My Nonprofit Reviews

Bright Light Volunteers is an amazing organization that is doing fantastic things for communities around the world as well as trip participants. I co-led a group of high school students on a service project to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands. Every detail was very thoroughly researched and planned to ensure a safe and fun adventure for all. Catherine spends the time to find out what the greatest local needs are and develops ways in which Bright Light can give back in the best way possible. The service projects are well organized with all the necessary supplies. She makes sure that the project is meaningful and those funds can be spread as far as possible to have a positive impact locally. While the core of the trip is service, there was also so much opportunity for cultural exploration. The students experienced traditional tourist things as well as local communities and cuisine to really get a feel for the country. The most rewarding part was letting the students take control of and own their projects to gain maximum personal fulfillment at the end when they had achieved their goal. I could see their emotions and perspectives changing when they interacted with the children who have far less than them, but also the personal satisfaction they received from completing their projects to help those children. I think students get more out of volunteering when they can see the faces of the people whose lives they touched. This was a wonderful experience for the students and the leaders and I highly recommend using Bright Light Volunteers!