Ridge secondary school Surrey, B.C.

Panorama Ridge secondary school

Surrey, B.C.

St. Thomas Aquinas Brampton, Ont.

St. Thomas Aquinas secondary school

Brampton, Ont.

Trafalgar school for girls Montreal, Que.

Trafalgar School for Girls

Montreal, Que.

St. Andrews Catholic high school Victoria, B.C.

St. Andrews Catholic high school

Victoria, B.C.

“Overall this experience was fantastic, I’ve made long lasting relationships with the team members here and I truly don’t want to leave. The experience of Peruvian construction was one to test our strength and patience. We didn’t have a clear objective, but laid the groundwork and foundation for the support wall, as the next DWC team will be arriving soon after us.”

Kathryn Ferragina and Lucas Ortolano

Bodwell high school Custom trip, Peru

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Adult & Family Trips

Treasure the exhilaration of helping others

Volunteering has no limit – not age, not location and not length of service. Sign up by yourself or with friends or family and be part of a team travelling to a country where the need is great and where your actions count. Adult and Family trips can take you around the world, to one of many destinations.

What you’ll experience

Adult and Family Trips with Developing World Connections

Heart

Connect with local people in a new country as well as bonding with your fellow volunteers. Take time for reflection and reconnect with yourself.

Adult and Family Trips with Developing World Connections

Mind

Immerse yourself in a new culture, where everything is different: language, sights, smells, sounds, food, people and even animals. Learn about others and yourself through unique travel adventures.

Adult and Family Trips with Developing World Connections

Body

Work hard on a project that will have long-lasting impact for a family or a community. Rest your muscles while playing with curious children who always seem to come around to ‘supervise.’

Adult and Family Trips with Developing World Connections

Soul

Feel the deep inspiration that comes from creating positive change through volunteering. Develop a more profound sense of empathy and understanding from doing volunteer work that has meaning.

Where do you want to go?

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka features rugged rainforest, diverse wildlife, vast beaches and ancient Buddhist ruins; volunteers continue building up lives affected by poverty

Trips: SRL1120, SRL1020, SRL0320

Peru

Peru is home to the ancient Incan city of Machu Picchu and part of the Amazon rainforest; DWC's teams build schools that make education more accessible to those who need it most

Trips: PERL1020, PERL0420

Guatemala

Guatemala is distinguished by steep volcanoes, vast rainforests and ancient Mayan sites; its people are enjoying better health when they receive eco-stoves and community programs via DWC

Trips: GMA1120, GMA1021LUG

India

India's historic terrain stretches from the Himalayan peaks to the Indian Ocean coastline; DWC teams help people improve their lives in one of the driest parts of this vast country through water projects or education

Trip: IND1020

Cambodia

Cambodia spans low-lying plains, the Mekong Delta, and the Gulf of Thailand. Join a team and see the difference you can make for a family in need.

Trips: CMB1120, CMB1119

Nepal

Nepal is home to eight of the world's ten tallest mountains, including Mount Everest; DWC volunteers are building homes for people in need

Trip: NPL0320

Kenya

This East African nation features stunning coastline, savanna grasslands, mountain highlands and abundant wildlife, including lions, elephants and rhinos

Trip: KYA1020

Costa Rica

Make a long-lasting and significant impact with memories to last a lifetime

Trip: CRI0120

Philippines

The Philippines are made up of more than 7,100 islands with a deep history and culture; you'll build a needed home or a school to make a brighter future

Trip: PHP1120

Got questions?
We have answers.

Ask your question »

Ready to plan your trip?

Apply today »

“Today we had the honour of having the chief visit the site. He came to welcome our team and thank us for coming to help improve the community. He especially expressed gratitude for DWC coming in to help their community on their terms, in their ways and for not coming to try and change them.

“It is reassuring to know that we are employing many residents of the George Brook community. The husband and wife team breaking rocks for the cement are a great example of this; not only are we helping to improving their income, but also we are saving money for the project by not having the rock hauled in.”

Jacquie Shinkewski

Adult and Family trip, George Brook, Sierra Leone

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Youth & University Trips

You have the power

The work can be hard and you will get dirty, but along with the rewards of gaining solidarity and building friendships with people who live an entirely different life you will learn lessons that can’t be found in a classroom. These can be found on our youth and University trips.

 

What you’ll experience

Youth and University Trips with Developing World Connections

Travel for the Heart

Contribute to making someone else’s life better and discover that doing so not only makes them smile, but it also makes your heart feel bigger.

Youth and University Trips with Developing World Connections

Travel for the Mind

Explore everything that travelling to a new place and a new culture have to offer. Soak up everything around you, ask questions, be open to experience what makes your chosen country unique.

Youth and University Trips with Developing World Connections

Travel for the Body

Push yourself physically by working hard on a project that has significance and impact. You’ll be tired and probably sweaty, but it will feel so good.

Youth and University Trips with Developing World Connections

Travel for the Soul

Make a difference by volunteering and have an amazing time doing it. Meaningful work doesn’t have to be all serious – in fact, finding the fun and joy in it makes it an even deeper experience.

“We packed our bags last night and said goodbye to our host family early this morning. They have been so hospitable and accommodating during our entire stay and we were so glad to stay with them and experience village life! We are going to miss waking up to a cup of chai brought to our bedside, made with spices and fresh milk from our family’s cows. We are going to miss the rooftop with the most incredible view of the stars on a clear night. We are going to miss the food and our new Indian little brother who always wanted to play games on our phones. Most of all, I think we will miss the warmth of family that we got to watch and also be a part of for a short while.”

Vita, Ana and Mariana

Youth and University trip to Railmagra, India

Meet the team leaders

Keegan was born and raised in Kamloops, BC.  He graduated with honours from Sahali Secondary School in 2015 and was involved in many sports and volunteer activities.  He played basketball, volleyball, soccer and tennis throughout high school but basketball was his passion. He attends McGill University in Montreal where he is studying Physiology and continues to play many intramural sports and avidly volunteers. His love of travel has led him to participate in volunteer trips to Guatemala, Nepal and Peru.  He climbed Kilimanjaro in Africa and has also travelled to Europe and India. He is looking very forward to combining his interest in travel and volunteering as he leads a DWC trip to Nicaragua.

Keegan Marchand

DWC Student Team Leader

Jessica is a third year Public Affairs and Policy Management student. She was motivated  to become a DWC team leader after volunteering in Cambodia to build a water gate system and latrines for communities and work in Peru on a school library. She was driven to change the direction of her educational and career goals to focus on underdeveloped countries and helping others. Her volunteer vision fosters experiences and relationships that positively impact        volunteers lives as much as the projects’ impact the lives of those living in the community.

Jessica MacNeil

DWC Student Team Leader

Where do you want to go?

Philippines

The Philippines are made up of more than 7,100 islands with a deep history and culture; you'll build a needed home or a school to make a brighter future

Trip: PHP01021.DH

We will customize a trip for your group or university class. Currently our open youth and university trips are destined for Costa Rica, but we can take you to any of our destinations. Check out our destinations for information about these countries, then talk to us.

Youth and University Trips with Developing World Connections

Got questions?
We have answers.

Ask your question »

Ready to plan your trip?

Apply today »

Youth and University Trips with Developing World Connections

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