2013 Service Year off to a record breaking start

The Record Breaking 2013 Youthlinc Family!

Applications, sponsorship season, and General Orientation are behind us. Our six Service Year teams (Cambodia, Guatemala, Kenya, Peru, Thailand, and our new site, Vietnam) and our Friends & Family Team to Vietnam are meeting in December to begin the local service, international service planning, and excitement of Youthlinc's fourteenth year of operation.

It is a year of breaking records: a record 170 students are enrolled on our Service Year teams, with 46 mentors (adult professionals) guiding them. Since no student can be accepted without a sponsor, we have been able to raise $110,000 in new sponsorship funds in October, and we will utilize $50,000 in sponsorship funds raised at our Benefits - for a record total of $160,000 in sponsorship investment in the service ethic of our student participants.

These students will also break the record with a minimum of 15,000 hours of required local service contributed this school year. Students earn their sponsorships through their local service. Each Youthlinc student will write a thank you note to their sponsor in December, the beginning of what we hope will be a great relationship through communication about our intense - and intensely rewarding - Service Year.

Our Friends & Family team to Vietnam this year is also our largest ever: 40.  More than half of the team members are alums, so this team is truly meeting its original purpose: to allow an additional international service leadership experience for our alumni and to allow students and mentors who cannot participate in our Service Year (for whatever reason) to have a quality international service experience. Friends & Family teams plan all the service activities that our Service Year teams do, but no local service is required. No student sponsorships are available for participation in this team.

At December team meetings, participants get to know each other better, learn more about the international site, and the tasks ahead in each of our international service committees: education, community health, microenterprise, vocational training, cultural exchange. If they haven't already, they will be selecting the committee on which they will have a leadership role.

Another very important part of our December meetings for students in our Service Year: selecting their main local service site where they will contribute at least half their required hours, participating in hands-on service with a genuinely needy population. This year, the service of each student on every Service Year team will be celebrated on our new Local Service Blog. Every team meeting will include a focus on and reflection upon the local service participants are doing.

In January, teams have a social and a service project. In February, committees start delegating, researching, and planning their international service. March is our Traveling Healthy Clinic at the University of Utah Travel Clinic - an opportunity for all participants to learn about recommended vaccinations and other issues of staying healthy in an underdeveloped country. April and May team meetings provide additional opportunities for committees to put the final touches on their international service planning, practice their lessons, and receive feedback from their team members. During these months, teams often plan fundraisers for project funds in-country.

Before they know it, the June or July packing meeting is happening. Team members bring all donated items, from shoes to medical, hygiene, dental, and school supplies and pack them in Youthlinc duffels to bring with them on their international service trips to impoverished villages.  

The Service Year goes quickly, mostly because people are busy doing so much good locally and internationally. Every Service Year provides its own unique adventures, but many things are always the same: the culture of service, the incredible local and international service accomplishments, and the transformation of  a group of strangers who grow to become lifelong friends by becoming lifetime humanitarians together.

Youthlinc Peru 2013 Service Year team

Youthlinc creates lifetime humanitarians & we have the research to prove it

The Youthlinc mission is the creation of lifetime humanitarians. Our intense local and international Service Year requires students to serve locally, take a leadership role in planning international service. We use strategies of student leadership, mentoring, cooperative and project based learning, and hands on service to ensure we accomplish our mission.

Each year, we survey our incoming class of students (160 this year) on their service involvement. Depending on survey year, only 5-20% claim once-a-month service.

Every three years, we survey our alums. Depending on survey year, we have seen anywhere from 60-93% of our alumni report once-a-month service. We are in the middle of a survey right now. 75% of the almost 300 alums who have taken the survey so far report once-a-month service. Quite a jump in service involvement. Alums directly relate their service commitment to the Youthlinc Service Year.

In 13 years, and 1500 alums, Youthlinc students have contributed 115,000 hours of local service in Utah. As the program has grown to its current annual enrollment, 15,000 hours of service will be rendered by Youthlinc students annually.

This year we also asked our 2012 Service Year students and mentors to rate their progress on key program goals: increases in leadership ability, ability to work with a group to accomplish a goal, ability to successful undertake complex projects.

We also asked our mentors (8-10 adult professionals who work with each team all school year and travel with our groups) to rate Youthlinc in key areas.

The results of our most recent survey are below:

Mentor feedback:

On your mark, get set...GO (General Orientation is Nov. 10th)!

We are getting super excited for next Saturday's KICK OFF to Youthlinc's 2012-2013 Service Year!

General Orientation will be November 10th, from 12:30-5pm at the University of Utah's Orson Spencer Hall (OSH). Click here for driving instructions, and a map. Parking is free on Saturdays, except in the pay lots.

General Orientation is a mandatory meeting for all students accepted into our 2012-13 Service Year, all Volunteer Mentors, and all parents of minors accepted into the Service Year. If there are catastrophic reasons why you cannot attend, you must send a representative. Failure to do so may result in program dismissal.

Students and mentors on the waiting list are strongly encouraged to attend, as we select from these individuals when an accepted participant does not attend General Orientation or drops the program.

Critical information is discussed at our General Orientation. It is also a very enjoyable half day, and you are guaranteed to leave really pumped up about the Service Year! Here's the scoop:

Call for Youthlinc mentors!

Adult professionals-- do YOU too want a life-changing experience?

