Empowering women to make a difference through kindness and adventure
KINDNESS:
Build One Small House.
ADVENTURES:
Hiking. Biking. Yoga. Sunset Sail and lesson. Afternoon Massage in luxurious beachfront accommodations.
NOVEMBER 7-14, 2024
DESTINATION: Tijuana, Mexico & Del Mar, CA
Each participant in this program will be called upon to work hard and play hard. Building a home in a few days is a huge endeavor. And we will play hard with an enriching after adventure!
Join us in November, 2024 when we build another home and celebrate World Kindness TOGETHER!
World Kindness Day - November 13, 2024
Kindness + Adventure
7 Nov.
Thursday
Itinerary for the first day of Kindness Adventures Philanthropy's house-building project in Tijuana, partnering with One Small House:
Date: November 7
Location: San Diego, California
Theme: BUILDING STRENGTH THROUGH KINDNESS
- Welcome to the One Small House by Kindness Adventures building project!
- Introduction to the program and the theme "Building Strength through Kindness" for ourselves and the community we'll serve.
- For those traveling by air, please arrive at SAN airport before 10:00 AM on November 7.
- If you require accommodations for November 6, we can provide suggestions.
- 10:00 AM: Depart in van from San Diego and head to our building site in Tijuana.
- Afternoon: Begin the house-building project. Details to follow
- Hotel: Accommodation details will be provided later (TBD).
Note: The itinerary may be subject to minor changes or additions to ensure a smooth and impactful experience during the philanthropic project.
7-11 Nov.
Thursday - Monday
Build One Small House - Tijuana, Mexico
One Small House builds homes and community buildings for the poorest families by bringing together determined volunteers and generous donors. Managed entirely by volunteers, we strive to provide our families with security, our volunteers with experiences they will cherish forever, and our donors with the assurance that their funds are used wisely.
One Small House identifies if a family is eligible to receive a new home by conducting in-person visits, vetting them through trusted contacts and community leaders, as well as requiring proof of land ownership. This ensures that the homes being built go to those who will benefit most from a safe, secure new home. In addition, One Small House employs local labor to help our volunteer crew and purchases all materials within the community to stimulate the local economy.
Meals: All inclusive
Accommodations: Near the project site - TBD
11-14 Nov.
Monday - Thursday
Nov 11 - "Kindness Adventures" workers have had an eventful and rewarding experience in Tijuana, completing the house build for a deserving family. The culmination of their hard work and dedication will be marked by a celebration where they will hand over the keys to the newly constructed house.
After the celebration, the team will proceed to their new accommodations in Del Mar, likely feeling a sense of satisfaction and fulfillment from their philanthropic efforts. Their new house, located right on the beach, promises to be a delightful place for relaxation.
To help ease their tired bodies after five days of strenuous work, the team has arranged for massage therapists to provide much-needed relaxation. The massages will undoubtedly help rejuvenate the workers and offer a well-deserved respite.
Nov 12 The day starts with an invigorating bike ride, allowing the team to explore the beautiful city and enjoy the fresh air. After the bike ride, the team will gather for a well-deserved lunch at a favorite local cafe.
In the afternoon, we will return to their delightful Del Mar house, to relax and unwind after their bike ride and lunch. Being right on the beach, the house provides a serene environment for rest and relaxation.
At 3 pm, we are in for a special treat: a sunset sail out of Oceanside. Sailing along the coast during sunset is a magical experience, and it's a wonderful way to enjoy the scenic beauty of the area. The presence charcuterie plate adds a touch of luxury. The sailing experience comes with an added bonus—a sailing lesson. This provides an opportunity for the team members to learn a new skill and bond over shared experiences on the water.
Overall, the day promises to be a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and learning, creating lasting memories for the "Kindness Adventures" workers. It's an excellent way to celebrate their successful house build and reward themselves for their hard work and compassion.
Nov 13 This day is filled with outdoor activities and opportunities to explore the natural beauty of the area.
The morning starts with a hiking adventure in the hills around San Diego. Hiking is an excellent way to connect with nature, enjoy breathtaking views, and get some exercise. Lunch will be at another iconic cafe.
In the afternoon, there are two options for the team to choose from:
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Relaxation: After the morning hike and lunch, some members of the team might prefer a laid-back afternoon at their Del Mar house, enjoying the beach, reading, or simply unwinding.
