Kids Around the World

When I think of Kids Around The World I think just one thing, WONDERFUL! I have never been on a trip to put a playground in but I have had the opportunity to remove a playground. I have helped get these playgrounds around to be shipped to the desired locations. The whole refurbishment process is hard work and we are very thankful for here at the East Coast location in Watsontown, Pa to have a great bunch of folks that come together and knock these playgrounds out for shipment.

I look forward to many more years helping out this organization in any way that I can. The purpose of this organization to impact the lives of children for Christ should warm everyone’s heart. From a finance point of view from what I have seen Kids Around The World does an amazing job of stretching every dollar. This is a Five Star Organization all the way!

Have a GREAT DAY ALL!!!!
Bob Rodriguez

I have just returned from leading a build of two playgrounds in Paraguay. This is the first time that I have had the honor of leading a group. Unfortunately we were not able to dedicate the playgrounds before I left. Seeing the children watching the build and hearing the questions they were asking about when they were going to be able to play makes me so happy that I was able to serve and give these children a safe place to play. Kids Around the world is a first rate place that gives their heart and soul to the advancement of our Lords message to be His hands and feet on earth. Luke 18:16 Says But Jesus called the children to him and said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. This is KAW's motto in my opinion.

Kids Around The World is a great organization that uses several avenues to reach and assist children all over the world. From meals and playgrounds, to teaching ministry leaders how to better interact and engage with the kids in their area, this ministry really covers a lot of needs. They also involve their volunteers and donators on a personal level that helps to communicate what their mission and goals are. They do such a good job and get people excited to be involved. I went through their KIDStory training and I found it to be very interactive and effective.

I have partnered with the Kids Around the World team for the past 3 years and this is a team that loves Jesus and is totally on mission with Him to reach the world. I love the various ways they come alongside churches and communities (through KIDStory, OneMeal, and building playgrounds), but it is the transformational impact of these efforts on adults and children that is truly exciting. As I've served alongside a couple of their team members (Gary Strudler and Melissa Lounsbury), I've been able to clearly see their hearts and witness their effectiveness as a ministry team. This is an organization of godly men and women who serve as faithful stewards of what God has provided to them. I commit both time and financial support to Kids Around the World, and I encourage others to do so as well.

Kids Around the World is THE best organization I have found that allows families--your whole family, no matter the age of your children--to serve together in the community for the cause of Christ around the world.

The Kids Around the World warehouse is my family's favorite place to volunteer. Our goal is to eventually attend a mission trip with them as a family in the future, but for now, simply taking part in working around the warehouse and helping at packing events is always a positive, encouraging, and uplifting experience for our family. The staff at the warehouse are friendly, open, and inviting. My children (ages 5 and 7) actually ask me to go volunteer because they have so much fun and enjoy interacting with the staff. In the small time I've been volunteering for them personally, it has become a place that feels like home, and I look forward to volunteering because I know the heart of the people I'm working along side is to love kids by providing for their needs and their enjoyment in hope of ultimately creating opportunities to impact their hearts for the Lord.

If you're looking for an organization that values your children and what they have to offer as much as they value your volunteer hours as an adult, then this is where you need to try and connect with your time and energy.

Twice our church has partnered with Kids Around the World to organize a food packing event to benefit hungry children. Partnering with Kids has promoted global awareness and compassion within our congregation and has deeply impacted our partner in Nicaragua. Lives are being changed , for Him, through the food program in remote village communities. The Kids team is professional, flexible and helpful in engaging a congregation to impact impoverished people who need to know Christ!

I'm so excited about Kid's Around the World and the work we are teaming up to accomplish that changes the lives of children in some of the most impoverished parts of the world. Through KidStory they help teachers bring to life the stories of the Bible, through OneMeal they invite churches to partner in packing meals to feeding extremely hungry children and through building playgrounds we work together to bring hope and joy. We have done multiple projects together and they have been wonderful to work with! Lock arms with this wonderful non-profit!

