“A couple weeks in Panama City doing a photography project with some kids from Casa Esperanza, was an experience as positive and rewarding as any that we’ve had in two years on the road.” Muskoka “are more than just a volunteering dating agency, however, and even though the Muskoka staff are overlanders themselves they are virtually with you all the way.”
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EarthCircuit blog, Panama City volunteer |
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“I am so grateful to the Muskoka Foundation for organizing this experience for me. I am absolutely in love with the actions they are taking, and what they are promoting through their organization. I look forward to using their services on one of my future adventures!” Becky Conlon, Napi Friendship Association, Pincher Creek, Alberta volunteer |
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“It was awesome to see the kids start using some of their new knowledge to critique each other’s photos or to decide which of their own photos were the best. I enjoyed the chance to share something I am passionate about and reflect on my own photography. It was also inspiring to be included within the tribe of travelers that Muskoka connects throughout the world”. Jay and Sharon, Napi Friendship Association, Pincher Creek, Alberta volunteers |
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“The experience was very meaningful to us because we were able to see how those girls were conscious about the help they had received from different people and instead of spending their money on clothes, they gave it away. They became part of the effort of helping others. That was very rewarding to us! As you move along and get experiences like that, you will realize that helping other is worth it. What you get from them and from the experiences, will immediately turn you into a completely new person. Your life will become meaningful and you will realize what truly is valuable and meaningful in this world.” Bagna and Efrain, Latin American Volunteers |
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“Igniting the latent curiosity that existed in these bright and budding minds through a continuous dance of observation and adaptation was by far one of the most humbling and privileged experiences of our lives. We will never forget the faces of Pai, Xiong, Zhou, Sha, and LiChun and that (literally) speechless week we spent together.” Pat Wilson, Dali, China volunteer |
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“The center is exclusively run by a combination of both local and international volunteers. It was the ideal location for the Muskoka Foundation to have a strong positive impact…. Since the center was established, Tio Lino estimates he has assisted or mentored over 10,000 children in Rocinha, including the transition of 47 people out of drug gangs and into microfinance enterprises…During the course of this project I was able to observe the children of the center play in many different ways and spaces in various sets of circumstances…The incredible resiliency of children is something that is well known to anyone who has had the pleasure of spending a lot of time in their company.” Margaret Day, Rio de Janiero volunteer |
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“With our visits to Muskoka, we were convinced of the positive influence that photography programs can have in these children’s lives as it gives them a creative and constructive means of expression while showing others the world through their eyes. “ Aren and Serafina, Columbia volunteers |
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“The most rewarding part, however, was hearing the pride in my students’ voices when they showed off their work to their classmates. In five days two of those handicapped with sharing cameras had gone from taking fuzzy snapshots of each other to actually producing fine art worthy of being hung and enjoyed by all. The part of the story that leaves me both speechless and honored to have worked with the boys? Prior to this workshop, only one of the original nine boys had ever held a digital camera.” “Thinking about how to give back to the communities you visit is important when traveling and meeting more of the real people makes for a more fulfilling experience. After all, travel is more about the people you meet than the places you see.” Ann Lockley, Chinley, Arizona volunteer |
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“Through the Muskoka Foundation, I ran a small photography workshop for two days, introducing 15 kids to newly donated cameras and teaching them about the rule of thirds, framing and composition. The short-term goal is to get the kids to take a photo-story about a bakery that their center is running. The long-term goal is to give the kids a creative skill-set in photography, allowing them to tell their story.” “The Muskoka Foundation aims to enrich the travels of overlanders as they volunteer at remote community organizations and I can attest to the impact that experience will have on the traveler. I feel satisfied at having been a small part in a skills transfer experience to orphans who are starting out life with a disadvantage. I hope this skill of learning how to take good photographs enriches their lives in some way, and if not, it has at least facilitated an exchange between the haves and the have-nots of this world and we need more of that. “ Jay Kannaiyan, South Africa volunteer |
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“The team works seamlessly together as though we’ve known each other for years. It’s amazing what a common focus and passion can do. We accomplish more in a half day than we might have expected in a few long days.” “It’s amazing the power a camera has to fully engage and invoke creativity from kids. It’s also a powerful reminder for us that the small things make a huge difference here… each visit makes a big impact to these girls… A day, an afternoon or even a few hours with these kids make a difference.” Bryan and Jen, Guanajuato, Mexico volunteers |