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Surfing Lesson: For those seeking a bit more excitement and trying something new, a surfing lesson has been arranged.
As the day draws to a close, the "Kindness Adventures" trip will come to an end with a closing ceremony. This ceremony may include reflections on the experiences of the past few days, sharing stories, and expressing gratitude for the meaningful work they've done for the deserving family in Tijuana.
In addition to our planned activities, we will cover the #AOK (Acts of Kindness) Learning & Development Program based on the Roots & Shoots 4-Step Formula to Create a Community Project developed by the Jane Goodall Institute.
Meals: All inclusive
Accommodations: Del Mar, Ca
Kindness Adventures
Tijuana, Mexico
Each participant in this program will be called upon to work hard and play hard. Building a home in a few days is a huge endeavor. And we will play hard with an enriching after adventure!
Program includes seven nights shared accommodations, all meals and ground transport, One Small House donation and medical insurance during the build, a Kindness Ambassador gift, three nights in a luxurious beachfront AirBnB, yoga, sunset sail and lesson, bike rental and massage. Airfare, trip insurance, tips and gratuities are not included.
REGISTRATION
Note Requirements for Participation Below
PAYMENT
$2994
Pay via credit card, debit card or bank transfer (ACH).
NOTE: Please see note regarding fees on registration page.
DEADLINE: October 15, 2024
If you require a payment plan, please contact jax@kindnessadventures.org.
Includes:
8 days/7 nights
All Meals
All Ground Transportation
All Activities
Donation to One Small House
Does not include:
Flights to/from SAN
Personal Trip Insurance
Tips
ACTIVITY LEVEL: Active
During our time together, you will actually BUILD A HOUSE! Hammering, painting, sawing, and general construction tasks are yours for the taking! After we will relax with adventures in beautiful Del Mar beach! Biking, walking, sailing and massages. To receive the most enjoyment, anticipate and prepare your fitness.
Packing List from Jax
It all begins with a willingness to lead from your heart!
Thank you for coming along with Kindness Adventures!
Click below for a packing list. Let me know if you have ANY questions.
Kindness Adventures Tijuana and Del Mar Packing List
Personal
We are staying at a good hotel with internet. Security for your electronics should be no problem but it is up to each individual to decide whether to bring computer etc.
- Passport (it is recommended you leave a photocopy at home and bring an additional photocopy with you)
- Medication (in original prescription bottles)
- Toiletries
- SUN SCREEN
- Towel
- Ear plugs (some people snore)
- Flashlight or headlamp
- Reusable Water bottle
Clothing
Winter builds can be warm or cool. Mornings are often cooler so bring layers. Rain is definitely possible, so bring an old raincoat. Sleeves and pants are a must especially on the insulation days. Please wear sturdy shoes.
Weather in Tijuana has an average high of 69 and an average low of 54. The mornings and evenings can get cold with variable weather during the daytime. As a result, clothing that is worn in layers is typically preferred. In addition, it may rain and conditions can get muddy.
- Hat (for sun and rain)
- Rain gear / poncho
- Boots or shoes with sturdy sole
- Old jeans/pants
- Sweatshirts
- PJS
- Work gloves - provided
- Jeans and a casual outfit as we do go to some restaurants.
Contact Information While In Mexico:
Most U.S. cell phones will work from Mexico, but check your service provider for rates.
Trip leaders’ phone numbers/contact information: Craig Torres-Ness (260) 615-5756
Daily Itinerary
We’ll rendezvous in the late morning at San Diego Airport and cross the border together. We’ll get a little building in the first day. Below is a typical itinerary for the build. Truth be told, that wake-up time gets later and later each day…but we leave it on here to stay ambitious.
- 7:00 AM — Rise and shine. Continental breakfast will be provided at hotel.
- 7:30 AM — Vans depart for worksite: 10-minute ride. During the trip, we’ll be constructing two homes, which are very close to one another.
- 12 PM — Lunch on site provided by a local family who has volunteered to cook us delicious local fare. Typically rice, beans and a separate meat dish are provided, along with a dessert. If you have any special dietary needs, make certain to let us know so we can ensure you’re well fed!
- 5:30 PM — Clean up work-site and depart back to hotel.