We are in need of dynamic and quality mentors to help guide young people as they become lifetime humanitarians.

Being a mentor on a Youthlinc team is an unforgettable way to give back to our global community, make an impact in the lives of our youth, and go on a fantastic adventure. As one mentor put it, “You GIVE a year to service…You GAIN lifelong attributes and memories that will change your life.”

To become a mentor fill out an application and get it to our office (in the next week if possible!). Here’s the scoop on Youthlinc mentorship (lots of links to click on for more info):

• Mentors participate on a team (Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, Peru, Guatemala or Kenya), and assist student participants as they assume leadership roles, learning that they can make a difference, and embarking on a life-time of humanitarian service.
• Each team is split into various committees: community health, cultural exchange, education, vocational training and microenterprise. Mentors oversee one of these committees, meeting with their team for 2-3 hours each month until the international trip (June or July of 2013). 
• Mentors serve as examples to our youth, and should be familiar with the Youthlinc mission, and our expectations for mentors.
• All mentors and student participants attend the Youthlinc General Orientation, Saturday November 10th at the University of Utah OSH building.

For more information, e-mail miriam@youthlinc.org

Read a moving testimonial from a Youthlinc parent

Lenora and son, Dakota

This past year, my son Dakota had the opportunity to be a part of Youthlinc. He was in high school, and had never been out of the country. Even though I myself had done many humanitarian trips to other countries in the past, sending my son without me was worrisome.

In fact, at first I was very nervous, but it didn't take long to have peace of mind after talking to and getting to know the wonderful mentors and leaders on his team. I was so impressed at how organized the whole trip was and how much time and love they had put into it.

My son not only fell in love with the people of Guatemala, but also his group and mentors. They became family! Even before the kids left, they would have monthly meetings and get together, to know each other better before the trip.

But it was after seeing them at the airport when they returned with tearing rolling down their cheeks and hugging each other that I totally realized how close they had all become during this amazing humanitarian experience!

Their lives were changed, I know Dakota's life was changed. He looks at things differently now. He appreciates what he has and he has acquired a new love for helping others and humanitarian work.

Even though we parents get nervous about sending our kids off to other countries, that's natural. Just know that your child is in good and loving hands. And that he or she will have a life changing, wonderful experience while in the service of others.

Not only their lives are changed, but just think of how they touch the lives of those they serve through this Youthlinc opportunity! This is not a vacation, these kids work hard, but they also laugh and see a whole different culture and learn to love the people so much.



The Guatemala team and Ak'tenamit students in Guatemala

I love Youthlinc, and I am so so grateful as a parent that my son had the privilege to serve in the jungle of Guatemala with Youthlinc.

If your son or daughter has the opportunity to be a part of Youthlinc and serve, you as parents will be blessed through their experience. Your heart will melt when you see with your own eyes how your child has grown and how they have been touched through this wonderful experience of serving others.

God Bless,
Lenora Barber



Meet our 2012-2013 Youthlinc Team and Alum Leaders!

We are proud to introduce to you the 2012-2013 Team and Alum Leaders for Youthlinc!

Ruth Adolphson – Guatemala Team Leader

This is the second year that Ruth has worked with Youthlinc. She led the Thailand team last year and absolutely fell in love with the organization and with the beautiful people she served and worked with. She was always taught that if you want to love someone, serve them. Ruth found this to be especially true with the Youthlinc team and the Thai people. This year she is super excited to lead the Guatemala team this year and fall in love with the people there. She knows that it will be an amazing experience for the team.

Ruth teaches biology and anatomy/physiology at Cyprus High School. She loves her job and loves working with youth. The best part of her job is seeing students get excited about the world in which they live and gain an understanding of how life works. Ruth also coaches and is the HOSA advisor. Ruth spends her summers traveling, teaching, gardening, reading, and catching up on much-needed sleep. She also loves to camp and hike and spend time with her family.

Madeline Rencher – Guatemala Alum Leader

Madeline is delighted to be the Alum Leader for Youthlinc’s trip to Guatemala this summer! Madeline was a student on the Kajuki, Kenya 2012 team, and together with amazing team members had a life changing experience—one she thinks about every day. Madeline says that she left part of her heart in Africa with the wonderful people of Kajuki. She is excited to work with the people of Guatemala and those that will be on her team this year! She has loved her past experiences with Youthlinc and can’t wait to make more memories through this service year and in Guatemala.

Madeline is 19, graduated last spring from East High School, and is now a student at the University of Utah in the Honors College. She is pre-med and is involved with student government through Freshmen Council and with many academic and service clubs. Madeline is enjoying living life on campus, and is a member of the sorority Delta Gamma. She enjoys service and currently volunteers in the Operating Room at a hospital in Salt Lake City and by dancing with her little brother’s special needs dance class. Madeline loves photography, dance, spending time outdoors, singing, acting, scrapbooking, and spending time with friends and family.

Britnie Powell – Vietnam Team Leader
Britnie has been involved with Youthlinc since the beginning. She was on the pilot expedition to Kenya in 2000. Since then she has been committed to continuing service both locally and globally. Britnie has returned to Kenya several times doing humanitarian work, traveled to Peru with Youthlinc on an alum trip, taught English in China, participated in an expedition to Guatemala, and has led Youthlinc teams to Thailand, Kenya, Cambodia, and Peru. The work Brit has done in other countries inspired her to become a teacher.

