YMCA DIVERSITY INCLUSION AND GLOBAL

SERVE AND LEARN: FEBRUARY 19-27, 2016

YMCA Global Centers of Excellence Global perspective, responsibility and response have become mission and business imperatives for the YMCA in the United States. The YMCA of the Twin Cities, and other Ys like us, have taken on the challenge to become Global Centers of Excellence. Together we are building a network of YMCAs around the world to support life-changing programs and services that promote healthy spirit, mind and body for millions of people worldwide. The YMCA of Bogota, Colombia Partners together in this mission, the YMCA of the Twin Cities and the YMCA of Bogotá collaborate, sharing practices and perspective on youth work, social services, camping, and organizational development. The relationship benefits both parties profoundly. The Invitation In February 2016 the YMCA of the Twin Cities will send a delegation to support and learn from the YMCA in Bogotá. It will be an immersive, once in a lifetime experience. Participants will experience first hand the amazing work done by the Bogotá YMCA, contribute their own skills to support the mission, and take in Colombia’s breathtaking landscapes and culture. We would be honored if you would join us. Itinerary Registration and Cost Day 1-3: Serve. After arriving and spending a night in a $910 covers all , food, entrance fees, Bogotá hotel we’ll head to YMCA Camp , just south and housing (There is an additional $120 fee if you opt to of the city. We’ll spend the mornings constructing new not participate in the family homestay). Participants can team building elements and our afternoons and evenings expect to pay for their flight to and from Bogotá, souvenirs visiting nearby wilderness areas and wildlife reserves. and adult beverages. Day 4-6: Learn. Back in Bogotá we will visit YMCA social Participants will be asked to consider donating to support the service programs. We’ll see amazing work being done to work of the Bogotá YMCA at the end of the trip. Registration train young women for work and have meaningful can be found at tinyurl.com/pfuswk3. interactions with underserved youth. Trip Leader and Primary Contact Day 7-9: Enjoy. Not to say that there won’t be plenty of fun John Bussey, Program Director at YMCA Camp St. Croix, will every day, but the last days in Colombia will be reserved for be the main contact in preparation for the trip and guide the visits to incredible locations like the Museum, the trip alongside the YMCA Bogotá team. colonial city center, the Salt Cathedral, and overlook. We’ll enjoy a final celebration at a delicious He is fluent in Spanish, having participated in YMCA World traditional Colombian restaurant. Service with the YMCA of for a year and has helped to develop the relationship between the Twin Cities and Bogotá Frequently Asked Questions YMCA. An FAQ document that covers questions like “do I need to John can be contacted at: speak Spanish,” and “are there any pre-trip information sessions?“ has been created. It can be found at tinyurl.com/ (P) 612.465.0566 pfuswk3. (E) [email protected]