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Ending Hunger Through Education: Help Build a Heifer Global Village

Program Number: 16151RJ
Start and End Dates:
10/27/2013 - 11/1/2013;
Duration: 5 nights
Location: Sharpsburg, Maryland
Price starting at: $437.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: Service Learning Activity Level: t (see description)
Meals: 14; 5 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 5 Dinners    
Meal Options: Vegetarian; Low Salt; Low Fat    

Working with Heifer International, help construct buildings at Maryland's only Heifer Global Village. Through hands-on learning, experience the day-to-day lives of different peoples and cultures by stepping into replicas of homes from around the world. Gain a greater awareness of world hunger and poverty, and enrich your own knowledge assisting DC Central Kitchen.




Highlights

• After exploring Heifer Global Village, perform service opportunities that match your abilities — including construction, maintenance and groundskeeping.
• Experience authentic homes and culture unique to Guatemala, Mozambique, Kenya, China, Thailand, the United States and a refugee site.
• Provide a helping hand at a Washington, D.C., food kitchen to prepare meals for delivery to area feeding stations, and serve at local Maryland food shelters.



Activity Particulars

Working five hours a day. Standing in soup kitchen four hours.




Date Specific Information

10-27-2013

Enjoy the latest in hearing technology — listening devices — on this date.



Coordinated by Shepherd's Spring Outdoor Ministry Center.




Sharpsburg

Sharpsburg lies east of the Potomac River near one of its tributaries, Antietam Creek, made famous by the pivotal Battle of Antietam during the American Civil War. Sharpsburg is part of Maryland’s Washington County, which attracts history fans with its numerous Civil War sites and nature buffs with its many national, state and local parks.
Accommodations
Modern lodge with natural spring, pavilion, fireplace and campfire circles. Some meals prepared by participants over open campfire. Alcohol prohibited.

Road Scholar Instructors
These instructors are participating on at least one date of this program. Please note that changes may occur.
Carolyn Parham
Carolyn Parham is the volunteer coordinator for DC Central Kitchen, a community kitchen that provides food service training to adults and provides meals throughout Washington, D.C. She is a graduate of the DC Central Kitchen culinary school program, and her passion for its mission inspired the program’s founder to create Carolyn’s position as leader of its volunteer efforts.
 
Annette Lenker
Annette Lenker brings her expertise in elementary and special education into the heart of her work at Heifer Global Village at Shepherd’s Spring. As the director of this initiative, she is responsible for implementing programming and site development. Annette holds a liberal arts degree from Eastern Mennonite University, and has shared her love for learning during her work with summer camp programs for children and youth.
 
Meals and Lodgings
   Shepherd's Spring Outdoor Ministry Center
  Sharpsburg, MD 5 nights
 Shepherd's Spring Outdoor Ministry Center
Type: Conference Center
  Description: A restfull blend of woods and fields with access to the C & O Canal towpath. An educational garden and composting system. Eco-friendly environment.
  Contact info: 16869 Taylors Landing Road
Sharpsburg, MD 21782 USA
phone: 301-223-8193
web: www.shepherdsspring.org
  Room amenities: dresser, desk, desk lamp wireless internet service available in common areas
  Facility amenities: Walking trails, Bicycles may be available with prior arrangement
  Smoking allowed: No
  Additional nights prior: $45/ room Additional nights based on current availability of provider - please call to confirm availability 301-223-8193
  Check in time: 3:00 PM
  Additional nights after: $45/ room Additional nights based on current availability of provider - please call to confirm availability 301-223-8193
  Check out time: 1:00 PM


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
4:00 pm You will be staying at Shepherd's Spring Outdoor Ministry Center that night.
  End of Program:
1:00 PM You will be staying at Shepherd's Spring Outdoor Ministry Center the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required. Health form and a waiver at the DC Kitchens (provided on site).
  Required innoculations:
Yes: tetanus
  Parking availability:
Free parking on site
Transportation
To Start of Program
  Location:  Sharpsburg, MD
  Nearest city or town:  Sharpsburg, MD
  Nearest highway: Interstates 81 and 70
  Nearest airport:  Hagerstown (limited service) BWI, IAD, Reagan National
  From End of Program
  Location: Sharpsburg, MD
    (Additional transportation information same as above)
Travel Details
 

Sharpsburg

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Hotel Shuttle
Shepherd's Spring
phone: 301-223-8193
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$75 per person, one way, discount for additional riders
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

1 1/2 hours 
 

Distance:

 

75 miles
   

Airport transportation provided to and from BWI, IAD, and Washington Reagan. Regional airport at Hagerstown, MD transportation available for $25 per person. Please call ahead to schedule pick-up service. 301-223-8193
 

Baltimore MD, Frederick MD,

 

From Bus Terminal

 
 

Service:

 

Hotel Shuttle
Shepherd's Spring
phone: 301-223-8193
Advanced Reservations Required

   

Please call ahead to schedule pick-up . 301-223-8193
 

Sharpsburg

 

From Train Station

 
 

Service:

 

Hotel Shuttle
Shepherd's Spring
phone: 301-223-8193

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$40per person, one way, discount for additional riders
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