Britnie has a Masters of Education degree and currently teaches 6th grade at the Salt Lake Center for Science Education. In her class she integrates service learning, in which the students do a range of service projects: supporting a local care center for the elderly, environmental projects, organic gardening, teaching science to kindergarteners, helping the humane society, and they have even helped Youthlinc put together hygiene kits! Locally, Brit has been involved with the Boys and Girls Club, volunteered at Cottonwood Hospital, the Battered Woman’s Shelter, has tutored ESL students, made meals for the homeless, and has been a Sub-4-Santa for many years. She likes spending time playing the guitar, reading and riding her bike. She also enjoys adventures of animals. In her classroom she has a pet tarantula, two snakes, two pigeons named Chicken and Dinner, a gerbil, a handful of other creepy creatures, two sugar gliders, and a rabbit named Abner. Britnie is married to Justin (another Youthlinc team leader!) and loves spending time experiencing new places with him. She is stoked to be leading the Vietnam Service Team this year!

Taylor Johns – Vietnam Alum Leader
Taylor is excited to be selected as the Alum Leader for Youthlinc's first ever trip to Vietnam. Last summer Taylor was as a student on the Kenya team that visited Kajuki, Kenya - also a new site for Youthlinc. She is equally excited to spend a few weeks in Vietnam this summer as a friend and mentor to the new Youthlinc student participants.

Taylor is 18 years old and currently living in Salt Lake while attending the University of Utah. (Go UTES!) She is studying Anthropology and working on a yoga teaching certificate as well. She loves her dogs, reading, and anything outdoors, including hiking, backpacking, camping, and fishing. She also likes sushi, laughing, and anything service related!

Carson and Bobby Sheen – Thailand Team Leaders

As our newest Team Leaders, we’d like to welcome Carson and Bobby! This is Carson’s third trip with Youthlinc. Her previous trips were to Peru as a student volunteer and Cambodia’s Friends & Family trip. Now she is a co-team leader for Thailand. Carson first started with Youthlinc ten years ago and has continued to volunteer ever since. She volunteers with local recycling centers, trail clean ups, elementary schools and the American Heart Association. Her love of volunteering has over flowed to her husband, Bobby who is co- leading with her this year. This is his second trip with Youthlinc, his first was with Carson last year to Cambodia.


Carson graduated from the University of Utah and works at the University of Utah Hospital in Preventive Cardiology. She is continuing her education by going for her PA degree. Bobby graduated with a double major in biology and chemistry from Westminster and is continuing his education with an M.D. PHD program. The two of them split their time between work, school, traveling, rock climbing and volunteering. They couldn’t be more excited to be leading this team.



Siri Vlasic – Thailand Alum Leader

Siri went to Kenya with Youthlinc in 2011 and looks forward to continuing her involvement as Alum Leader for the Thailand Team 2013. She is a senior at West High School where she is involved in the National Honors Society and recently initiated the re-birth of the Ski Club, where she is now the co-president.

Siri loves to play soccer and is a member of the Black Diamond Soccer Club in Park City and recently committed to play for Westminster College as a freshman. Volunteering with Real Life at the Hser Ner Moo Center had a strong impact on her life, and she has since tied her interest in sport to become a mentor for refugee kids at an after school soccer program. Siri is known for her positive attitude and big smile, and she is very excited to take on the responsibility as an Alum Leader for the Thailand trip.

Kelly Mattingly – Cambodia Team Leader
I had the chance to go to Kenya in 2009 as a mentor and was sucked into the Youthlinc volunteer vortex and haven’t been able to get out since (not that I would want to)! I can’t begin to tell you how excited I am to be able to return to Cambodia again this year.

I was the team leader last year as we went to the village of Chung Ruk and I cannot wait to return to the wonderful people there. Last year a few of our projects were to build a classroom, install a 440 foot long fence around the school yard, and fundraise for lots of bikes, uniforms and animals. I look forward to all the projects we will be doing this year to improve the village even more.

By day, I am a school counselor at an elementary school in Herriman. Over the last 23 years I have worked with youth in various psychiatric settings and love working with children and teenagers! In my free time I have a difficult time choosing between a good book, the vegetables in my garden or the fish just waiting to be caught. I love being outdoors in the summer so the fall is a traumatic time of year as this tends to come to a screeching halt. However, planning for a fantastic trip to Cambodia seems to get me through the winters in Utah.

Aaron Coon – Cambodia Alum Leader
Aaron had his first experience with Youthlinc in 2010 when he had the opportunity to go to Thailand as a student participant. He found that he is always happiest when in the service of others. Aaron has served locally at the West Jordan Senior Center and has enjoyed getting to know the people there. Then he got to Thailand, fell in love with the people and was hooked on service!

For fun, Aaron enjoys the outdoors, reading, movies, traveling, playing with his nieces and nephews. He is a Pharmacy Technician and attends Salt Lake Community College working on prerequisites for pharmacy school.






Justin Powell – Friends & Family Team Leader
Justin has been involved with Youthlinc for four years. He was a mentor on the Thailand team in 2009, a mentor on the Cambodia 2011 team, was a mentor on the Peru 2012 team, and he led the Friends & Family trip to Peak Sneng, Cambodia in 2012. What Justin loves most about Youthlinc is that it is a vehicle for participants to gain a new lens through which to view the world. Through acts of local service, preparations for international projects, and implementing projects abroad, Justin's mindset has been forever altered in how he perceives his role in the world. Justin has especially enjoyed working on the education and micro-finance committees, and has had some incredible and humbling experiences helping to pilot Youthlinc’s livestock exchange program; first in Cambodia in 2011, and then in Peru in 2012. He also loves to help students find the power and motivation within themselves to become active, compassionate citizens in the world.

