Volunteer vacations Short-term adventures that will benefit you and others

The 11th edition of Volunteer Vacations shares a similar format with the previous 2009 edition but adds updated information and 40 new-to-this-edition opportunities. The numerous volunteer positions, ranging from sustainable community projects in Guatemala to teaching English in Kenya, are listed alphabetically by organization and, as in past editions, are fully vetted by authors McMillon (a high school teacher), Doug Cutchins (director, social commitment, Grinnell Coll.), and Anne Geissinger (a photographer). (Husband-and-wife Cutchins and Geissinger are both former Peace Corp volunteers.) This being the 11th edition of this book attests to its enduring popularity. This easy-to-navigate resource indexes the opportunities by cost, length, location, season, type, disability-friendliness, family-friendliness, and senior-friendliness. Entries provide contact information and brief two-page overviews with mission statements, type of work, costs, and skills needed. Volunteer testimonials are scattered throughout; the foreword by actor Ed Asner provides a compelling argument to individuals and families considering a service-oriented vacation. Verdict As with past editions, an excellent resource for those considering and exploring philanthropic travel.-Louise Feldmann, Colorado State Univ., Fort Collins (c) Copyright 2012. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.