40 minutes 
 

Distance:

 

30 miles
   

AMTRAK service to Martinsburg, WV. Please call ahead to schedule pick-up. 301-223-8193
 
Driving Directions
  From Baltimore/ Washington Area Take I-70 West to the Route 65 interchange in Hagerstown (Exit 29.) Travel South on Route 65 for 7.1 miles to Taylors Landing Road - turn right onto Taylors Landing Rd. Travel about 3 miles crossing a railroad track, past houses, along a twisting road. Drive along side the dry canal bed. Pass 2 more houses on the left, continue to the top of the hill. Look for a big sign on the left that says "Shepherd's Spring Outdoor Ministries Center Church of the Brethren." Turn left onto the paved driveway. The lodge is 7/10th of a mile from the end of the driveway.
  From Pennsylvania Travel South on I-81 to I-70 East, to Rt. 65 South. Then follow the above directions from where it says "Travel South on Rt. 65 for 7.1 miles..."
  From Virginia - East Take I-495 to 270N to Frederick. Take I-70 W to Route 65, and then follow above directions from where it says "Travel South on Rt. 65 for 7.1 miles..."
  From Virginia - West Go North on I-81 to I-70 east, to Rt. 65, and then follow above directions from where it says "Travel South on Rt. 65 for 7.1 miles..."


Required innoculations:

Yes: tetanus
Equipment Requirements: Closed-toe rubber-soled shoes, long pants, sleeved shirt, hat or hairnet (provided), and gloves.
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1: Guest will check in then participate in an introductory orientation of the program and facilities.
(Sunday, October 27)
   
 Arrive To: Check in from 3-5:00pm in the conference center Lobby.
 Dinner: Enjoy a buffet style dinner with a salad bar, followed by dessert, in the Shepherd's Spring lodge dining room.
 Evening: Become familiarized with the program, the work projects, the facility, and one another during our general orientation. A short video helps to explain the experience being created with the construction projects.
   
Accommodations: Shepherd's Spring Outdoor Ministry Center
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: The day will begin with a guided walk through the Heifer Global Village. Afterwards service opportunities will be discussed and initiated. In the evening various aspects of Heifer International will be presented through stories, videos, and talks.
(Monday, October 28)

Note: Specific service activities vary and change often. They generally involve some form of construction, maintenance, or groundskeeping. No experience necessary. Individuals should be able to stand or perform a physical activity for several consecutive hours. Professionals will be present during any work assignments to provide instruction and advise on safety concerns.
   
 Breakfast: Enjoy a hot buffet style breakfast along with fresh fruit and cereal selections in the Shepherd's Spring lodge dining room.
 Morning: Tour of existing homes in the Heifer Global Village followed by service work assignments with safety instructions. Begin service on chosen available projects.
 Lunch: Enjoy an ethnical lunch representative of one of the homes in the Heifer Global Village at Shepherd’s Spring followed by an extended break.
 Afternoon: Service opportunities continue with the Heifer Global Village program. Work on the livestock homes or the Tibet area homes is anticipated.
 Dinner: Enjoy a buffet style dinner in the Lodge dining room.
 Evening: Learn about the various aspects of Heifer International's history, mission, and programs through stories, videos, and presentations.
   
Accommodations: Shepherd's Spring Outdoor Ministry Center
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Become a part of an organization that prepares several thousand meals a day for the greater Washington, DC area by helping prepare meals in the DC Central Kitchen. Then travel to an area food bank that tirelessly works to meet the needs of thousands.
(Tuesday, October 29)

Note: Be prepared to ride in a vehicle then stand for several hours in order to prepare food for the DC Central Kitchen.
   
 Breakfast: A bag breakfast will be provided - participants have the opportunity to enjoy it en route to Washington, DC.
 Morning: Work with trainees and other volunteers at the DC Central Kitchen in an effort to prepare the 4,000 meals they provide daily for distribution around the DC area. DC Central Kitchen staff will provide an introduction to the job training programs offered at the facility and a brief overview of the organization. Professionals on site will provide any training necessary to safely, hygienically, and efficiently complete the food preparation services needed.
 Lunch: Lunch will be served at the DC Central Kitchen. The food that was being prepared throughout the morning by participants will have been turned into a gourmet meal for your enjoyment by the trainees. Dining with the trainees and staff will allow for ample time to ask questions and discuss experiences about the DC Central Kitchen.
 Afternoon: Travel to and learn from a local farmer about small farm issues, free range animal husbandry and some of the issues facing today's US small farmers. A side trip to the C & O Canal Basin in Williamsport to experience some of the local history will round out our travel day.
 Dinner: Enjoy a buffet style dinner with a salad bar, followed by dessert, in the Shepherd's Spring lodge dining room.
 Evening: Encounter the struggles of the people in the New Canaan Internally Displaced People (IDP) camp in Kenya through a presentation by Stewart Lentz. Stewart will relate how local efforts to improve the IDP's lives relate to the UN Millenium Goals.
   
