Volunteer Reservations: 1-877-77CORAL (1-877-772-6725), 787-742-0068 The Department of Natural and Environmental Resources of Puerto Rico manages the Sea Turtle Conservation Project on the island of Culebra. Meals: BLD. There will be opportunities to learn about local sea turtle nesting populations, to help monitor coral reef restoration sites, and to compare the near shore marine reserve reefs with the offshore remote reefs of Desecheo Island. wildlife refuge area. The turtle is measured and the event These beaches are known to be nesting sites for sea turtles, and during hatching season (typically from May to August), you may be able to witness baby turtles making their way to the ocean. These programs offer volunteers the opportunity to work alongside ocean experts and contribute to vital research and conservation efforts. Coming out of the program, you would, Being on the actual job site was my favorite part. Meals BLD, Day 6: In-Water Turtle Monitoring and Bioluminescence Kayaking. This super fun activity allows you to navigate through the beautiful mangroves and pass by lots of wonderful marine life including manatees, sea turtles and iguanas too. Based out of the beautiful Perhentian Islands, the sea turtle conservation and research project run by Fuze Ecoteer helps stop poachers from robbing sea turtle nests and is building a comprehensive database of turtle sightings and populations in the Islands. Today, we will have breakfast at the hotel and then head out for another dune restoration activity with Vida Marina, this time in the Loiza region. Join us for our first trip to the wonderful island of Puerto Rico! If you would like to go on this tour, or a similar trip, please get in touch. We will then have lunch and then a break to rest. Founded in 1969, Oceanic Society is Americas oldest 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to ocean conservation. Youll also be working with unique and amazingly impressive animals, like the breathtakingly beautiful Hawksbill or the living-dinosaur Leatherback Sea Turtle. Desecheo is a small, uninhabited island that is a National Wildlife Refuge and a prime location for scuba diving and snorkeling. Puerto Rico Sea Turtle Adventure Join us for our first trip to the wonderful island of Puerto Rico! There is also an enclosed outdoor shower. In Rincn we will stay in a two-family home, where each level has 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, a kitchen, living room, wifi, satellite TV and A/C. Donations from our group to Chelonia and the Puerto Rico Chapter of Sierra Club, our conservation partners. Biodiversity Amigos de las Tortugas Marinas (ATMAR), a community-based turtle conservation organization in Puerto Rico, is seeking volunteers to assist with monitoring leatherback and hawksbill turtles during the 2018 nesting season (May to August): With a score of 9.6 out of 10 for support, and a 94% score overall from 79 GoOverseas alumni, Fuze Ecoteers sea turtle project in Malaysia is an excellent way to help with turtles in a unique and exotic location. Show more, Leatherback Turtles on the North Caribbean. The hawksbill sea turtle population has declined globally by over 80% during the last century. Camuy River has the third largest water volume in the world in an underground river system and is one of the largest, and most spectacular, systems in the western hemisphere. Transfer by taxi to RafaelHernndez International Airport (BQN) to fly home - or if staying on we canhelp you arrange transport from Rincon if needed, to your next destination. Remember to bring some cash/credit cards for lunches and additional food/drinks. For the best chance of seeing a turtle in Puerto Rico, head to one of the turtle beaches in the list below: 1. Our guide will be Irmaury Serrano, a Puerto Rican turtle conservationist and guide who is eager to show our group this beautiful island. Volunteers can also learn new skills, gain valuable knowledge, and make a meaningful difference in the world. Follow their progress north! These picturesque locales are sure to get the inspiration flowing. In turns watching for turtles. Because of severe erosion on the beach, likely the direct result of global climate change, we are having to relocate more and more nests. Contact us to learn more about volunteer vacations. The trip is open to any adult or child age 12 and up who is accompanied by an adult. Evening group dinner and briefing with local research partners. Please fill out a Volunteer Application. The best way to see the sea turtles in La Parguera is by renting a water bike. Working with sea turtles is an ideal volunteer vacation. The programs chosen by Go Overseas below are all excellent and have been vetted by our previous volunteers, and there are many other great programs the world over! impressive. On this tour, youll be able to swim with the turtles and get up close to them. This will be an in-water activity, involving catching and studying these turtles from the beach (the catching will be done by professionals). Private motor coach with professional driver & all transfers provided. In Puerto Rico, you can do more than just go and see those beautiful reptiles, but also help conservation efforts that are especially critical during the hatching period. Breakfast at the hotel is included. Learn more about our organization. We have six turtles from Sandy Point and Puerto Rico still transmitting (8 September2022). Based in San Juan. The department's website is www.800helpfla.com. Our boat will take us to snorkel some of the reefs around the island, and we will compare fish communities and coral heath between Desecheo (offshore) and Tres Palmas (near shore). After lunch, we will head to the Aguadilla area to visit our colleagues at Vida Marina, part of the University of Puerto Rico who have been longtime partners of SEE Turtles. Please contact our Volunteer Coordinator at volunteer@seaturtlespacecoast.org with any questions you have. Marine conservation volunteer programs also offer a unique opportunity for personal growth and development. That evening, we will visit the beach one final night patrol with Vida Marina. The turtle watch is truly an incredible experience. This project collects important biological information on turtles returning to Culebra's beaches to nest. Just be sure you know what the expectations are when you plan your experience. Explore the history and nature of Cabezas de San Juan Nature Reserve by taking a guided trolley tour through dry forests and seagrass beds. (B,L,D), Enjoy a snorkel outing to practice your newly learned or improved fish ID skills. Puerto Rico's Department of Natural Resources seeks volunteers annually from April through June to monitor the nests, make sure they are secured from predators, and count eggs. These charismatic and endangered animals are easy and safe to work with, and they need our help! turtles. There are many benefits to participating in a marine conservation volunteer program. All rights reserved. After breakfast today, we will head out for an easy kayaking trip to explore the areas reefs with glass bottom kayaks. Welcome to my guide on where to see sea turtles in Puerto Rico! It is our outstanding volunteers that educate the public about how to protect sea turtles in Brevard County and surrounding areas. The tours are designed to be educational and informative, and visitors are often able to witness the baby turtles as they make their way to the sea. Show more, The most common species of turtles found in Puerto Rico are the green sea turtle and the hawksbill sea turtle. There are five species of sea turtles in the archipelago, and two of these species, in particular the hawksbill turtle and the leatherback turtle, are endangered. After the past year, we know your group is ready to meet in person and spend time really getting to know each other. August 2, 2023 @ 5:30 PM. Mona Island is the perfect habitat and the best kept Caribbean refuge for many marine animals including turtles. Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico, 299 Avenida Jos de Diego, San Juan, PR +1 787-977-6277, ext. E-mail:info@posada.com. It is an especially great opportunity for students interested in biology or conservation, but anyone can have a wonderful time doing important work here! You won't regret it! In your spare time, you have easy access to beautiful diving, beaches, and national parks right in the same region. The fund is seeded annually with money earned from our expeditions, and supplemented by donations from Oceanic Society travelers. All our tours are individually customized to your interests. Participate in turtle research and more in Puerto Rico with SEE Turtles. Since 1988, wildlife workers have often enlisted volunteers to help monitor and protect the breeding grounds of the majestic leather-back turtle. The sea turtles are most commonly seen around the coral reefs of the nature reserve. For lunch, well eat authentic Puerto Rican food at El Jibarito restaurant, a local favorite. GET THE BEST OF PUERTO RICO DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX. The fun begins when a turtle is spotted. Was this page helpful? Volunteers participate on the sea turtle preservation including monitoring and registering nesting patterns, record keeping of eggs, moving eggs to the hatchery, beach patrols, freeing of the newborns to the ocean. Following the aftermath of Hurricane Maria, Puerto Rico Renace was formed to help the communities that were most affected. Meals: None, Day 2: Kayaking, Manatees, & Turtle Nesting Beach. There are three sea turtles endemic to Puerto Rico and include the leatherback, hawksbill, and green sea turtles. We have many different programs that need volunteers who love turtles. If you decide to extend your stay in Puerto Rico, you are free to travel on to your next destination. (D), The morning will begin with a briefing on the history of the Tres PalmasMarine Reserve followed by an exploratory snorkel to get an overview of thearea. Arrive at Rafael Hernndez International Airport (BQN) and take a taxi to group lodging in Rincon. (B,L,D), We'll take a chartered boat to Desecheo Island, 