This past spring (2015) I had the privilege, alongside 12 other Police Officers from Calgary Alberta Canada, to assist with the building of a playground in Costa Rica. It was a mammoth undertaking. Seemingly impossible at first sight; but a beauty to watch the completion, the handing over to the locals and the spectacle of seeing families enjoy the rides, swings, bars, etc. Our team leader provided the impetus and sense of vision for the project. The ethos of Kids Around the World created the excitement and passion for our team to work beyond the breaking point and complete the task in almost record times. It was an honor to serve with this agency and our team leader, Dan, in particular. He guided our thoughts and efforts with purpose and intent.

Kids Around the World gave me the fresh sense of wanting to serve with you in future adventures. On a personal note, Dan conducted himself with dignity and character. It’s not easy to work with nor impress Police Officers. Taking orders from others is not an easy thing for the Policing world. However, Dan didn’t have to give orders. His personal inspirational leaders created the atmosphere of inclusion and involvement. Yet he was not afraid to be questioned or challenged. His answers were truly grace filled. This past spring (2015) I had the privilege, alongside 12 other Police Officers from Calgary Alberta Canada, to assist Dan Liesik with the building of a playground in Costa Rica.

It was a mammoth undertaking. Seemingly impossible at first sight; but a beauty to watch the completion, the handing over to the locals and the spectacle of seeing families enjoy the rides, swings, bars, etc.

Dan, provided the leader, impetus and sense of vision for the project. The ethos of kids around the world created the excitement and passion for our team to work beyond the breaking point and complete the task in almost record times. It was an honor to serve with this agency and Dan in particular. He guided our thoughts and efforts with purpose and intent. Kids Around the World gave me the fresh sense of wanting to serve in future adventures with this organization.

On a personal note, Dan conducted himself with dignity and character. It’s not easy to work with nor impress Police Officers. Taking orders from others is not an easy thing for the Policing world. However, Dan didn’t have to give orders. His personal inspirational leaders created the atmosphere of inclusion and involvement. Yet he was not afraid to be questioned or challenged. His answers were truly grace filled.

My fullest endorsement to the mission of Kids Around the World.

In March 2015 I playground build in Costa Rica with Kids Around The World as part of a larger mission involving our team from Calgary. None of us had ever undertaken something like this before, but what was very daunting, quickly became an awesome adventure and team exercise, thanks to the fantastic skills and love for people that the team leaders displayed. They love what they do and that love is so infectious, that you can't help but be affected by it. I'm going to say it - it changed my life. What great people and a great organization!

We have a longstanding partnership with Kids Around the World and it has been so life-giving to our church! We've packed countless meals for people in need, we've built playgrounds in several countries, and we've even been a part of container conversions (where the shipping container stays in country and gets converted to an impact center for future ministry)! Their vision to work on the ground with local people and invest in entire communities is something that distinguishes them from other nonprofits, and their heart to see real needs met and the Lord glorified among the nations is very apparent. Also, the kid-friendly quality to their work and trips is something our church highly values as well. We are so grateful for Kids!

I just went on my first Kids Around the World trip...it was incredible, and I'm already thinking about going on another...Our team of 27 (21 high school students) was lead by Mike Young; he did an incredible job leading our team, and made it super fun!!

The best way I can describe Kids Around The World (KATW) is a "Partner" in every sense of the word. I volunteer on a global missions planning team for a large church and where Kids differentiates from other non-profit's is their approach to Partnership. Where some non-profit organizations may try to convince you on why you should align your volunteers and resources to support their causes, Kids Around The World seeks to see where you are already committed to find where they may partner to further the existing local ministry outreach thru food aid, playground structures, and Bible story telling curriculum called KidStory. We have been involved in many campaigns and mission trips together and I admit that during the planning and execution of such events it is difficult to distinguish that there are two teams working together as we have such unity and harmony amongst our teams. We are thankful for our partnership with Kids Around The World and are excited about the future activities that we have planned together.

