Suspend your beliefs...Question your assumptions...Open your mind...

Sweet Mango Un-Tours are powerful, cultural immersion opportunities designed for young people. Programs are designed around an event (a conference in Brazil), a service-learning activity (an English Camp in a Thai village), and/or a physical challenge (a mountain trek in Bhutan). 

 In 2009, Un-Tours are offered in Thailand and Brazil. Those plus a youth conference in Vermont are scheduled for 2010. A Himalayan trek in eastern Bhutan is added in 2011. Due to their dependence on local activities, info is posted as it emerges. Contact Sweet Mango about your interest in any or all projects, and we'll keep you informed.

Vermont to the Amazon

First Planning Meeting: Saturday, January 17th, noon to 3 pm. Place TBA (somewhere in Montpelier)

Join other young Vermonters for an excursion deep in the Brazilian rainforest, two days by boat northwest of the city of Manaus. The centerpiece of this three-week environmental conservation and community development service project is set in a small community in a private nature reserve. Working with a Brazilian non-profit, the Amazon Association, we will explore the area's rivers, forest and wildlife, assist the Amazon Association with a development project, and join in the daily life of the local villagers. Participants will be responsible for their own fundraising, with planning support and encouragement provided by Sweet Mango staff. During the 2008 - 9 schoolyear, the group will meet monthly as we prepare for this rich and intensive cross-cultural immersion experience.

The Thailand Projects

Young people are curious about the world and itching for adventure. Sweet Mango has years of experience producing intensive programs that lead to a village home-stay and service project. With your organization, we design and facilitate a journey of fundraising, group development, language lessons and cultural education. The process, which is intensive, demanding and fun, builds confidence, understanding and the ability to collaborate and serve.

With Sweet Mango's energy and guidance, your school, church or community group can experience the hospitality and the gentleness of this Buddhist culture.

The Fifth Gross National Happiness Conference

The fifth annual conference will be held in Brazil in early November 2009. Sweet Mango intends to take a Vermont youth delegation and high school teachers interested in GNH as a curriculum unit. We'll particpate in the conference and explore the area, including South America's most famous Iguazu Falls.

Youth Conference on Gross National Happiness

This idea is in the formulation stage...but will probably occur in late June of 2010. Designed and produced by young global citizens of Vermont , the conference is intended to inform and energize young people from at least six countries around the concept of Gross National Happiness.There will be a "Teacher Track" for educators, designed to support the development of effective classroom curriculum on GNH.

Please contact Sweet Mango staff for more information about any of these opportunities.

Linda@sweetmangotours.com
(802) 535-8383