13 miles offshore. GLA offers a number of different service-learning opportunities, and one of their best is the Sea Turtle Initiative. This beach resort has its own stretch of beach where a variety of turtle species come to lay their eggs. One volunteer counts the big fertile eggs, while Full time professional Discovery Expeditions tour escort and local interpreter and cultural guides from the National Park Service and Government of Puerto Rico; tour of the Las Cabezas de San Juan Natural Reserve and El Faro (lighthouse) (Conservation Trust of Puerto Rico); local sea turtle logistics coordinator (Rosa Fiel, Proyecto Tinglar Durado) and marine biologist/sea turtle expert; Tour of BioBay by expert marine biologists (Pure Adventure), All gratuities where the group is together (tour leader and driver included), Complete tour participant accounting including option to pay by credit card, Comprehensive Accident, Medical, Liability, and Travel Protection/Cancellation/Interruption. I hope this guide on where to see turtles in Puerto Rico has inspired you to explore the island and witness the magic of sea turtles in their natural habitat. This project collects important biological information on turtles returning to Culebra's beaches to nest. As I write this we just had our first nest of the season hatch, and it really was breathtaking getting to watch all out little tortugitas crawl into the surf. This beach is also known as Balneario El Escambron. This first nest was one I relocated over two months ago from a flood-prone part of the beach, and it felt really great knowing that because of me these turtles would get their chance in the open ocean. Go Overseas alumni give the program excellent ratings in all its aspects, from support to safety. Sometimes its a vacation, sometimes its a challenge, but no matter what its always an adventure, and one definitely worth having. Swim with sea turtles and other marine life on this snorkeling activity located only minutes from Old San Juan. Supports community development. The trip has some special benefits for teachers or people seeking professional development, outlined below. Imagine helping an Not having to worry about these basics will allow you to focus on what's important: the turtles! Afterwards, your team can bask in the sun at La Esperanza or head down PR-686 to explore some of the north region'smost popular beaches, like Mar Chiquita, Los Tubos, and Mar Bella. Stay in the small surf town of Rincn and learn about the sea turtle conservation efforts at Tres Hermanos Beach. Show more, Yes, there are regulations for observing baby turtles in Puerto Rico. The tours usually take place during the nesting season, which is from May to August. Volunteers have played an important role in Oceanic Society's work since our founding in 1969, and we invite you to lend your hand as a volunteer with one of our programs. As pioneers of eco travel, our expeditions have been designed to directly support, By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies and similar tracking technologies described in our, Click here for our full expedition terms and conditions, global research and conservation programs, 5 Volunteer Abroad Programs That Support Ocean Conservation, From Monkeys to Macaws, 15 Photos That Will Move Costa Rica to the Top of Your Travel List, By Land and Sea: Our Ridge to Reef Expeditions Include the Best of Both Worlds, Vamos a Cuba! Night beach walks on soft sand can be taxing but we will have different options of distance to choose from. I promise you wont regret it. Each species is endangered to a greater or lesser degree, and volunteers are essential to sea turtle conservation around the world. No meals planned for today so grab something on the way or we will provide recommendations near the hotel. Their biggest eventInternational Coastal Cleanuphappens every September and is part of a global movement that includes 90 countries and more than six million volunteers. So why not take the plunge and sign up for a marine conservation program today? *For those interested in a little local nightlife, taxis and company can be organized to La Placita de Santurce for a relaxed dinner at the popular Jose Enriques. A coral reef runs right along the length of the beach so its the perfect place to go snorkeling with turtles in Puerto Rico. They not only positively impact our travelers, but also the people, places, and wildlife we go to see. Depending on flight times and dates, you can enjoy more sites and activities in San Juan, soaking up the incredible atmosphere before you have to depart! Turtle Trunks (For Teachers in Brevard County). Check out some of the top ways your group can give back while visiting Puerto Rico. It's Still Possible to Join a Cuba Expedition in 2020. another counts the small infertile eggs. Whether your team wants to volunteer at the Miramar Food Truck Park farmers market or help plant fruit trees at Rancho Orgnico Feliz, Food Producer Network offers a variety of experiences that allow your team to give back while also learning about the Islands