It has been a blessing and a privilege to volunteer with Kids Around The World. The KIDStory training I receive from Gary Strudler is excellent and I have used the concepts of 'facilitating vs teaching' and 'allowing the Holy Spirit to work in the hearts of the kids vs telling them what they should think/believe' have had live changing effects on myself as well as the children and other trainers in my classes. I have been a part of teams both locally and internationally and will continue to volunteer with this worthy organization. Beyond BibleStorying, KATW refurbishes and builds playgrounds and packs food for hungry children around the world. This ministry nurtures the entire child --- body, mind and soul.

I have been involved with children's ministry for the last 12 years. When I learned about, witnessed and participated in the KIDStory ministry of Kids Around the World, I was absolutely awed by the impact it has in both third world countries and in the US.

I found the same to be true for their OneMeal ministry as I participated in packing events and saw the impact they have on both the participants and the recipients.

Kids Around the World is a truly global ministry. It's focus on children and those caring for and ministering to children is inspiring.

It's a true privilege to be able to volunteer for and participate in KIDS ministries.

To volunteer for Kids Around the World is a blessing. It is a joy to work alongside the staff. I have volunteered in the office, helped pack flannelgraph kits, and help make puppets for the puppet ministry. This has allowed me to see the inner workings of this organization and I am impressed as to how well it is run and how much they have accomplished all over the world. They have fed the hungry, built playgrounds to give joy to children and bring families together, and they teach the Gospel of Jesus. Kids Around the World is concerned for the people they serve - body, mind, and soul - and they do it so well.

Pat Chitwood

I volunteer for a mission in Guatemala that has a Christian school as one of it's outreaches. KATW helped us every step of the way in raising funds, shipping, customs and installation. Even with a snafu that is common to third world environments, KATW rolled with it and we were able to make our goals in a timely manner. The playground has been in use for over a year now, and we are still thrilled the quality equipment. The playground we ended up installing was well beyond what was first imagined. Praise the Lord for KATW, and for their ability to help provide playgrounds at a fraction of the cost of new.
http://www.newhopeguatemala.com

I help run an organization that has children's homes and outreach ministries in 4 different locations in Mexico. Kids Around the World has put in 2 playgrounds for us and we are planning on another playground going in this January. They are an organization that seeks to serve others in any way they can with no thought as to how they are going to benefit. They are organized, professional, and show the love of Jesus to all they come into contact with. We are privileged to partner with them and I would encourage anyone that has the opportunity to do the same.

Hi, my name is Delaney Perez and I am 13 years old. I have been apart of 7 New Orleans, Louisiana playground builds, and one Guatemala playground build. I really enjoy going on these trips because not only has it brought me closer to God, but my friends, family, and the people of Louisiana/Guatemala. I truly believe that going for a 8th playground build in Louisiana is very significant. Kids Around the World should really consider taking a team back down to New Orleans again because it’s a lot of fun getting to know so many different people and their life stories, and from past experience, these trips have not only taught me to love others, but to love them more than yourself. In addition, these trips bring friends closer than ever. If I hadn’t gone on the first 2007, New Orleans trip, I wouldn’t have met such amazing people! Weather it’s 110º or 45º, I’ve enjoyed every single trip and would LOVE to go back in about January 2013. Meeting new people, creating friendships and memories, and working for the Lord is almost indescribable when the week is finished. So, to wrap it all up, if it’s possible to go back to New Orleans, I say we should go for it at least one last time. It will be another adventure to look forward to. To make this trip possible we need a total of $50,000. If you would please consider praying for this trip, or donating toward our cause, it would be most appreciated! It would mean so much to Kids Around the World and me. Thank you!



Love always,



Delaney Perez (:

Kids Around the World partnered with our church in building a playground. This allowed us to get to know more about the work of Kids Around the World. The leadership and volunteers that joined us for our playground build shared so many great stories of changed lives in other countries that our church has now partnered with Kids Around the World to raise money for a playground build in Haiti. This has given us an opportunity to share with the children of our church the importance of sharing our resources to impact the lives of the Haitian children. Kids Around the World is impacting lives in the USA in the communities where they are removing playgrounds for refurbishing (where they are sharing why they are doing what they are doing) and in many other countries (where they are sharing food,and the love of Jesus while they are building the playground). Kids Around the World's leadership are Godly men and women who are serving God in an authentic and joyful manner and we here at VCG are blessed by them and their ministry.