Justin worked as a business professional for several years before making a career change to the education profession. He will finish his Masters of Education at Westminster College in December 2012 and has Bachelor’s degrees in International Business and English. In the past, Justin has lived in Australia, Egypt, South Korea, and Vietnam. He has volunteered locally teaching ESL to adults, teaching writing to kids, and is highly involved in promoting awareness about human trafficking. Justin loves volunteering with his wife, Britnie, a Youthlinc original, all through the year and internationally every summer. They are stoked to be having their first child in December 2012, who will accompany them on their many adventures.

Emma Stephens - Friends and Family Vietnam Alum Leader
Over the years, Youthlinc has helped Emma to discover and grow her love for service and helping others. Emma had her first experience with Youthlinc on the Peru 2011 team. The people she met in Peru and the experiences she had helped Emma to develop a passion for helping others. Emma has grown to love service, both locally and internationally. She continues to volunteers weekly at her past main service site, the Park City Medical Center, as well as with the various service clubs she is involved in as a senior at Park City High School. Emma was a development intern for Youthlinc in 2011 and her latest Youthlinc experience was the Friends and Family trip to Cambodia. She especially loved getting to know the children and seeing their smiling faces everyday! Emma is so excited to serve as part of the Vietnam Friends and Family Team!


Scott Bawden – Kenya Service Team Leader
This is Scott's fourth year with Youthlinc and his third as Team Leader. On Scott's first trip he took his son and had such an amazing experience, he had to return as soon as possible. Scott went last year (2011) with his daughter and had another wonderful and magical experience. This year Scott returned again with his son as Alum Leader and were a great leadership duo.

For Scott, Kenya is a magical place with some of the most kind, caring, and generous people you will ever meet. Scott has been involved with youth service projects for the last 15 years and absolutely loves spending time with the type of young people that get involved with Youthlinc. The students that he has had the privilege of working with the past 3 years are some of the most amazing people he has ever met and he can't wait to meet another wonderful group for Kenya 2013. The Youthlinc experience is life changing and one of the most amazing experiences he has ever had.

Scott has a beautiful wife Michelle. They have been married for 24 years and have 3 wonderful children. Kevin is 20 and participated in 2010 with Youthlinc. Jaclyn is 18 and went last year to Kenya and Jill is 14. He has two awesome beagles named Tucker and Hunter. Other than traveling to Kenya with Youthlinc, Scott's favorite things to do are golfing, jeeping, rapelling off of arches, listening to rock music (if it's too loud, you're too old), going to any Utah Utes games and going to Lake Powell. Scott works at the University of Utah School of Medicine as a Computer Professional which means he's pretty much just a computer geek. He also has his own computer repair company which keeps him extra busy but allows him the ability to do lots of playing.

Scott can't say enough good things about the Youthlinc program and especially the Kenya teams he has had the fortune of working with. Kenya 2013 will be another exciting adventure as we return for a second year to a small village named Kajuki and get to learn to love the people there and help them help themselves to a better way of life. At the same time they will teach us how to be happy and joyful no matter our circumstances in life.

Isaac Puriri – Kenya Alum Leader
Isaac got involved with Youthlinc for the 2012 service year trip to Peru. He describes his experience as an all-around an amazing journey, which is why he wanted to stay involved! Before Youthlinc he had never thought about going to South America or even to Kenya. Youthlinc has turned his desire to travel and see the world in a vacation style, into a desire to travel and experience the world through service.

Isaac is currently a student at BYU and studying political science, with the goal of moving on to law school afterwards. When his time is not consumed by homework he loves to play soccer, hike, and do anything with his family. Isaac is excited for this service year and looking forward to everything it will bring!

 
Mark and Shelly Burningham – Peru Team Leaders
This is Shelly’s third year and Mark’s second year with Youthlinc. Shelly went on her first Youthlinc trip to Kenya in 2011 with her daughter, Alycia. It was a “magical” experience and she will cherish the love and welcoming kindness that was offered by the people there. Mark and Shelly have become “hooked Youthlinc volunteers” because they love seeing the changes that come to the young people that serve in this program. They also love the type of students that this program attracts. Mark and Shelly served as the 2012 Team Leaders to Guatemala where they were able to share the experience with their youngest daughter, Brooke. They have a deep love for the people of Guatemala, and have participated in various humanitarian projects there. The Guatemalan people they served were the most humble, hard-working and grateful people that they have ever met. Although they were saddened to see their difficult conditions, they were humbled by their happiness and appreciation for the simplest things in life. Mark and Shelly have accepted the opportunity of serving as the Team Leaders for Peru this year and understand that it doesn’t matter where you serve – the experience is moving in every way. They can’t wait to get to know and understand the people of Peru and are super excited about working with a new group of Youthlinc participants.

Shelly works part-time at Columbia Elementary School as a Reading Tutor. Mark teaches math at Viewmont High School and is the boy’s tennis coach. Mark has taught ESL and Spanish classes and is also endorsed in Computer Science. Mark and Shelly's greatest joy in life is their family. They have five wonderful children, a darling granddaughter and a new grandson.

