Last week student members of the Castleton Rotaract Club had the opportunity to step outside the U.S. borders as they participated in a service trip to Honduras. Marking the group's first international mission trip since the its inception in the fall of 2013, students returned to campus with a fresh perspective on third world countries and renewed appreciation for amenities back home.
“I liked the work we did down there. The best part is hanging out with locals,” said Rotaract Club President Maria Burt, adding that the club has completed several other community service projects such as a stuff-a-van event and fundraising efforts for Shriner's Hospitals for Children.
The group of eight students was accompanied by Caren Helm, a Fair Haven Rotarian, and trip leader Douglas Bohlman a Rotarian from New Hampshire.
While in Honduras, students completed three community projects, including the expansion of the Mary Crooker School in Danli, a pure water and sanitation mission to Trojes and medical and dental brigades in villages surrounding the Danli Region.
“Seeing how happy they are definitely puts a smile on your face,” said Burt of the local community members they assisted while on the trip.
Throughout their abroad endeavor, club members posted updates and detailed their experiences through an online blogging site. Since returning home the group plans to continuously post pictures and more in-depth reactions to their trip to share with the Castleton community.
“It’s a good way to reflect on the trip and share our experience with others at Castleton,” said Burt.
For full entries on the Castleton Rotaract Club Honduras blog, visit castleton-handstohonduras.blogspot.com.