Builders Beyond Borders Announces 2019 Trip Destination

NORWALK, CT - From Builders Beyond Borders: Builders Beyond Borders (B3), a local non-profit organization that empowers high school students through local and international community service, has selected Guatemala as the destination for winter/spring of 2019. The announcement was made during the organization’s ‘Despedida’, an annual event celebrating the accomplishments of the year.

“The students are thrilled. Guatemala is one of our most popular destinations,” said Amy Schroeder-Riggio, Executive Director of B3. “Guatemala is a poor country, but it has a rich history, a vibrant culture and an abundance of natural beauty. While our volunteers will be helping communities in need, they they will also have the chance to visit an amazing country they might never visit on their own.”

Since 1992, Builders Beyond Borders (B3) has been revealing the power of volunteerism to high school students through immersive experiences designed to build character, responsibility, and leadership skills.

While on their service trip, students live and work alongside their host community to build sustainable facilities that address the struggles of the community, be it a school, aqueduct, or medical clinic. The work is varied and physical, from setting block to digging trenches, but, as in all aspects of the program, students will be supplied with all the knowledge and tools they need to succeed. Students raise approximately 80% of their share of program expenses including building materials, airfare, and accommodations. B3 raises the remaining 20% through events, grants, and other donations.

Enrollment begins in the spring and summer and students stay involved during the fall and winter months through local community service and team building activities, which lead up to the international service projects in February, March, and April.

Builders Beyond Borders will be hosting an Open House on Sunday, June 10th from 3:00pm – 5:00pm at the organization’s headquarters – 66 Fort Point Street in Norwalk, CT.

Students and parents interested in learning more about the B3 program will have the opportunity to see photos and videos of previous projects as well as talk to current students and adult volunteers. In addition, all attending the Open House will receive a special B3 goody bag.

Enrollment is open for the 2018/2019 program year. Dates for the Guatemala service trip align with school vacations: February 16-23, March 9-16, or April 13-20. For more information or to attend the Open House at the B3 office, visit BuildersBeyondBorders.org, email at info@buildersbeyondborders.org or call at (203) 847-5220.

“I can’t wait to go to Guatemala next year,” said Amanda Samuels, Staples High School class of 2019. It’s going to be my fourth year with B3 and I know it’s going to be incredible like the past

three years have been. I am so grateful that I decided to join Builders Beyond Borders freshman year; it's one of the best decisions I've ever made”

ABOUT BUILDERS BEYOND BORDERS:

Builders Beyond Borders (B3) is a non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization that builds character, responsibility and leadership by engaging high school students in local and global community service. B3 has an outstanding record of accomplishment over its 27-year history, having mobilized over 6,800 volunteers to build 143 homes, 89 classrooms, 26 community centers, 12 youth and daycare centers, 13 aqueducts, 398 latrines, 4 bridges and an agricultural center, among the various project categories they engage in. B3 has completed projects in Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guyana, Honduras, Nicaragua, Peru, and Tobago. Each year, B3 contributes over 20,000 hours of service in benefit of communities in need.

Image via Builders Beyond Borders