Overview

Join us for a unique and fulfilling adventure that combines the joy of travel with the impact of giving back. Kids Play International’s Cambodia Trip offers an exceptional opportunity to immerse yourself in Cambodia’s rich culture, breathtaking landscapes, and resilient communities. Not only will you explore the wonders of this beautiful country, but you’ll also experience the profound influence of our mission firsthand, guided by our Olympic and Professional Athlete Ambassadors.

Key Highlights of Your Cambodian Adventure:

• Volunteer and Empower: Participate in our Let’s Play Fair, All Girls United, and Play Fair Community Day Event programs. Share your love for sports, mentor Cambodian children, and contribute to our mission of gender equity and personal development.
• Historical Insights: Gain a deeper understanding of Cambodia’s history as you visit the iconic Angkor Wat, explore the majestic Angkor Thom, and delve into the National Museum. Additionally, pay tribute to the resilience of the Cambodian people with visits to the sobering Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng Museum.
• Community Celebration: In a special addition to this year’s Cambodia trip, we’ll host a heartwarming Community Day Event in celebration of International Women’s Day. Join us in honoring the strength and achievements of women worldwide and supporting the empowerment of girls and women in Cambodia.
• Guided by Olympic Athlete Ambassadors: Led by one of our esteemed KPI Olympic Athlete Ambassadors, each day of your journey will bring new experiences and adventures.

Your Impact: By participating in this trip, you directly contribute to the sustainability and growth of our Let’s Play Fair, All Girls United, and Play Fair Community Day programs. Your presence and dedication play a vital role in fostering gender equity and personal development in Cambodia.

Experience the Cambodian Spirit: Cambodia is not just a country with the stunning Angkor Wat; it’s a land where resilience and optimism shine through the smiles of its people. Despite challenges and hardships, the Khmer spirit remains unbroken. Prepare to be inspired by their enduring spirit and infectious optimism as you embark on this life-changing journey.

Trip Details:

• Dates: March 6-16th, 2024
• Cost: $3250
• Deposit: Secure your spot with a $750 deposit.

Join us for a purpose-driven adventure that will leave you inspired, enlightened, and with a profound admiration for Cambodia’s treasure—the Khmer people. Your journey begins here, where travel becomes an opportunity to make a difference and create unforgettable memories.

Typical Itinerary

Day 1          Depart U.S.A.

Day 2        Arrive Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Day 3        Visit Choeung Ek Killing Fields – Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum | National Museum

Day 4        Transfer to Phnom Penh airport and fly to Siem Reap | check in | Orientation-Safeguarding meeting, prep for Play Fair Community Day Event

Day 5        International Women’s Day Play Fair Community Day event | Walking Tour of Siem Reap | Prep for Let’s Play Fair program with youth 7-12 on Day 6

Day 6         Participate in Let’s Play Fair program with youth ages 7-12 | Phare Circus

Day 7         Visit the Famous Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, Ta Prohm

Day 8         Community Project | Let’s Play Fair  Program with Older Players

Day 9          Partner School Visits | Participate in Let’s Play Fair program with Older players

Day 10      Floating Fishing Village | Apsara Dinner

Day 11       Depart for Home

*Itinerary subject to change

Included

What’s Included:

• Guided experiences by Kids Play International’s Olympic Athlete Ambassadors.
• Participation in Let’s Play Fair, All Girls United, and Play Fair Community Day Event programs.
• Visits to historical sites, including Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, and the National Museum.
• Trips to the Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng Museum to gain insights into Cambodia’s history.
• A special Community Day Event celebrating International Women’s Day.
• Accommodations during your stay in Cambodia.
• In-country transportation for planned activities.
• Meals as specified in the itinerary.
• Guided cultural immersion experiences.
• Support and assistance from the Kids Play International team.
• Contribution to the sustainability of KPI programs promoting gender equity and personal development in Cambodia.

What’s Not Included:

• Airfare to and from Cambodia.
• Travel insurance (participants are encouraged to obtain their own insurance).
• Visa fees (if applicable).
• Personal expenses, souvenirs, and additional meals not specified in the itinerary.
• Optional activities or excursions not mentioned in the trip details.
• Vaccination costs (if required).
• Any additional expenses incurred outside the planned itinerary.

Trip Leader(s): One of Athlete Ambassadors

Trip Leader TBD

KPI Volunteer trips are typically led by one of our amazing Olympic/Elite level Athlete Ambassadors who embody the spirit of Olympism and inspire others through their positive lifestyles. They share in the belief of KPI’s mission to help educate others on the importance of promoting gender equity around the world. Most all have also traveled to Rwanda and Cambodia to volunteer and the see the impact of our work firsthand and are very familiar and comfortable with the culture of the country.

