Doin’ It For The Kids

There is the old saying that if it’s not hurting then you’re not doing it right.

Well, I was definitely hurting on my trek from Xela to Lake Atitlan.

So why didn’t it feel like I was doing it right?

I Couldn't Even Summon A Smile...So Melodramatic

It took me to the very end of the 3^rd day, to really realise, that sometimes it’s not about me, but really what I was doing the trek for.

Sure, it was great to hang out with Megan and we took some amazing photographs but the point of the trek wasn’t about me.

As Kylie and Robbie would say…I’m …”Doin’ it for the kids”.

The 3 day hike we did was with QuetzalTrekkers and the best thing about this company is that 100% of the money you pay for the trek goes towards local communities and children.

Some Group Members Leading The Way

QuetzalTrekkers is the fundraising component of the NGO Asociación Escuela de La Calle, whereby a school and education is provided for children in an impoverished neighboured in the outskirts of Xela. They also operate a children’s dormitory called Hogar Abierto for children from the ages of 9-18 who have come from sad backgrounds, who have been forced to leave their parents.

Their slogan Social Change…One Step At  A Time really says it all. The trek was so hard and it rained a lot over the 3 days, but it felt good to feel like you were actually doing something to help out communities rather than just handing over money.

As Hard As It Was...The Food Was Delicious!

If that doesn’t want to make you fly out to Guatemala and take this trek, then I don’t know what will.

All tour guides are volunteers and money for things like living expenses comes solely from the tips they may receive from people on the trek. This really is an organisation where 100% of the profits goes directly to the people who need it most.

It is the volunteers who really spur you on while you are walking and your legs are ready to buckle underneath you. I know all I had to do, was think that these guys go on this same trek at least once a week; that’s real dedication for some social change in Xela right there!

Some Kids Along The Trail

So, if you want to help out and do some good-but don’t have time to be involved in a lengthy volunteer program-consider hiking with QuetzalTrekkers. You’ll be tired, sore and sweat a whole lot, but remember…it’s not all about you…you’re doin’ it for the kids!

For more information about how you can be involved in QuetzalTrekkers-either through hiking or volunteering, visit their website.