Project Passport Africa- 2025

Project Passport Africa (updated December 11, 2024)

  • What are the flight details for Project Passport Africa?

    TBD

  • Lodging Information

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

  • What should I pack for this trip?

    • 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?

    Scholars may bring electronic devices or a cell phone on this trip. Scholars will be responsible for any electronics they bring on this trip. 

  • Who is chaperoning?

    Ms. Seprela Ellis will be chaperoning.  Ms. Ellis is currently the Dean of Insturction at the Lower Academy at Galapagos.  

    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 2024 Project Passport Agenda can be viewed   Youth Summit 2024 Trip Itinerary – 2024a

    We will post the 2025 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 $50 is due by December 21, 2024. 

    -Second payment of $100 is due by January 15, 2025.

    -Third payment of $200 is due by February 15, 2025.

    -Fourth payment of $200 is due by March 15, 2025.

    -Fifth payment of $200 is due by April 15, 2025.

    -Six payment of $200 is due by May 15, 2025.

    Final payment of  $50 is due by June 1, 2025.

    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, 2024 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!