Expeditions

Several times per year Southern Cross Humanitarian takes groups to Peru, Ecuador and Colombia to perform humanitarian service.  Meeting your fellow expedition members, immersing yourself in the culture, serving those in need and working with the children becomes a life-changing experience.  Working beside the Latin American poor touches the hearts of those who give and those who receive.  Our expeditions are carried out in a safe and professional way to provide a unique and personal glimpse into the heart and soul of the Latin American world.  We invite you to come along and join us!

Humanitarian efforts with Southern Cross focus on working with local communities to provide solutions for the increasing number of children at risk in Latin America by focusing on:  1. Shelter, Food & Water;  2. Health & Hygiene;  3. Literacy and Education.  Projects on an expedition include building Drop-in Centers, dorms rooms, clinics, kitchens, bathrooms, elementary school assistance , or help in local villages providing hygiene kits, basic hygiene training, newborn kits and newborn training.

Expedition projects in 2010 will focus on breaking ground for our new Drop-in center in Ecuador, finishing the dorm rooms at the El Bichito in Cajamarca, Peru, heading to the jungle to construct a new Drop-in center with Yantalo, Peru, and working in our Colombian handicap Drop-in Center.  Medical and dental projects may be added to existing construction expeditions as medical personnel sign on.  The most important skills on expeditions are hard work and a good attitude.  When you sign up, remember you will be going to a developing nation that often lacks the quality of services you expect at home.  Things will go wrong.  That´s part of the 3rd world country adventure.  Patience and understanding go a long way towards making each of those situations enjoyable instead of frustrating.

To participate in one of our expeditions simply:  1. Download the Application below for your trip of interest;  2. Fill the application out, sign pages 3 & 4 and send it in with your full deposit;  3. We will contact you via email regarding preparations, packing, donations, and suggested international airfare.  (All airfare is not included in the expedition cost, but we will help coordinate tickets).  To get you started on your expedition, here are some answers to the most frequently asked questions.

Below is our current expedition calendar.  We have special group considerations, fundraising opportunities to help with your expedition expenses and discounts for those going on their 2nd or 3rd expedition!  Please contact us directly with any questions you may have.  The following expeditions are open to the public:

Date Place Expedition Leader - Excursion & Projects
December 26, 2009 - January 3rd, 2010 Peru In Conjunction with Ascend Alliance - Building new school & Sacred Valley
December 26, 2009 - January 5th, 2010 Peru Cameron Smyres - El Bichito (Little Bug) New Years Party, Machu Picchu
February 13 - 22, 2010 Peru Cameron Smyres - El Bichito (Little Bug) Summer Camp, Machu Picchu
(TBD - based on interest) Africa Cameron Smyres - Ghana
June 12 - 21, 2010 Peru Cameron Smyres - El Bichito (Little Bug) and Machu Picchu
July 1 - 10, 2010 Peru Cameron Smyres - Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu
July 11 - 20, 2010 Peru Cameron Smyres - Yantalo & Jungle stay (extended stays to see Machu Picchu can be arranged)
August 1 - 10, 2010 Colombia Mike Bennett & Henry Ponnefz - Cartagena, Alegria de Vivir
August 2 - 12, 2010 Ecuador Cameron Smyres - Otavalo Drop-in Center & Galapagos Islands
December 26, 2010 - January 4th, 2011 Peru Cameron Smyres - TBD & Machu Picchu

Colombia
Cost: $1750 ($1550 for those applying 3 months prior to expedition)
Download the Colombia Expedition Application
Includes 1 day Caribbean Island excursion to Islas del Rosario (Cocoliso Island resort). See application for details on what is included/excluded.
All airfare not included. See the Colombia expedition page

Ecuador
Cost: $1850 ($1650 for those applying 3 months prior to expedition)
Download the Ecuador Expedition Application
Includes 3-5 day Galapagos Islands excursion. See application for details on what is included/excluded.
All airfare not included. See the Ecuador expedition page

Peru
Cost: $1850 ($1650 for those applying 3 months prior to expedition)
Download the Peru Expedition Application
Includes 1 day Machu Picchu excursion. See application for details on what is included/excluded.
All airfare not included.

 

WAYS TO EARN & FUNDRAISE FOR A FREE EXPEDITION!
1 - For every two people you sign up on an expedition (besides yourself), receive a $100 discount off your expedition cost. For 5 people (besides yourself) receive $500 off your expedition. For signing up 10 people (besides yourself), you earn a FREE EXPEDITION!

2 - Each Albertson’s preferred card you sponsor is worth $10 off your expedition. (Check local Albertson’s Store for participation.)

3 - For every person you sign up for a one-year child sponsorship of $30/$60/$120 per month, receive a $50/$100/$200 discount off your expedition cost. Sign up 10 people for any one-year child sponsorship and receive a FREE EXPEDITION!

4 - If you'd like help writing a letter to friends, family and/or business to sponsor your expedition, please contact laura@sxhu.org.



On some expeditions, particular skills or trades are in demand, but usually everyone over 14 years of age is invited. Those 8-14 years old are invited provided both parents are on the expedition. Participants should be in good physical condition, and may wish to learn a little Spanish. Advance reading on street children is also recommended. Participants must have a current U.S. Passport. Passports take several weeks to several months to process, so apply right away. No advance visa is required, unless you are not a citizen of the United States. All Humanitarian Expeditions are tax deductible trips to help the indigent children of Latin America. See your tax advisor for any restrictions that may apply to you. Group Limit will vary for each country. Last year's expeditions filled rapidly so make your plans soon. Call if you have questions: (801) 397-5578.


"A life changing experience to bless lives, lift others and learn about yourself & others. I have a fire within me that tells me to continue assisting in any way I can and to return annually to recharge my soul. Thank you for allowing me to participate in a truly wonderful experience. " - Will Love   August 2008 Expedition

"We were thrilled when Caroline came back, as she seemed to have 'grown three inches' on the trip. She was very much more her own person, self-assured, much more talkative with us than had been usual, and told us extensively about the trip, about all of you, and your experiences as a group. Thank you so much for welcoming her and taking care of her for these two weeks which I am sure will become among the most memorable of her life." - Gillette Hall   August 2009 Expedition

"WOW! What an experience! Thank you for Southern Cross. Cameron was wonderful and Wayne and Pam are definately a delight to work with. I can't begin to put into words the effect this trip has made on my life and my family. We never could have imagined the outcome of this trip when we decided to give it to our children as their christmas present. The trip has given back to us. The work you are doing at Southern Cross is amazing! Thank you for letting us be a part of such a wonderful organization. It's one of those things that will never leave our hearts. Seeing our children interact with the other children has changed us forever." - Ray and Julie Ullrich, Mike, Jason, Ray, Autumn,Tim, Jennifer, Ryan and Sylvia   December 2010 Expedition