Jaclyn Bawden – Peru Alum Leader
Jaclyn has been a part of Youthlinc for 2 years. In 2011 she went to Kenya with her dad and the Kenyan people will forever have a special place in her heart. She is excited to have the opportunity to go to Peru in 2013. Jaclyn is passionate about helping others and can't wait to get to know the Peru team.

Jaclyn attends Utah Valley University and is studying Dental Hygiene. In her spare time, Jaclyn loves to be outside boating, camping, or swimming. She is the middle child of three and loves spending time with her family.

Presenting our new International Service Intern-- Bekah Meads!

It is with huge smiles on our faces that we welcome Rebekah Meads to the Youthlinc family as our International Service Intern.  She recently returned home from our Youthlinc Cambodia trip, and was awarded with the Cambodia Team's All Star Volunteer.  Bekah is a vibrant and passionate young lady, attending the University of Utah, studying Health, Society, and Policy.  She hopes that her major will allow her to do what she loves-- humanitarian work-- and turn it into a career so she can do it forever.  After finishing her undergraduate degree, Bekah hopes to get a Masters in Public Health and work in health administration.

Bekah writes about her new internship:  “I am so excited to be the International Service Intern for Youthlinc. I know that this will be a great experience that will allow me to become a more refined person, have great interactions with amazing people, and give me valuable insight into the non-profit world.”

She continues that she will be “forever grateful for Youthlinc”, because “it has changed my life. The mission of Youthlinc has opened my eyes to what I want to get out of life. Youthlinc has helped me realize that there is no faster way to true happiness then through meaningful service. Before my interaction with Youthlinc service was something that I thought I should do, then once I was accepted to Youthlinc it became something I had to do, and now it is something that I never want to stop doing. I’ve never done as much consistent service in my life as I am doing now, and I can honestly say that I’ve never been happier than I am now either.”

Our New Office Manager!

Melissa has had four years of office management experience.  She started off by managing the dorm for a local college.  She was responsible for things like accepting students into the housing, keep accounts balanced, sorting mail, and keeping in touch with all the students and their parents.  This office experience taught her how to run a successful business and the importance of proper record keeping. 

With this knowledge, Melissa has been able to open, run, and maintain her own successful business.  She has been doing eyelash extensions for a year with a steady and loyal clientele.  Melissa says that she loves making people feel good about themselves and this has been a very rewarding job for her, especially since she was able to build it from the ground up and watch it grow.  She is still currently doing eyelash extensions as well as working at Youthlinc. 

Melissa is very excited to join the Youthlinc team.  She has always had a strong desire to serve others and has been able to take a few international trips in accordance with local service.  She has volunteered with groups such as United Way, Utah Foster Care, local elementary schools, art festivals and music festivals.  Melissa traveled to both Mexico and Russia to help those living there.  In Mexico she was able to build three homes for families, fundraised money for groceries to feed a family of four for a month, and donate school supplies, clothes, shoes, and toys for the kids.  In Russia, Melissa taught English to students ranging in age from three to eleven years old.  She lived there for a semester and says that is one of the best experiences of her live.  Melissa is very excited to join the Youthlinc team and is looking forward to working with many more students.

Welcome to the Youthlinc Team!



Service Year 2012 Testimonials

“Thank you for all you do to make these opportunities available to us. I had an incredible trip with amazing leadership.” –Paige Heyn, University of Utah, 2012 Cambodia F&F

“Service is the best thing we can do to make a difference in the world. The hands-on experiences of this trip was unique and eye-opening.” Mallory Leonard, Juan Diego Catholic High School, Draper, 2012 Cambodia

“Youthlinc has set my life in a new direction. I have now chosen a major that will allow me to continue to do work like this. I know this is what I want to do for the rest of my life.” Rebekah Meads, 2012 Cambodia

“I look forward so much to the next time I can volunteer, both internationally and locally. Our time in the village was the best two weeks of my life and the most meaningful service I’ve ever done.” Quinn O., Wasatch High School, Midway, 2012 Cambodia

Thailand 2012 Testimonials

“This experience has been one of a kind and I wouldn’t trade or change it for the world. Volunteering is amazing and brings so MANY WONDERFUL experiences that I would love to continue in the future.” -Caleb Kuehl

“I loved the construction project we were able to be involved in and it was sooooo much hard work, but it was very fulfilling to see the progress that was made every single day! … Our service was truly ALL HANDS ON!” -Jordan Nielson

"No matter how trivial or insignificant your service may feel, you are ALWAYS making a difference when you are giving your time way to someone else!” -Jordan Nielson

“Leaving the kids. There were tears rolling down everyone’s cheeks. It was so rewarding to see how much we affected the children and how much they affected us.” -Alison Gay

“We got specific buddies at the school we worked at and one of mine was amazing and fun and her laugh will forever be in my memory. On our final day at the school she simply said “I love you,” and we both cried. It was almost impossible to go.” -Kira Mercer

“Service knows no bounds, with teamwork much is achievable. Many hands do make light work. You provide the service but are the one that gets the REWARD in the end.” -Caleb Kuehl

“The best moment of our trip was doing the home visits with one of the students at the school. It was very eye opening and really gave perspective on the importance of our service.”  -Alison Gay

