Project Passport Africa- Trip Completed for 2024

Project Passport Africa (updated June 3, 2024)

• What are the flight details for Project Passport Africa?

  We will be leaving from the Lower Academy at 5:30am on the Bussie shuttle.  We will meet at the L0wer Academy parking lot.  Please make sure that you bring your passport and yellow card (we will not have time to pick them up.)
  

  Departure- July 6, 2024 (Saturday)

  United Airlines Flight  1191 to Washington Dulles. Transfer to:

  Brussels Airlines Flight 516 leaving at 6:00pm landing in Brussels, Belgium on Sunday at 7:50am.   Transfer to:

  Brussels Airlines Flight 455 at 10:20am arriving in Entebbe, Uganda at 10:20pm.

  Return

  Brussels Airlines Flight 491 leaving at 8:05pm flying through Nairobi, Kenya and landing in Brussels, Belgium at 7:55am. Transfer to:

  United Airlines Flight 973 at 10:15am

  Arrive Chicago O’Hare at noon on July 19.  We will need to clear passport control and customs.  We will take the Galapagos shuttle to the Lower Academy and should arrive around 3:30pm at the Lower Academy parking lot.

• Lodging Information

  July 7 Christian Glory House in Kampala, Uganda

  July 8 Christian Glory House in Kampala, Uganda

  July 9 Christian Glory House in Kampala, Uganda

  July 10 Hyena Hill Lodge in Lake Mburo, Uganda

  July 11- Entusi Resort and Retreat Center- Lake Bunyonyi, Uganda.

  July 12- Entusi Resort and Retreat Center- Lake Bunyonyi, Uganda.

  July 13 – Entusi Resort and Retreat Center- Lake Bunyonyi, Uganda.

  July 14- Entusi Resort and Retreat Center- Lake Bunyonyi, Uganda.

  July 15- Radisson Blu Kigali Convention Center- Kigali, Rwanda

  July 16- Radisson Blu Kigali Convention Center- Kigali, Rwanda

  July 17- July 18 flight back to the United States.

• 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. Breann Bennett will be chaperoning.  Ms. Bennett is currently a first grade instructor at Galapagos.  Ms. Bennett has been with GRCS for seven years.

  She previously chaperoned Project Passport Costa Rica in 2022 and Project Passport Utah in 2023.

   

• 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 Rwands.  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

• Are there required vaccinations for the trip?

  Yes, all GRCS scholars and chaperones must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 with the most recently available vaccines for the appropriate age group.

  Additionally, 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 December 20, 2023. 

  -Second payment of $200 is due by January 30, 2024.

  -Third payment of $200 is due by February 28, 2024.

  -Fourth payment of $200 is due by March 20, 2024.

  -Fifth payment of $200 is due by April 20, 2024.

  -Final payment of $100 is due by May 15, 2024.

  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. 

  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 $12.99.  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!