WHS Houston Service Trip
Wellesley High School: Rebuilding Houston, Texas
Description
In 2017, Hurricane Harvey made landfall on the coast of Texas causing catastrophic flooding over subsequent days displacing more than 30,000 people. Your rebuilding efforts following this natural disaster will help people get back into their homes. Learn about the struggles facing people in Houston and the importance of environmental health in response to natural disasters.
Trip details:
Trip Dates June 22nd, 2019 to June 29th, 2019 (8) days total
Duration 8 Days
Travel Company Rustic Pathways
Cost $2,045 plus Airfare (Estimated Airfare $400)
Service Component 20 Service Hours
Itinerary:
Arrive in Houston - Day 1 - Arrive at the Houston Airport where you will be greeted by Rustic Pathways staff. Settle into your hotel for the night and receive an orientation to the impactful days ahead. Your first day will depend on flights and the arrival time of your group. Flight Details: TBD . Overnight: Houston, TX Hotel
Volunteer and See the City - Days 2 – 4 - Partner with a local NGO to help Houstonians recover from the devastations of Hurricane Harvey by working on rebuilding homes. Service could include hanging drywall, painting, installing flooring or similar projects. Conclude your day by enjoying one of Houston’s urban green spaces and discuss the impact of the floods. Overnight: Houston, TX Hotel
Food Bank Service and Museums - Day 5 - Volunteer at the Houston Food Bank: the largest food bank in America. Learn about this organization’s nutritional approach to feeding the hungry before working in the kitchen or warehouse. Then discover the world from dinosaur skeletons to the modern natural ecosystems of coastal Texas at the Museum of Natural Science. Reflect on what you’ve learned through service and discuss topics related to disaster management, flood prevention, and urban planning. Overnight: Houston, TX Hotel
Final day of Service - Day 6 - Rebuild homes or work with an environmental organization dedicated to preserving Texas wetlands and natural spaces. Discover how wetlands and natural spaces create a natural buffer that help to absorb the impact of hurricanes and floods. Service could include learning about native species, removing invasive species, planting native grasses or maintaining trails. Overnight: Houston, TX Hotel
Explore Space Center Houston and Kemah Boardwalk - Day 7 - Learn about NASA’s history, technology and current endeavors to visit Mars. See what life is like on the International Space Station and take a tram tour to see the Space Center’s operations. In the afternoon ride roller coasters and play arcade games on the coast at the Kemah Boardwalk. Discuss how your experience in Houston has wrapped up and what you can do to continue your efforts when you return home. Overnight: Houston, TX Hotel
Return Home - Day 8 - Have your final breakfast in Houston, then say goodbye to the Rustic Program Leaders. Look back on the friendships you made and the work you put into rebuilding Houston as you drive to the airport. Flight Details: TBD