Visit Uganda

Interested in joining us to build a bakery in February, 2011?

Email us at info@hugsforchildren.org, and put "bakery trip" in the subject line.
We'll contact you to answer your questions and talk about next steps.
Meanwhile, take a look at the information below regarding trips with HUGS.

Each year we work with groups and individuals who travel to Uganda on Service Trips. These trips are a crucial part of our success at HUGS.

When folks are able to see for themselves the faces of the children of Uganda, they are forever changed, and many return year after year to lend a hand with projects vital to the health, welfare, safety and spiritual growth of the people of Uganda.

We offer trips to Uganda for teams or individuals. If you have a group from work, your church, extended family or friends that are interested in a trip, we can create a custom-planned service trip just for you, led by one or more of our board members. If you have a passion for Africa, but you're on your own, we'd love to have you join us on a trip anyway. The following are a few things you can expect from your trip.

What Will Definitely Happen on a HUGS Trip:

You will be stretched in terms of your comfort levels in a variety of ways.
You will make great friends (or deepen relationships you already have).
You will be completely safe and well-taken care of by HUGS' Project partners and a member of the HUGS board experienced in leading trips to Africa.
You will be trained by HUGS to understand cultural expectations and values so that you don't unintentionally offend or hurt anyone in Uganda.
You will get to spend significant time with Ugandans who are profoundly affected by disease and poverty.
You will have the opportunity to see rural Africa.
You will get tired of traveling (Africa is probably a long way from where you live).
You will be expected to have a positive, flexible attitude. HUGS will plan your trip in great detail, but in third world countries, there are always contingencies, unforeseen circumstances, and timely opportunities.
You will accomplish work that will transform a community in Uganda.
Your life will be changed.

What Won't Happen on your trip:

You will never be placed in harm's way, whether in regards to the people you encounter, the food you eat or the places you go.
You won't be expected to be an expert on anything (though we will try to utilize any expertise you do have).
You won't be able to run off on your own or make up your own program. Once we're in Africa, we work as a team.
Once we hit the ground, you won't ever be bored.

What Will Probably Happen on your HUGS Trip:

You will take way too many pictures.
You will laugh a lot, cry a little and probably develop a few blisters.
You will try some things you never would have back home (dancing native dances, eating goat-on-a-stick, or slaughtering your own chicken are all possibilities...).
You will be moved to intervene in others’ lives, even after you return home.
You won't want to leave, and will be planning your return trip before you've even left the country.

Some of the projects completed on HUGS Service Trips in the past:

Gave inoculations and medical screenings to children unable to afford medical care.
Partnered with a U.S. church to build a church in rural Uganda.
Built a fence for a community livestock program.
Built school rooms and dormitories.
Purchased and installed playground equipment for an orphanage.
Built desks and tables for a school.
...not to mention thousands of hours spent painting, cleaning, repairing and digging on a wide variety of projects.

In the meantime, if you have questions or would like to visit Uganda yourself, please contact us at:

Email:
info@hugsforchildren.org

Telephone and fax:
Toll-free: (+1) 888-766-HUGS (-4847)
International: (+1) 303-838-5875

Thank you for your interest in HUGS and the children of Uganda.