I have never met someone with some much LOVE for the LORD. Mike from KATW was such an awesome leader. And he inspired me everyday to work hard(er). I would go on a trip with Mike from KATW every time!

Our church partnered with Kids Around the World to build a playground to serve a slum area near San Jose, Costa Rica in March 2011. It was a wonderful experience for our whole family including our three children, ages 11, 12 and 14. I can honestly say it was the best vacation our kids said they ever had even though they were working every day and sleeping at a church at night. Kids Around the World was a huge factor in this. Mike, our project manager, is amazing at encouraging kids and made sure everyone had a meaningful role - even kids as young as 8! They also love involving the local community which gave the families participating a wonderful opportunity to experience another culture. The trip made such an impact on my daughter that she is now considering a future working with different cultures through the church or other organizations. I cannot give them a more glowing review and look forward to serving with them again soon!

For my trip I went to the Dominican republic to build a play ground on a small lot that a school owned. I can't even describe the joy and gratitude that was shown from the teachers, staff , and children . It was by far one of the greatest experiences and feelings I have ever had. I would love to go on a trip again and would highly advise everyone and anyone to take the opportunity and do the same. You will not regret it and it's worth everything .

As a regional denominational staff person and as a volunteer on the field with them I have seen both "sides' of their heart and vision. One of the things I really like about them is that they partner well with other kingdom building organizations. Their heart is for children and winning children to Christ but they also see their role in the much bigger picture; they don't try to do all things, but they do what they do well, as it fits appropriately in the greater mission. I have been there with them, I have memories that I will always cherish. The staff is comprised of people that I deeply respect and enjoy. Would I serve with them again? Absolutely! Would I support them financially? Yes, I do!! Do I recommend them? Consistently!

In February 2012, i was part of a team that helped build a playground for children at Nazarette School in Santa Domingo, Dominican Republic. The principal at this school had been praying for a playground for 17 years. It is life changing to realize that God used me to help answer a 17 year old prayer request. I struggle to pray for something for 17 days let alone years. The most awesome thing about Kids Around the World is that the playground is just the object-it's really about the relationships and showing Gods love to people. Whenever kids would come around, we were encouraged to out the tools down and spend time with them. We quickly found that "play" has no language barriers!i will definitely go again! Kids Around the World is helping to change this world one person at a time!

We have had the privilege of seeing the faces of children light up with joy when running to play on a playground that we help construct in the Dominican Republic. They watched each day through the fence awaiting that exciting day when the gate would be opened to a colorful playground that would provide years of fun and enjoyment for countless number of children. I will never forget when a small handicapped child who could not walk or play outside of his wheelchair experienced a ride down the slide. Words cannot begin to capture his expression of glee. KIDS brings a playground of color and fun into the lives of children of poverty but, more importantly, presents the story of Christ's love and forgiveness for their hearts and life eternal through Bible stories and flannelgraphs. It was indeed an honor to be a tiny part of this ministry of God's love.

My husband and I, along with our daughter, served at an orphanage in Haiti just a few months after the earthquake. The site in which we built the playground was, just weeks earlier, a helicopter landing for hundreds of victims of the earthquake. When we arrived, in addition to the 20+ orphans, there were thousands of refugees still being treated for their injuries. Our hearts were immediately broken for these people! Each day Kids Around the World would conduct a debriefing and devotional which was so incredibly beneficial. There is just so much to process. The playground dedication was one of the coolest things I have ever experienced in my life. You just have no idea how hard it will hit you when you see excited children (and adults) run toward a playground you built for them with your own two hands. I am not a skilled laborer...just a mom who works in the office at our church. Anyone can do this! I would totally recommend volunteering with Kids Around the World! In fact I am heading back to Haiti with KATW in just a few days!