Fundraise, You Can Do It!

Kids Play Int’l encourages volunteers to begin their volunteering abroad experience with fundraising. Fundraising for your trip not only helps you fulfill your dream of volunteering abroad, it also helps promote awareness of international issues. Every conversation, letter, and event that explains where and why you plan to volunteer shows people your commitment to serving local communities abroad, and broadens communications about international service. Fundraising can be a fun and creative part of the volunteer abroad experience, and many volunteers who fundraise feel an added sense of fulfillment and dedication to volunteering abroad.

For More Ideas Click Here!

On-Line Fundraising, Easy and Most Effective

Get started now by using the easy-to-use and free peer to peer crowd funding at Crowdrise platform and click on “Set up your Fundraiser” and you’re off an running!

Important Information to Include:

•  General information about the nonprofit organization you will be traveling with, simply copy and paste our mission, vision, etc. from our website.
•  Donations are Tax-Deductible.
•  Where you are going, for how long and what you will be doing.
•  Let people know how much money you need to raise and that their donations are tax deductible.
•  How you will share your experience during your trip or upon your return.

Hand-written or Formal Emails or letters

Hand-written letters or personalized emails to potential sponsors can also be effective, because it provides a personal touch especially when reaching out to friends and family, employers and work colleagues, or clubs.  A formal letter or email may be best when soliciting clubs, churches or temples, local banks, foundations and charitable organizations in your area, or larger organizations like The Rotary, Lions and Elks Clubs, Junior League, Junior Chamber, and The United Way. OTHER IDEAS: Bake sale, Car wash, etc.

Fundraising 101

CHECK OUT OUR: SAMPLE Fundraising Letter.pdf HOW TO BE AN EFFECTIVE FUNDRAISER! We recommend that you personalize every email/letter that you write with the recipient’s name.

1. Make a list of everyone you know and all the local organizations and companies who might be able to donate. This list can include your family, friends, neighbors, contacts, etc., but can also inc  lude people from other aspects of your life, such as your place of employment, worship, school, doctors, teachers, neighborhood groups—anyone you think may be able to help sponsor your trip. Many local organizations or companies are eager to donate to causes like yours, so think outside the box! See if the company you are currently working with is willing to “match” what you are able to raise.

2. Write out your goals and reasons for volunteering. This will be useful when you are talking to potential sponsors or writing fundraising letters, to explain how a contribution to your volunteer trip will make a positive impact. Learn all you can about issues facing the country and program site you will be visiting, so you can explain why you chose to volunteer there. Stress that this is not a vacation.

3. Start early and create benchmarks. As soon as you make your deposit to participate on a volunteer trip, develop a fundraising plan and get started. Look at the total amount of money you need to raise, and set periodic goals that serve as benchmarks to keep you on target, for example, “$1,000 by February, $2,200 by June.”

4. Ask for a specific amount of money. When you say “contribution”, some people are thinking $5, while others are thinking $500. Tell people how much you need, and let them know the total amount that you are hoping to fundraise. You may even want to outline the cost per day of your program (divide your total program fee by the number of days you will be gone.) and ask to be sponsored for at least one day.

5. Convey a sense of urgency to potential sponsors. This limits their time to forget about giving you a contribution. Give your sponsors a specific date by which to get back to you, preferably at least four weeks before your final trip payment deadline. Put this date in your sponsor request and send them friendly reminders, with a note of how much closer you are to getting toward your goal.

6.  Recognize your sponsors. Always thank your sponsors; they will appreciate the recognition and praise. Write a personalized thank you note to everyone who contributes. You can also post your sponsors on any of your social media outlets.

7.  Online BLOG Sites to Get Started: Internet is typically available at most hotels, blogging is a great way to keep people informed about what you are doing during the trip! Here are some suggestions: www.travbuddy.com, www.blogger.com, www.wordpress.com, www.livejournal.com

8. Host a get-together when you return and invite all your sponsors. A great way to secure funding from religious organizations, civic groups, alumni associations, and educational institutions is to offer to give a presentation when you return. Highlighting your service abroad and what you learned helps people understand how their contributions made a difference. Photos of you working overseas can speak volumes.

What airport do I fly into?
We fly INTO Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH) and OUT of Siem Reap International Airport (REP)

Where is Cambodia?
Cambodia is located right in the middle of South East Asia and a central southern part of the Indochina Peninsula. It shares its border with 3 equally amazing countries with the Thailand to the North and West, and Vietnam to the South and East while Laos is at the North.

