Project Passport Africa- 2026

Project Passport Africa (updated September 25, 2025)

• What is the application process for Project Passport Africa?

  The application for Project Passport Africa (Uganda and Rwanda) for the summer of 2026 is now available and is due on October 15, 2025.  Apply now!!!!

  This program is open to GRCS alum who are currently in their sophomore, junior or senior years of high school.

  This is a no-electronics trip.

   

• Flight Information

  TBA 

  Scholars will leave from Chicago O’Hare.

• Lodging Information

  Lodging information will be provided as soon as it is confirmed.

• What should I pack for this trip (and other info)?

  2025 Scholar pre-daparture guide

  GLI’s Student Pre-Departure Guide (2025) (3)

  Packing List

  • 4-5 changes of clothes
  • One nice outfit (collared shirt and a pair nice pants or a top and skirt)
  • Good, comfortable walking shoes (closed-toe shoes/boots)
  • Rain Jacket/Poncho
  • Sweatshirt or light jacket
  • Long socks
  • Water bottle
  • Money for personal expenses
  • Toiletries and personal items
  • Travel tissue packets or half-used roll of toilet paper in Ziploc bag
  • Bathing suit
  • Hat/sunglasses
  • First Aid/Medications
  • Sunscreen
  • Insect repellent with DEET
  • Pocket size hand sanitizer gel/wipes
  • Snacks: granola/ meal replacement bars

  • Flashlight

  • Small toys for children (soccer balls (deflated) or Frisbees that can be shared among many,
  stickers, bubbles, etc.)
  • Adaptor/ converter: Voltage is 240 volts; 2-pin (circular) socket for Uganda and 3-pin (square)
  socket for Rwanda.

   

• Can my scholar bring a cell phone or electronics?

  This is a non-electronics program.   Scholars may not bring electronic devices or a cell phone on this trip. Cameras are allowed.

• Who is chaperoning?

  TBA for 2026.

  GRCS will obtain travel insurance for all scholars and chaperones for this trip.

• What will scholars do to prepare for the Africa trip?

  Scholars are required to attend Saturday classes to prepare for the trip.  The classes will take place TBD.

  Geography– Scholars will be expected to be able to identify the countries of East Africa.  Scholars can practice doing this at Seterra Geography Games 

  Journalling– Scholars will be expected to journal every day on the trip.  In order to get ready for this, scholars will also journal each Saturday.  Scholars will be provided a small journal.

  Burpee Museum Partnership– Galapagos has partnered with the Burpee Museum to provide educational activities related to the flora, fauna and environment found in Uganda and Rwanda.  Scholars will attend classes at the Burpee Museum.  

   

• What is the agenda for the Africa trip?

  The Project Passport Agenda can be viewed below:

  2025 agenda:  GLI Agenda 2025

  2024 agenda: Youth Summit 2024 Trip Itinerary – 2024a

  We will post the 2026 agenda when it is confirmed.

• Are there required vaccinations for the trip?

  The country of Uganda, requires that all visitors have Yellow Fever vaccinations and proof of the vaccination.  (You will receive a yellow pamphlet confirming your vaccination once you receive it, this will serve as proof of vaccination.)

  Yellow Fever vaccine is not carried at most pharmacies.   We recommend that you make an appointment at one of the following places:   TBA

  Finally, scholars will need to get a prescription of anti-malaria pills.  You can get one from your physician or from a travel pharmacy.

   

• When do we need to pay?

  -The first payment of $100 is due by November 21, 2025. 

  -Second payment of $200 is due by January 15, 2026.

  -Third payment of $200 is due by February 15, 2026.

  -Fourth payment of $200 is due by March 15, 2026.

  -Fifth payment of $200 is due by April 16, 2026.

  -Sixth payment of $100 is due by May 15, 2026.

  Payments can be made here:

  Make Africa Payment

• How and when do I get my scholar a passport?

  Please apply for your child’s passport over winter break.  There are a variety of place to go but the US Post Office is one of the main locations to get your passport.  You must apply for a passport before December 20, 2025 and provide proof of the application to GRCS.

  The process of applying for a passport requires you to submit a filled-out application form, proof of citizenship and identity, a passport-sized photograph (get at Walgreens or CVS), and the required fees at the Anniston Post Office. It is important to note that you should not sign the DS-11 application form until the post office worker handling your application tells you to do so.

  The process to get a passport has several steps, but the employees at the ROCKFORD POST OFFICE are there to guide you from start to finish. Make sure you have all the required documents and details ready before you visit to ensure a smooth application process.

  Note: For Appointment Call (815)229-4807

  Please see the following forms for more assistance.

  Passport form DS11

  8 Steps for a Child’s Passport

   

• Are there ways scholars and families can fundraise for the trip?

  Yes, you can fund-raise for this trip. Galapagos offers three different types of coffee that can be sold to friend, family and co-workers.

  Each bag of coffee costs $13.99.  For each sales of coffee, the scholar raises $5 to go towards the cost of the trip.  So, if you sell 20 bags of coffee, you earn $100 towards the trip.

  Fundraising is not required.

  The types of coffee we have are:

  Balanced

  

  Aromatic

  

  Chocolaty

  

  Buy coffee here!