“Anyone and everyone can make a difference. Anyone who cares and is willing to give some time can be a miracle in someone’s life whether that is in Salt Lake or Thailand.” -Jessica Oglesby

Friends & Family 2012 Testimonials

“Service is not one big goal, it is lots of small things that in the end, make a dramatic impact on someone’s life.” –Isabel Reback

“Service makes life worth living. There are so many wonderful people in this world, it breaks my heart to see so many struggle in poverty and ignorance.” –Jay Bosshardt

“I have been wanting to do a service trip for a long time, and Youthlinc gave me that opportunity. I loved my experience and want to continue to do service at home and even another trip!” –Hannah Hoj

“I learned so much about myself on this trip, which is exactly what I needed. I proved to myself that I can do this and be strong both mentally and physically.” –Caitlin

“Service is about love and giving of yourself, rather than what you bring.”–John Bodine

"The people I have met in Cambodia are some of the brightest, happiest, and kindest people I have met in my entire life.  While our lifestyles seem worlds apart, we are all fundamentally the same.  -Jill Whitney

“I have learned to an even greater extent how much I enjoy serving others. It feels so good to look at the finished construction projects, the piles of medical and education supplies, and the kids smiling faces. We worked SO hard and it was totally worth it.” – Emma Stephens

“I will definitely continue to volunteer because I have realized it is so easy to make a difference if you’re willing to put in a little effort.” –Smita Sahay

“The best moment was bonding with all the kids and seeing how grateful they were for us. The worst part was saying goodbye.” –JJ Barth

“Youthlinc did a great job of providing guidance and support, while giving the committee the room to decide how to manage their responsibilities. The mentors and team leaders taught us simplicity and flexibility—two key tools to creating successful programs.” –John Bodine

Cambodia 2012 Testimonials

“Service is the best thing we can do to make a difference in the world.  The hands-on experiences of this trip were unique and eye-opening.”  -Mallory Leonard

“One person might not be able to save the world, but one can certainly change lives.” -Mecham Groneman

"I have a much better attitude toward work, people, life, etc.  I want to continue to volunteer at my service site even though I am done with the local service requirement.”  -Hannah Kriesel

“Youthlinc has set my life in a new direction. I know this is what I want to do for the rest of my life.”  -Rebekah Meads

"We gave them things that we take for granted, but for them, we performed miracles.”  -Mecham Groneman

“I look forward so much to the next time I can volunteer, both internationally and locally.  Our time in the village was the best two weeks of my life and the most meaningful service I’ve ever done.”  -Quinn Olpin

"I don’t speak Khmer, but I could tell by the looks in the mothers eyes how happy they were that people who don’t even know them were helping their children have a chance at a better future.”  -Emily Sorensen

"I have learned the importance and joy of serving others.  The service we provided in Cambodia was life-changing and has inspired me to continue volunteering.”  -Sarah Menlove

“I saw a boy who was looking for food scraps.  I gave him my leftover breakfast bread.  Instead of eating it all, he walked over to his brother and split it.  They are such a humble people.”  -Carina Ream

"To treat everyone with utmost respect and to love them as individuals-- this is the best service anyone can give.”  -Ben Lindstrom

Guatemala 2012 Testimonials

“This was an amazing experience.  It was the hardest things I have ever done in my life but I am forever changed.” -Kristy Hanni

“I have learned, more than anything else, I don’t change the people I work with but rather they change me.  The best way to feel happy is to serve others.  The best way to learn to love is through service.” -Michelle Moynihan

“After going to Guatemala I have grown such a great love for others.   There is no greater feeling than being able to see someone smile because of something you’ve done.” -Rebekah Ericson

“No doubt we used all the time we had, but I wished that we had more time.” -Ryan Davis

“Serving not only helps those you are helping but makes you a more generous and compassionate person.  It makes people happy!” -Kristy Hanni

“My participation in Youthlinc this year has given me a deep desire to serve others. Youthlinc’s program is excellent and I have no doubt that I will continue to be a humanitarian throughout my life.” -Ryan Davis

“This experience has convinced me to always serve.  Not because I feel that I must contribute, but more because of the humanity, love, respect, responsibility, tolerance and determination it gives me.” -Hannah Morrison

“I realized that I am my best self when I lose myself in the service of others.  I love the feeling of satisfaction & joy that I felt after completing each project & each day of service; that’s what I want to feel for the rest of my life.” -Zoe Leavitt

"The best moment was when all the kids lined up to give us hugs and say goodbye; those relationships will ever burn in my heart.” -Lindsey Newton

“I have enjoyed this opportunity more than words can say. Service crosses all barriers; language and everything. The desire to be a lifetime humanitarian is completely imbedded in me from this experience.” -Bree Jones

Peru 2012 Testimonials

"The community was so involved and supportive in all of our projects. They accepted us with wide open hearts and loved us with such an honest and pure love” -Megan Dolle

"We set out shoes and one by one helped each villager pick a new pair of shoes! There was one little girl who was really sad and after we tried a couple of pairs of shoes we found the perfect pair. Her face just lit up.” –Rachel Leonard

“Youthlinc helped me step outside my comfort zone and really embrace each situation that I was placed in.” -Sophie Rex

“I know truly what thankfulness and gratification are now. I want those feelings again. I also feel now that I can make a difference and no matter how dirty, smelly and gross you are, people will always love you if you do all that you can.” -Grayson Murphy