Do I need a passport/visa?
Yes, a valid passport (with at least 6 months before expiration)  Visa are required to enter Cambodia. It is recommended to apply for an eVisa however Visa’s can also be obtained upon arrival at the airport for ~ $30 USD (Price is subject to change).

How safe is Cambodia?
We completely understand the question about safety and want each volunteer to feel fully educated and safe while traveling. According to Lonely Planet, “As memories of war grow ever more distant, Cambodia has become a much safer country in which to travel. Remembering the golden rule – stick to the marked paths in remote areas – means you’d be very unlucky to have any problems”.

What type of vaccinations do I need?
It is recommended to make an appointment with your physician or a health care provider before leaving on any international trip.

Refer to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) website for the most updated list of required and recommended vaccinations.

What is the currency and current exchange rate?
The Cambodian currency is called Riel. However, most Cambodians use US dollars as well as their own currency. Most all shops and restaurants quote prices in US dollars.

What language is spoken in Cambodia?
The official language of Cambodia is Khmer.

Do I need travel insurance?
We STRONGLY recommend purchasing travel insurance. If you choose Travelex, you can call 1.800.228.9792.

What is the weather like?
Like most of Southeast Asia, Cambodia is warm to hot year round.  We are traveling during the cool and end of the wet season. Cool is a relative term in Southeast Asia, temperatures will still be in the upper 80’s to low 90’s with high humidity. By October the frequency of rain is usually dropping off considerably, but it’s still recommended to bring a light raincoat!

Any special fitness requirements for this trip?
Our Kids Play Int’l Volunteer Trips are active and do require a general level of healthy physical fitness. However, we are happy to accommodate all fitness levels and interests. We will be walking, wandering, playing the days away! If you have any injuries or special requirements, please consult your physician first. Also, please let us know at the time of inquiry.

What is the food like?
One of the best ways to experience a culture is to experience the food. However, Siem Reap and Phnom Penh both have a diverse number of restaurants that will accommodate all types of food likes.

What should I bring?
We recommend bringing clothing that you would not mind leaving behind.  You may choose to donate your clothing at the end of your trip. Please avoid bringing expensive, valuable or flashy jewelry.

Do you have a suggested packing list?
Oh, do we! Here is a thoroughly extensive list of suggested items to bring. Please note that there are a few items required.

LUGGAGE

*  1 Personal Duffel bag/ Suitcase- please pack conservatively,

*  1 Large Duffel w/ donations to leave behind

*  Small backpack/tote for day to day outings

YOU MUST BRING

*  Passport

*  2 copies of Passport/ cc / Travel insurance info

*  Immunization record/ yellow health card

*  Emergency contact information

*  $250 USD Cash Minimum

*  Travel Insurance Card and info (IF purchased)

*  Money Belt or other safe way to carry money

CLOTHING – Overall you will need light weight clothing.

*  Tennis shoes/running shoes or sturdy Teva like sandals, Cotton Socks

*  Light Rain Jacket and Sweatshirt

*  Long Skirts or long shorts or Capris (to or below knees) for Women

*  Guys in shorts just above knee is fine

*  Skirts on women and nice pants and a shirt on men are the norms for special occasions

*  light sleepwear

*  T-shirts (tanks/sleeveless are not recommended in rural areas)

*  Volunteer clothes (clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty if we are working on projects in the village, gloves, etc.)

*  Jeans/Pants– going out to dinner at night (casual).

*  Hat and sunscreen!

TOILETRIES

*  Shampoo/ Conditioner/Soap

*  Toothpaste/Toothbrush

*  Lotion, Sunscreen, Lip Balm, nail clippers

*  Antibiotic Hand wipes / Hand Sanitizer

*  Razor, Feminine Products

*  Hair bands, Hair brush

*  BUG REPELLENT

SUGGESTED MEDICATIONS   Check with your own personal physician!

*  Personal Medication, vitamins, etc.

*  Cipro

*  Pepto-Bismol/ Tums

*  Anti-itch/ bug bite cream

CAMBODIA: March 6 -16, 2024

Price $3250.00/per person (plus airfare)

• $750 Deposit to secure your spot on the trip
  

  

• Rate based on double occupancy
• Single Supplement available for $500
  • Kids under 18 must travel with parent, guardian, or chaperone
• Kids under 18 must travel with parent, guardian, or chaperone.
• Read the Booking Terms and Conditions – must agree in order to complete registration.
• Payment options: CREDIT CARD or CHECK:  Please make checks payable to Kids Play International and send to: Tracy Evans 541 Maple Dr,  Park City, UT 84098.

Questions?  Please email: cassie@kidsplayintl.org

DEADLINE TO REGISTER: February 6, 2024

REGISTER HERE

Pay Deposit or Full Trip Here