I went to the Domincan Republic in Feb with Kids around the World. This was a first for me-first missions trip in 30 years and then for it to be international as well. It was an incredible experience To bless a group of children with a playground -something that is rare in their country - and to see their faces as you are constructing it then to see their faces as they are told go play on their new playground. to see their teachers cry with joy We were able to visit with the children and give them a hug I learned so much on this trip

Working with Kids Around the World on playground builds in Guatamala, Poland and here in the U.S has blessed us so much. Such a simple act , a safe structure for children to play on. However the impact ripples far beyond the children all the way through the communities and on up to goverments, all in the name of Jesus. How awesome is that. The work, digging, assembling, hauling concrete ect... is hard work but the joy overides it all . It's a chance to travel, meet great people and serve. We love it and would suggest, to anyone, that you make it your next trip and find out for yourself. Just wait to you see the smiles of the children.

Mike from Kids Around the World helped us put in a huge playground at Grace Village in Titanyen, Haiti. See more here...http://print4change.tumblr.com/

I began as Volunteer in MAY 2006 working on a project in Holly Grove an under served community in New Orleans. I was involved with the funding foundation partner The Million Dollar Round Table Foundation. In August of 2005 Katrina hit and I began volunteering with KATW directly . Since 2005 I have had the opportunity to see this organization change the lives of children through out the world. I have participated in food packing events that had as many as2500 involved packing ONE MILLION meals for children in a single event on more than one occasion. Raising the awareness of people to the plight of the hungry. I remember a trip to Ecuador. where we build 5 playgrounds in 5 very diverse location . One serving a community that was recently relocated due to a eruption of a volcano that destroyed the town . I saw the smiles on the parents as well as the children. I remember we put a playground in the back yard of a home that served as a after school program run by a couple in the mountains of Ecuador serving 150 kids . There are so many stories to tell about KATW. I could go on and on But they have a passion for children and do it financial responsible manner. Over the last 7 years I have the seen the organization mature and grow and at the same time remained true to their mission. I would recommend Kids Around The World as worthy of a person and financial involvement.

On the first day of a Beslan, South Ossetia (Russia) school in 2004, Chechen rebels took an entire school hostage. The takeover lasted days and resulted in many children, parents and teachers being executed. The horrific story in the news caught my attention and when I heard Kids Around the World was planning to build a playground there I jumped on board. Every person in Beslan had been affected by the deaths in some way. The cemetery had been expanded, and the row after row of new headstones was heartbreaking. As we prepared the playground site at another school across town, children hung around the edges, watching and waiting. Parents and townspeople were so welcoming and hospitable, bringing us food and even allowing us to visit their homes. The celebration following the completion of the playground included speeches, ceremonial toasts, folk dances and a school choir performance - perhaps the first thing worth celebrating since the trauma the year before. Seeing young school teachers whirling around on the merry-go-round along with a mob of children, all shrieking with laughter, was the highlight of my trip. The grip of darkness and evil was broken in that moment, and the spell of sadness was lifted, giving hope for the future.

On a playground build in Kyrgyzstan, we saw the remnants of the Soviet Union and their impact on the society. it was chemical research plant for them and there were many Russians in the community along with the Kyrgsish people. These 2 ethnicites did not intermingle at all; in fact they did not acknowledge each other on the streets or in the market place. They were like 2 ships passing in the night and there was not dialogue between them. As we built the playground both people groups came and watched and the children of both stood side by side with excitement of what was coming for them (a playground which they did not have in their community). The mothers also stood side by side and watched us build it. When the playground was dedicated and opened for the kids to play, both Russian and Kyrgsish played together and the moms sat together and chatted as their children played together. We changed a community, indeed, playgrounds are for more than just the kids, they change communities

I have done several events with Kids Around The World. They are a great group of people doing amazing things in the world. From Playgrounds and Food in Haiti, to Africa and South America. Where do you want to be involved? Thay have a place to serve.