"I was always busy working with the wonderful people of the village. I fell in love with the people, especially the kids due to the hands-on service I did every single day.” -Elysha Davis

“Youthlinc helped open so many doors to volunteering in my community that I would not have found otherwise! I will forever be a volunteer and lifelong humanitarian!! Thank you Youthlinc!” -Sophie Rex

“Service is not about how it looks on an application, it is about how you can affect others and how they can affect you. Service allows both the giver and the receiver a chance to grow...” -Grayson Murphy

“I was filled by moments that took my breath away. A student teaching the Peruvian children how to say ‘I love you’ or our hug circle as we said our goodbyes, being welcomed into the village every morning … all of these moments are in my heart forever.” -Elham Nazzal

“I loved being reminded of the ‘right’ ways to serve—to help give a hand up not out, to work hard alongside those you are helping.” -Joanie Moss

Kenya 2012 Testimonials

“I’ve learned not only how important service is, but how one person can make a difference and feel so much happiness through helping others.” – Rachel Gutke

“Youthlinc is as ‘hands on’ as it gets. Whether it be construction, or going personally to meet the needs of others on home visits, or teaching in the schools, the Kenya trip was all hands on.” –Jake Segura

 “When we first arrived at St. Peter’s in Kajuki, all of the kids were singing outside and had been waiting for us to get there all day. It was so hard leaving those children, many tears were shed at the end of the trip.” –Erica Thompson,

“Youthlinc provided multiple service opportunities during the year and at our site in Kenya. At both sites I was able to help and direct people with the skills that I had.” –Marissa Unbedacht

“I wish I would have known how hard it was going to be to say goodbye!” – Rachel Gutke

“Everything about Kajuki was hands on. We all threw ourselves in our work no matter what committee we were on. I enjoyed experiencing parts of other committees. As I taught kids how to make button bracelets and as I helped with the murals, or helped paint the school” – Madeline Rencher

“Youthlinc has shown me the importance of hands on, intimate service. It has given me more reason to serve and has shown me the difference I can make.” –Jake Segura

“I have many favorite moments. But the best was when we first drove up to Kajuki much later than when they expected us. There was singing and smiles and introductions and hands shaking and it all just felt so surreal. I couldn’t believe I was experiencing this remarkable of an event.” - Madeline Rencher,

“My favorite moment was when leaving Kajuki.  I was searching everywhere for the one girl I especially connected with, and I couldn’t find her anywhere. Eventually it was time to leave and I was forced to get in the van. As we were pulling away she ran from the distance crying.  She got on her knees and blew a kiss.” – Callie May

Mentor 2012 Testimonials

"All of our mentors were caring and loving! They made sure all of our needs were always taken care of! They were involved with our projects but I really appreciated that they let us run the show and they did so patiently and with constructive criticisms.” Jordan Nielson, U of U, Thailand

“You GIVE a year to service locally and internationally. You GAIN lifelong attributes and memories that will change your life.” – Jenny Jones, 2011 Peru Team Mentor

“Our mentors were able to gain our trust and friendship by being so kind and caring about the students on our team, but they were always aware that they were mentors before they were friends.” – Jaden Carlson, 2012 Guatemala team

“All our mentors were open-minded and open-hearted. They opened their lives to us and provided a sense of safety which ensured a comfortable international experience.”– Kaila Balch, 2012 Guatemala Team Member

“The mentors on my trip made me feel safe and important to our team. They helped me within my committee, but never took full control over the situations. They always made me sure the students had a say in things and that our opinions were heard.” –Katie Stevens, Kenya 2012

“Creating lifelong humanitarians comes from attitude first. The more you do service for other people, the more you can see it change their lives. When you see it change their lives for the better, it changes your life, and the more you do it becomes a habit.” – 2012 John McNeill, Kenya Team Mentor

“This was the first time I had ever done anything like this. Sometimes, if not all the time it is easier to do something yourself instead of watch or teach somebody to do the same task. But if you do not let them do it they will never learn.” –John McNeill, 2012 Kenya Team Mentor

“If not you, who? If not now, when? Youthlinc provides the rest.” –2011 Jason Taylor, Kenya Team Mentor

“The mentors did exactly what they were supposed to. They helped us get to our final goal, but let us lead the way!” –Erica Thompson, Kenya 2012

It was an absolute kick to see the kids interact with the school children and villagers, to see the Cambodian kids get school uniforms and bicycles, toothbrushes and toothpaste, a new school building and a well (they had no water at the school). Perhaps the most grateful people of the entire trip were the women who were given washable, reusable sanitary napkins. It is one of those things that never would have crossed my mind yet made a huge impact on the people there who have no access to something so simple as a sanitary napkin. The experience has changed my daughter's life and mine as well. - Glen Bowen, Cambodia 2012

Presenting Youthlinc's 2012 Team All Stars-- 6 extraordinary students

 Youthlinc's 2012 Team All Star Students

This year, Youthlinc had each team select one participant on the team that went above and beyond in their local and international service, exemplified strong leadership abilities and a future of humanitarianism.  We are proud to announce our six fantastic All Star students, and feel inspired by their passion to serving others.