prolific agricultural industry. endangered experience into words when she exclaimed, "I feel like I'm in a National Bahia Beach Resort at the St. Regis hosts leatherback turtle nesting sites. The Oceanic Society is a registered organization. A surcharge will be added if the trip has less than 6 participants. volunteers can gather around the turtle to observe her laying eggs. Since GLA I have been more 'go with the flow' (. Previous visitors loved the support they got from the program and really felt they got their moneys worth! Should be physically in good enough condition to hike up to two hours at a time in hot, humid conditions in steep forested trails and walk on sand at night for turtle patrols in one hour stretches for up to seven hours with short breaks every hour. This way you can get out onto the water and see the turtles in action. One final consideration is to use care when you choose your projects. The best way to see the sea turtles at the Cabezas de San Juan Nature Reserve is to get in the water and join a kayaking and snorkeling tour. Box 844Ross, CA 94957, Expeditions & General Inquiries 1-800-326-7491. This snorkeling tour is one of the best rated ones and includes transport to and from the reserve. Check out the video below to see some sea turtles spotted whilst snorkeling in the crystal clear waters of Steps Beach: La Parguera is a little village located in the town of Lajas in southwestern Puerto Rico and its another great place to see turtles. Your expedition will be led by one or more of the following expert naturalist guides: Franois Baelen / Coral Reef Image Bank, Oceanic SocietyP.O. Volunteer sea turtle groups in Puerto Rico are authorized by the PRDNER to conduct certain sea turtle monitoring and management activities. Although every volunteer opportunity is different, there are a few common trends you should consider. Excludes:Airfare to Puerto Rico, personal items, and tips for the guide and driver. Here are few quotes from alumni who enjoyed this program: With a firm 96% rating from GoOverseas alums, Lang Tengah Turtle Watch is one of the best options for really adventurous volunteers. All satellite turtle tracks together! Afterward, well head for Dorado Beach to begin our nesting patrols, which will last until 1:00am. Every year, the team donates thousands of eggs for incubation in corrals, or nesting sites, which are prepared by their team of AES volunteers. How to get to Culebra and Vieques Memorable events begin with an iconic setting. We hope to plan another trip with you in the future! Some can be exploitative and use turtles merely as a means to separate tourists and volunteers from their money. Please note: turtle hatching season runs from February to August. This turtle beach in Puerto Rico is well known for its crystal clear waters and coral reefs that are filled with an abundance of interesting marine life including tropical fish, sea turtles and rays. Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Beach Resort and Spa near Fajardo also runs a program together with the Department of Natural Resources and engages guests to monitor turtles' nesting and hatching. ready to lay eggs, she goes into a hypnotic trance. After breakfast, we will visit the Caribbean Manatee Conservation Center, where we will do a tour and visit the manatees, sea turtles, and other wildlife that this facility is rehabilitating. This is how you get a room in exchange for work around the world. to the massive Leatherback (with record-holders weighing more than 2,000lbs), and they can be found on beaches all around the worlds tropical and subtropical latitudes. That evening after dinner we will have a presentation by Vida Marina on their work and then visit a nesting beach to look for and work with leatherback turtles. I always use Viator to book my tours as theyre super reliable and have never let me down yet! Youll be able to swim right alongside the sea turtles which is definitely an experience you wont forget. The hike to the beach is steep and challenging. Thank you! Volunteers meet at sunset and spend the night on the beach taking By participating in a marine conservation volunteer program, you can contribute to vital research and conservation efforts, help protect endangered species, and promote sustainable practices. We will see lots of sea turtles in a variety of ways, on nesting beaches, in the water, and more. The return is quite Crespo expects at least 4,000 baby tinglares - as the black and white-spotted turtles are known in Puerto Rico - to hit the ocean this year. Escambron Beach Hands down, the absolute best place to swim with sea turtles in Puerto Rico is at Escambron Beach in Guaynabo, San Juan. Students, Solo Travelers, Adventure travelers, Solo Travelers, Students, Adventure travelers, Global Leadership Adventures in Costa Rica, the sea turtle conservation and research project run by Fuze Ecoteer, Sea Turtle Conservancy project in Costa Rica, 6 Things You Should Know Before Volunteering in Guatemala, The Best Volunteer Abroad Programs For Older Adults in 2023, The 10 Best