Accommodations: Shepherd's Spring Outdoor Ministry Center
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Resume service on the Heifer Global Village; some service work may be the same or may have changed from the previous day. Observe, walk, and learn about Antietam National Battlefield in four stops during the evening.
(Wednesday, October 30)

Note: Specific service activities vary and change often. They generally involve some form of construction, maintenance, or groundskeeping. No experience necessary. Individuals should be able to stand or perform a physical activity for several consecutive hours. Professionals will be present during any work assignments to provide instruction and advise on safety concerns.
   
 Breakfast: Enjoy a hot buffet style breakfast along with fresh fruit and cereal selections in the Shepherd's Spring lodge dining room.
 Morning: Service opportunities continue with the Heifer Global Village program.
 Lunch: Enjoy lunch with a salad bar in the Shepherd’s Spring lodge dining room followed by an extended break.
 Afternoon: Service opportunities continue with the Heifer Global Village program or you may choose to opt out and spend time as you wish. Self led exploration of Shepherd's Spring's 220 acres or numerous nearby historic attractions await.
 Dinner: Enjoy a buffet style dinner with a salad bar, followed by dessert, in the Shepherd's Spring lodge dining room.
 Evening: Venture to Antietam National Battlefield with Shepherd's Spring Staff at the lead. Four stops will be made throughout the battlefield -- The Cornfield, the Bloody Lane, the Dunker Church, and Burnside's Bridge. The significance of these points, the tragedies of Antietam, and the events surrounding the battle will be discussed by staff at each point. Afterwards relish in a cool treat an a local ice cream parlor.
   
Accommodations: Shepherd's Spring Outdoor Ministry Center
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Service opportunities continue on the Heifer Global Village. In the evening learn and enjoy a meal prepared with ingredients from within 100 miles as a way to promote sustainability. Participate in activities delving into hunger and poverty issues.
(Thursday, October 31)

Note: Specific service activities vary and change often. They generally involve some form of construction, maintenance, or groundskeeping. No experience necessary. Individuals should be able to stand or perform a physical activity for several consecutive hours. Professionals will be present during any work assignments to provide instruction and advise on safety concerns.
   
 Breakfast: Enjoy a hot buffet style breakfast along with fresh fruit and cereal selections in the Shepherd's Spring lodge dining room.
 Morning: Service opportunities continue with the Heifer Global Village program. Work will likely include the spring opening of all the homes in the village - putting out cultural items, repairing roofs, clearing rain barrels from winter debris.
 Lunch: Enjoy lunch with a salad bar in the Shepherd’s Spring lodge dining room followed by an extended break.
 Afternoon: Service opportunities continue with the Heifer Global Village program or you may choose to opt out and spend time as you wish. Self led exploration of Shepherd's Spring's 220 acres or numerous nearby historic attractions await.
 Dinner: Participate in a "100 Mile Diet" dinner where each dish features local foods that are in season. Held at the Shepherd's Spring lodge dining room.
 Evening: Learn about the next steps Shepherd's Spring is taking and ones you can take to help end poverty and alleviate hunger. Basic simulation games and a discussion will be held about these issues and how to become involved or learn more about other relevant organizations.
   
Accommodations: Shepherd's Spring Outdoor Ministry Center
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Experience another culture by preparing traditional dishes in one of the Heifer Global Village sites.
(Friday, November 1)

Note: Participants will be spending the morning preparing meals and cooking over an open flame while using general kitchen tools (e.g. knife).
   
 Breakfast: Enjoy a hot buffet style breakfast along with fresh fruit and cereal selections in the Shepherd's Spring lodge dining room.
 Morning: Experiential learning is the goal of all Heifer Global Village programs, witness what such a program is like by being the actual participant in a Cultural Connections Program. Seek to immerse yourself in another culture by experiencing their diet through a lunch that you prepare using some traditional methods in one of the sites of the Heifer Global Village. A debriefing will follow.
 Afternoon: Departure following debriefing of the Cultural Connections Program - approximately 1pm.
   
Meals Included: Breakfast
Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

Suggested Reading List


Plenty, Eating Locallu on the 100 Mile Diet


Author: Alisa Smith & J.B. Mackinnon


Description: Alisa and JB were trying to live more lightly on the planet, so they decided on an experiment: For one year they would eat only food produced within 100 miles of their Vancouver home. "Plenty" tells the full story, from the insights to the kitchen disasters, as the authors reconnect with the people and places that produce what they eat. Humorous, heart-warming, challenging and enlightening, "Plenty" will change the way you experience the world.



Simply in Season


Author: Mary Beth Lind & Cathleen Hockman-Wert


Description: No matter where you live there is a farm within a drivable distance, and nowadays increasing numbers of farmers' markets sell fresh produce in the center of many large cities. In this cookbook you will read about how real people grow and use the natural bounty of the lands they call home.



Enough


Author: Roger Thurow & Scott Kilman


Description: The authors argue passionately and convincingly that this generation is the one that could finally end the scourge or hunger that has forever haunted the human race. "Enough" is essential reading on a humanitarian issue of utmost urgency. It is certain to outrage and inspire.



Begging for Change


Author: Robert Egger


Description: founder of the DC Kitchens, where local resources are used to feed local people and provide job training.





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