Rebekah Meads; Cambodia Team

People ask me why I do service, and more often than not, I find it rather difficult to give them a good answer. My most honest answer to that question, if not understood properly could be taken in the wrong way, or even selfishly. I serve because of how it makes me feel. There is no better feeling in the world than when I am performing meaningful service. When I am serving I can't help but radiate pure joy! Seeing the gratitude and happiness my service brings to people is the most gratifying experience I could ever imagine. After my trip to Cambodia I told my mom that, "I've never felt so full as I did while I was serving alongside the Cambodians." I feel like any difference I might make by serving is insignificant in comparison to the impact that it has on me. Through serving I have learned more about life, love, gratitude, and myself than through any other experiences I've had. The chance to literally see the impact and difference you make on someone’s life will change your own life and perspective forever. It has mine. 

Kenya, You Were Good To Us! It Was A Hard Good-Bye!

      I can't believe we're back! After an emotional, exciting, adventurous, fun, and successful trip, the Kenya Team has arrived back to Utah all safe and sound. It was such a hard goodbye as your journey came to an end, but we accomplished and each learned so much and came back new people because of our amazing experience.

Here is a day by day rundown of our journey:

Strangers become friends working side by side in Yanamono II Peru

For several blogs on the team accomplishments go to www.youthlinc-blog.blogspot.com 

Our last day in the village was a packed one. We began with our community carnival. We had face painting, nail painting, parachuting and games of all kinds. We then had our final soccer game.

We were able to attend a handicraft and soap fair put on by the village. Here we were able to purchase beautiful crafts created by our friends as well as soap that they had made during our time here. Closing ceremonies came too fast. Here we took turns with the villagers singing songs, sharing poems and even a few dances. A group of our students who had been carrying out a guitar project with teens from the village worked with those students to play and sing a song together. We had many beautiful talents shared. Different families from the village sang songs and shared different talents with us. Together our group performed the Waka Waka and sang a goodbye song.

After all of the songs had ended they asked us if they could each give us a hug. Our huge team lined up and villagers came through the line hugging us and thanking us one by one. Many of us stumbled through our Spanish to try to convey to them our gratitude for the time they spent with us. We then went outside together to chop down “The May Pole.” This is a big pole that has been decorated with handicrafts. Everyone dances around it as we pass a machete from person to person. Everyone gets to take two swings before they pass it. When the pole finally falls, you run to get out of the way. Then you get to go to the fallen pole for a gift. It was a great way to end the day.

The people of Yanamono II are amazed that a group of strangers would work so hard to come and work in their village. They will never know though all that we gained from being there and all that they truly gave to us during our time spent. We will never be able to repay them for all they gave to us. They will forever be in our hearts.

Adventures and Animals Abound in Peru

Night was a cacophony of creature sounds of all kinds. And when we were lucky, the clouds would part and we were left to see a masterpiece of stars in the sky. At the Heliconia Lodge we had our good friend Pedro who would greet us in the mornings, occasionally by perching above the bread plate at breakfast and leaving us an extra special treat;) And we can't forget our many tarantula friends who could be found all around.

Other Project Highlights from Peru

Our cultural committee organized community soccer games with the villagers. Our team was divided into four teams and we recruited any villager who wanted to play. We played tournament style. The women in Yanamono II requested a womens only game. This game was epic as the field contained hidden puddles that caused face plants, hard core Peruvian women playing in bare feet, and we've heard tale of a few cases of pants wetting! The entire community showed up to watch these games and it was a complete blast.

Towards the end of the trip we carried out our shoe distribution project. Youthlinc participants were partnered with someone from the community and our Youthlincers helped them find that special pair of shoes. There's nothing quite like taking the hand of someone, walking them down the tables of shoes, dusting of their worn feet and helping them try on shoes until they've got the perfect fit.

Micro-enterprise in Peru 2012: True Sustainability

Yanamono II is only a 10 year old village. They were the folks that lived even more of a rural lifestyle than the folks in the very remote Yanamono I, a Youthlinc site years ago. Yanamono II has a small primary school and a decent community center. Their economy most exclusively relies on agriculture. The vast majority of the people in Yanamono II are farmers. One family owns a very small store with very basic supplies. A handful of other people sell other goods, such as second-hand clothes and moonshine.

The micro committee this year had a lot of work cut out before them to assess the economic climate and needs of the village and decide where to go from there. A group of 8 people had been preselected by Carlos, our in-country coordinator, and the mayor. We taught the traditional micro lessons (loan, interest, bookkeeping, etc) to the group. They formed a single co-op, electing the proper leadership. We were able to distribute loans for all 8 of these people to build better dams for their fish hatcheries, buy better food to raise healthier fish, and to stock their hatcheries with schools of fish. They were stoked to have this opportunity and understood the vision of paying forward this generosity to the rest of the community in future years.

One of the most powerful activities the micro group lead this year was conducting personal interviews of the most poor families in the community, who are candidates for receiving livestock loans in 2013. By sitting down one on one with these families, our team members were able to connect to the people of Yanamono II in deeper and more meaningful way.

One woman's story had a particularly deep impact on the team. Gladys, a mother of 6, raises her family on less than 5 Soles per month, which is less than $2. Hearing about her hopes and dreams and hearing about what she likes to do on her free time, helped build such strong connections with team members that generous individuals on the team donated money they had been reserving for souvenir shopping to fund a livestock loan for her. She will be the first person to receive this type of a loan in Yanamono II. The 2013 team will expand this program with her as the pioneer.