My Nonprofit Reviews

I went on a mission with Son Safaris in 2017 and came back on such a spiritual high that within a month my husband and I signed up for the 2018 mission trip. We came back from the 2018 trip completely disheartened. In a single year, Son Safaris went from an everyone-is-welcome serving ministry to more of a Christian-based young adult travel experience organization. My husband and I are in our mid-50’s. The rest of the mission team was made up of Generation Z (Gen Z) aged women. This, alone, is not a problem. However, Fledge’s (the mission director) staff (also Gen Z) regularly excluded us from team activities. This resulted in a clear division in the team, which was regularly encouraged by his staff.

We did see lots of wildlife and completed some service projects. But I felt nothing like I did after the 2017 trip. Fledge seems to thrive best when surrounded solely by Gen Z aged people that he can regale with stories of his former game ranger days but doesn’t relate as well to older adults. He also does not accept feedback well, and quickly became defensive when I expressed my concerns to him after returning from our trip. In the end, he chose to terminate any relationship between us and his organization.

I am happy I went to South Africa with Son Safaris in 2017 and I have no issue with them changing their target audience and corporate culture. But they should be clear who is welcomed on their mission trips and who is not. Had I been informed of these changes I would not have returned to South Africa with this organization. Son Safaris may be a good fit for anyone 18 to 24. Anyone older is likely to be disappointed.

The Fold is an amazing haven/school for children. I was privileged to volunteer there during a recent mission trip to South Africa. Children live in small group homes with a house mother, who cares for them. There is a separate school building and teaching staff. The owners, Paul and Mickey, are wonderful, loving people who have given their hearts to this school. the children there learn and grow in such a loving and healthy environment. Paul and Mickey do so much with limited resources.