About Programs & Activities
Every Genesis program is customized to fit the needs of your group and the casa hogar children (niños/niñas). As we build a relationship with you prior to your trip, a Genesis representative will work hand-in-hand with you to plan an experience that will meet your goals. Typically, your days will be divided between physical labor, on-site activities, off-site adventures, relational events, and personal reflection.
Construction adds a holistic approach to our programs. We are well aware of the needs of the Casas Hogar. Since our service priority is the children, we intentionally limit physical and/or indirect support to approximately 40% of our time (although it can be over 50% of the budget). Among the needs of any Casa Hogar, we could mention improvements such as new construction, maintenance, remodeling, or repair. Since the vast majority of visiting service groups concentrate on these indirect benefits to the children, Genesis decided to focus on helping the children directly through our educationally related activities. However, the need of each Casa Hogar for the continuation of this more traditional type of help constantly involves us in this much-needed service.
On the site, we work with educational and enrichment activities. We have to consider the quantity of children, their ages (generally they are the younger children) and, in some cases, if the majority are boys or girls. Also, for outdoor activities, we must anticipate the possible weather and alternatives as well as the routine activities and responsibilities each child holds at the orphanage. All activities are planned to support a child's personal growth. You reawaken, inspire and help cultivate creativity and self-expression in activities shared with the children. You help them discover strengths inside themselves that they enjoy. Whether it is in art, drama, music, culture, science, recreation, VBS, sports, life-skills, or any number of other enrichments, the overall purpose remains to stimulate each child's curiosity, development, imagination, potential and self-image.
Off the site, all field trips concentrate on allowing a progression of experiences for the children. In general, older children are chosen since these field trips require more control and maturity. Baja is a land of extremes. Deserts, pine-crested mountains, and semi-tropical climates contrast against the deep aqua colors of the seas. As you explore this land of wonder outside the confines of the orphanage, these off-site adventures provide an inside vision of Baja that will change you and the orphanage children forever. This is a great opportunity to learn and share while discovering some of the most biologically diverse lands and waters of the world. We know the budget of a Casa Hogar does not allow these extra activities. Through these field trips, we offer the children opportunities to know their community better, have wider recreational experiences, explore history and the arts, learn acceptable behavior in public, appreciate the environment, understand greater job possibilities, share a cross-cultural relationship and see that their spirituality is integral with real life.
If off-site or on-site, we always keep in mind the safety of the children and our reputation no matter what we do for an activity. Inventory control is essential in order to run economically from activity to activity. Each activity has a list of all the material to be used. There are materials which can be effectively recycled, those that are not completely consumed, toys and games that are meant to last indefinitely, and other cases where care and proper collection will significantly reduce costs. It is important to be conscious of the expense that each activity represents and plan activities in which material can be saved and used adequately. Therefore, at the end of each activity, there should be a routine for cleaning up, washing the work area, picking up the remnants of materials, and storing materials for their next use. Making friends is an element that is imbedded in everything we do. Building, maintaining and nurturing trusting relationships and positive role models is essential to continued personal growth. Ultimately, changing the lives of the children in a positive, loving, encouraging and spiritual environment is the result. So, relational events foster group, interpersonal and team building skills. In addition, Genesis programs give you and your group time for contemplation, sharing, growth, and solitude as you reflect on each day's adventures with the orphanage children.
Church Missions are a strong bonding experience while you serve as Christian examples to the Mexican children who join you on your adventures. You may add Vacation Bible School and Sports Ministries as well as other selected Christian activities to help mold the minds of tomorrow to reflect God's love and creative power. Additionally, your customized program allows time for music, worship and devotional activities within your group.
Add-on Excursions - Although we are not a tour company, we believe that these excursions enhance your experience to allow you to explore the magnificent culture and attractions of Baja. These side trips are meant to be shared within your group. They are a minor part of your time spent with us, but a major chance to extend memories.
In addition to the experiences you will receive from our custom programs, Genesis allows special "add-on" excursions and accommodation upgrades. Some excursions can include children while others (like a winery tour, an evening of dining or shopping excursions) will be better for adults.
With the broad range of activities, events and festivals throughout Baja, there is always something extra to make your adventure that much more memorable. However, after the tan has faded and the pictures are put away, we want you to have more than just memories. Even the most perfect vacation can leave you feeling empty. With Genesis, you would have done something lasting for others. You would have given the children memories instead of only creating your own. You would have made a real difference in the life of a child that otherwise would have never had such an opportunity.
Genesis takes you beyond a simple vacation and opens your eyes to the greater human experience. Genesis provides you with more than memories, you change lives.