Volunteer Abroad Programs for Spanish Speakers in 2023, Where to Volunteer Abroad with Refugees in 2023, 6 Ideas for Meaningful Volunteer Vacations to Take in 2023, The Best Summer Volunteer Abroad Programs for 2023, Being able to challenge myself and gain skills through service, activities like zip-lining and horse riding, the leadership curriculum and putting myself out of my comfort zone has been, My experience in Costa Rica was absolutely amazing. Depart mid-morning to tour the Camuy Caverns an incredible opportunity to learn about the geology of the region! This 21-day program gives teens the chance to make an impact on sea turtle conservation through nightly beach patrols and the protection of nesting sites. Details Published: March 26 2023 . Volunteers are divided into 3 groups: teachers, facilitators and administrators. We will make it a shorter patrol so we can get up early for the drive inland the following day. is documented before the turtle returns to the ocean. For the best chance of seeing a turtle in Puerto Rico, head to one of the turtle beaches in the list below: Hands down, the absolute best place to swim with sea turtles in Puerto Rico is at Escambron Beach in Guaynabo, San Juan. The most popular beaches for scuba diving are Playa Sardineras, Playa Pajaros, Punta Arenas and Playa Mujeres. One of the most significant benefits is the opportunity to make a real impact. 4.7 / 5. Privacy Policy | GDPR FAQ | Accessibility, Corporate Social Responsibility in Puerto Rico, Top Local Experiences for Meetings in Puerto Rico, Meeting Venues with Ocean Views in Puerto Rico, A Luxurious, Four-Day Incentive Group Getaway, 11 Hotels & Resorts in Puerto Rico that Incentive Planners Love, 4 Volunteer Opportunities for Incentive Groups in Puerto Rico, Is your team ready to roll up their sleeves and help a local farmer? Thank you for gifting us all with lifelong memories & experiences. See our full terms and conditions here. February to August. While we loved guiding this private tour, it is purely an example of what can be possible and we will tailor your day to day program to your interests. To educate, inspire, and empower our community to pursue perspective-changing travel. Taking a sabbatical was the best decision of my life. This stunning crescent shaped beach is well known for its coral reefs which bring with them an array of marine life including sea turtles. We know when and where they will be nesting or foraging, you don't need to be a biologist or speak Spanish, and our trips directly benefit conservation efforts. 2279. Meet The Team Another great place to see sea turtles in Puerto Rico is at the Cabezas de San Juan NatureReserve in Fajardo. Turtles lay eggs a few times during the same season in the sand as deep as 3.3 feet (1 m). Franois Baelen / Coral Reef Image Bank, Oceanic SocietyP.O. This island is kinda famous for being an excellent snorkeling spot where you can see lots of interesting marine life like turtles, manatees, rays, starfish and more. Check out the video below to see some of the turtles of Culebra Island seen whilst snorkeling: Did you know you can also see manatees in Puerto Rico? Contact us today to start planning. The Discover Puerto Rico Incentive Sales Team can help you find the perfect volunteer opportunity for your group. If your team feels called to directly connect with and impact local children and seniors, Puerto Rico Renace can make that happen. You will be in a rather rural environment, but that means you have the chance to see some of Costa Ricas amazing wildlife right where youre working, including monkeys, reptiles, and some of Costa Ricas breathtakingly beautiful birds. Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Puerto Rico Golf & Beach Resort is one of several luxury resorts in Puerto Rico's east region. Therefore, nesting grounds are very rare. Heres some of the most popular activities: The most popular activity, by far, is joining the glass bottom kayak tour. The island has a super healthy and large coral reef system that attracts a huge range of marine life including sea turtles. We will also meet another localscientist during a guest lecture. Our Federal Tax ID is 94-3105570. If groups are available to help, coordination with these groups should be well documented as part of the planning and implementation of projects. Its super common to spot sea turtles as well as manatees, stingrays and dolphins. Full time professional Discovery Expeditions tour escort and local interpreter and cultural guides from the National Park Service and Government of Puerto Rico; tour of the Las Cabezas de San Juan Natural Reserve and El Faro (lighthouse) (Conservation Trust of Puerto Rico); local sea turtle logistics coordinator (Rosa Fiel, Proyecto Tinglar Dorado) and marine biologist/sea turtle expert; Tour of BioBay by expert marine biologists (Pure Adventure). One lucky Most programs include 24/7 support, full accommodation, meals, and airport pickup. When nesting, leatherbacks will not enter an area where Affiliate Disclaimer: This article may contain affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if a reader clicks through and makes a purchase. Option to Receive Graduate CreditThis course is accredited through the Dominican University of California (2-3 CR available), Aligned with your CurriculumEnrich your lesson plans by gaining first-hand experience of Puerto Ricos rich natural, historical and cultural heritage, Every traveler participating in the trip receives a Certificate of Completion from Discovery Expeditions, Observe the wonder of sea turtles nesting and participate in patrols and data collection of nesting beaches to aid in their protection, Hike in Puerto Ricos tropical rainforest and swim under a tropical waterfall, Take a guided tour through Camuy Caverns and enrich your understanding of geology and Puerto Rican history, Listen to talks from expert conservationists on conservation issues, Gain a deeper understanding of the issues and challenges of marine conservation through direct, hands-on experiences. After breakfast at your hotel, well travel to the Fajardo region to hike in cool and mountainous El Yunque Rain Forest, the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest Service ecosystem. The average adult weighs 500 to 1600 pounds. The best way to see the animals is to get out onto the water as its difficult to see them from the shore. This stunning nature reserve features a blue lagoon, mangroves, coral reefs and sandy beaches. Organize a beach cleanup at one of Puerto Rico's 300 beaches with Scuba Dog Society. The Department of Natural and Environmental Resources of Puerto Rico manages the Sea Turtle Conservation Project on the island of Culebra. I was given so much exposure with the LTTW experience. See them here and follow along Several of the turtles have now begun their northward migration (this map includes Carol and Sunshine, who got their tags in 2021). Thank you so much for planning our trip, being the best tour director ever, and making memories for us that will last a lifetime. We truly hope this rare experience has enriched your life and where relevant brought depth to your teaching. Its another great spot in Puerto Rico where you can see sea turtles out in the wild. 2023 Turtle Krawl Sponsorship: Click Here to Become a Sponsor, Registration for the 2023 Turtle Krawl opens May 1: Click Here to Krawl, Beach Cleanup Updates: See Current Locations. After some down time at our hotel in the San Juan area, we will go out for dinner on the town. Add to wishlist. Mosquito Pier is definitely the best spot on the island for seeing turtles. At La Tortuga Feliz, volunteers work with turtles and with community members, helping to build a sustainable turtle-friendly community. Feel free to call the number below with any questions. As sea turtles are flagship species, by studying them and the threats facing their survival . Terms & Conditions We will also participate in volunteer activities restoring beach dunes and mangroves, and visit a manatee conservation center, take two kayaking trips, participate in cultural activities, and more. The famous Caribbean trade winds gently buffet these two islands, but the weather is warm and balmy just about every day of the year. You must be in GOOD PHYSICAL CONDITION for this activity. Beach cleanups are a fantastic way to help us preserve our natural environment while also enjoying the beauty of our beaches. Simply get in touch with a member of our staff to craft your ideal trip. People are responsible for these ocean problems, and, at the same time, people are the solution. Volunteers meet at happy landings at 5 pm and travel to the beach for a night of turtle watching. This morning well visit Old San Juan for a day of historic tours of the Castilla San Cristbal led by the National Park Service and La Fortaleza led by the Government of Puerto Rico. They are difficult to get to, and once youre there you might be a little cut off from the rest of the world. Overnight: El Canario By The Lagoon. The day is not quite over yet! Condado Lagoon is another great place to see sea turtles in Puerto Rico and its located right in the capital city of San Juan so its easy to access. This lagoon is a marine paradise to say the least. Volunteers have played an important role in Oceanic Society's work since our founding in 1969, and we invite you to lend your hand as a volunteer with one of our programs. In the rest of this article, Ill cover the other places in Puerto Rico where you can see turtles and some tips on how to increase your chances of seeing them. The hotel has its own Nature Center and an on-site marine biologist to make sure its beach serves as a turtle sanctuary. If you choose to volunteer with sea turtles youll be living and working on beaches in some of the most beautiful and exciting countries in the world! Through the EIF, we award grants to our partners for their on-the-ground efforts to protect ocean habitats and the wildlife and human communities that depend on them. Today, the group leads one-day missions where volunteers deliver much-needed supplies to local schools and community centers.