GCO has been gathering a team of loving, caring and dedicated volunteers from around America and the world. Here's how some of them view their experience.

My motivation for participating in GCO's cross-community program is young people. I believe in interesting young people and giving them the opportunity to empower themselves as they grow towards adulthood. I also believe that the skills and talents they possess can benefit them, their community, and the country now and in the future.
-Roy, Belfast, N. Ireland (Ireland Volunteer)

Definitely bring this camp back. The tears are evidence that people don't want to leave. I'd like to come back, either to Ireland or Badija. Thank you for this opportunity. Even if I don't come back, I will never forget it.
-Lindsey, 18, Oakland (Ireland Volunteer)

There was a beautiful simplicity in being with kids at camp: honesty, understanding, fun and compassion led the way. And yet the results were profound and deeply emotional. I can't think of anything more important than being with kids, one of them and for them. I'll never forget the challenges and victories of connecting with the campers, and how they crossed bridges with each other. GCO will be a part of my life for years to come.
-Rebecca, 31, Los Angeles (Ireland Volunteer & former GCO Board Member)

I was on Badija in 1994 as one of the campers. I had a wonderful time and I came back in 1999 as a volunteer. The camp exists in order to make the children happy. The children are happy here.
-Selma, 18, Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina (Badija Volunteer)

I haven't said good-bye yet. Even when the boats take us away from Badija I still don't think I will say good-bye - not really. I will hold this experience in my heart forever - the laughter, singing, hugs, play, and creativity. This camp is a new beginning for hope and has encouraged me to continue to seek for understanding in every difficult situation.
-Kristi, 22, Tennessee (Badija and Ireland Volunteer)

Camp was much more than I expected. I had really wanted to go back to Badija and couldn't. I didn't expect the intensity of this camp [Ireland]. I thought it was an incredible force of volunteers. I think it was brave for GCO to do this.
-Judy, 40, New Jersey (Badija and Ireland Volunteer)

So much of the success of this camp depends on the volunteers and the quality and energy and willingness of these volunteers made the camp wonderful. Did I get out of this what I came for? BEYOND. Thank you for the opportunity. I want to continue coming.
-Pam, Berkeley (Ireland Volunteer)

This has been one of the most amazing, unbelievable experiences of my life. The camp is a wonderful opportunity for volunteers and different campers to learn about each other's cultures. More importantly, the message of peaceful community building across cultural lines (across Northern Ireland and Ireland cultures, Protestant and Catholic religions) is essential to achieving peace. I definitely have decided that I would like to work at this GCO camp in Ireland next year and the years after because its positive effects are visible and it's an incredible organization.
-Allegra, 21, Washington, DC (Ireland Volunteer)

The bond I formed with my family group is unbreakable, these kids are amazing. This camp met every expectation I had, and then some. I am looking forward to next year. The friends I made here will last me a lifetime.
-Caroline, Los Angeles (Ireland Volunteer)

I thank so much to all my volunteers in 1994 (Ira was a camper in 1994 and came back in 1999 as a volunteer) who showed me that kindness, patience, and love can help children a lot in retrieving back hope and happiness. I felt so happy and proud of myself when I heard them (the campers) calling my name, coming to my room to ask me something, and telling me jokes on the beach. I really felt they trusted me and loved me. That feeling is beyond description. It was so hard but we all had so much fun.
-Ira, 18, Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina (Badija Volunteer)

YOU CAN HELP!    Apply to be a Camp Counselor Volunteer. The easiest way to get your Application Packet is to Download the Application and Consent Forms directly from the web.

If you are unable to download the forms or would like more information please contact:

Email: gco@globalchild.org
or (310) 581-2234

P.O. Box 67583
Los Angeles, CA  90067
Phone:  (310) 581-2234
Fax:  (323) 934-0308
gco@globalchild.org