- 6:00 PM — Dinner Evening After dinner, we’ll have a little time to wind down, enjoy one another’s company and discuss the successful day. We’ll provide snacks, board games and movies. In addition, we’ll ask for volunteers to assist in our donor appreciation process, which consists of emailing our supporters with updates from the day’s work.
Team Building
During our builds, volunteers will be broken into teams and given specific tasks. Teams will be broken up based on personal choice and skill. Regardless of experience, this project relies on the participation of all volunteers and even the faint of heart will become hammering experts. The tasks will include wall fabrication, truss fabrication, furniture factory, insulation, electrical wiring, painting, etc.
Donor Appreciation
One Small House prides itself on the fact that each person who donates through Kindness Adventures will be personally thanked and shown the impact of their generosity. As a result, while we’re in Mexico, we’ll be taking hundreds of photos and writing hundreds of emails to each person who makes the work we do possible. This will also include photos of you hard at work so your families and friends can be proud. The process, while tedious, is imperative to our model. As a result, you may be asked to pose for a few photos and say a few words for camera. Don’t be shy!
Safety
Safety on the worksite is an important issue. We’ll spend time each morning briefing the teams of what to expect for the day and remind them of proper safety precautions. In addition, each house will be assigned a Safety Coordinator that is in charge of eradicating any precarious items or potential hazards.
Insurance
We obtain supplemental medical insurance for volunteers during the time we are in Mexico. We suggest you also check with your primary medical insurance carrier, if any, and familiarize yourself with their travel rules and be sure to carry your insurance card.
Questions and Answers
Accommodations & Transportation
We will gather at SAN airport at 10 a.m. on Thursday, November 7.
We will return to SAN airport on Thursday, November 14.
Accommodations are shared during our trip.
If you would like to arrive early, we can provide you with hotel information.
Meals & Beverages
We will do our best to ensure you have healthy, happy meals. Please let us know your specific dietary requests.
When dining out, we will do our best to ensure a good selection of options.
Wine and cocktails will be an additional cost.
A survey of food preferences will be sent after registration.
Preparation & Packing
See the Packing List above.
In addition, we will have 3 Zoom calls. Two before our trip and one post-trip.
- Sept 30, 2024, 5:00 pm PT
- Oct 30, 2024, 5:00 pm PT
- Dec 4, 2024, 5:00 pm PT
Details will be sent after your registration.
Volunteer Process & Requirements
See the Preparation for Participation information above.
One Small House manages all of the details for our volunteers.
Activities and Fitness
ACTIVITY LEVEL: Active
During our time together, you will actually BUILD A HOUSE! Hammering, painting, sawing, and general construction tasks are yours for the taking! After we will relax with adventures in beautiful Del Mar beach! Biking, walking, sailing and massages. To receive the most enjoyment, anticipate and prepare your fitness.
Airlines & Airport
Arrive at San Diego Airport (SAN) on Thursday, November 7, 2024.
Depart San Diego Airport (SAN) late afternoon on Thursday, November 14, 2024.
Travel Insurance
Kindness Adventures will purchase travel insurance.
You are required to purchase your personal liability travel insurance.
COVID Protocols & Border Crossing
Currently, there are no COVID protocols.
For the safety of our guests and our local community, we recommend vaccinations and encourage you to test before embarking on this adventure.
Your passport must be valid and have at least 6 months before expiration.
Itinerary & Program Updates
In order to provide you with the best experience, we may adjust the program components due to weather or other schedule considerations.
More Questions? Reach out!
Kindness Adventures & Trip Details
Contact: Jacqueline Stanford
WhatsApp: +1 818-331-9955
Email: Jax@KindnessAdventures.org
Help with booking your flights or help with extending your travel plans
Contact: Melissa Fulton
Phone: +1 949-433-5129
Email: mfulton@dreamvacations.com
Testimonials from our kindly home builders
This experience provided me with what I was most needing.... an opportunity to give back to the world and to meet other like-minded people.... in a supportive, fun environment. Sometimes just getting out of our day-to-day experience and trying something new that involves giving back allows us to gain perspective on what is most important in the world and what we want in our lives moving forward. Kindness Adventures provides that opportunity. As cliche-ish as it sounds... it is a gift to oneself and to a community in need that keeps on giving!
Laurie E.
Los Angeles
You reach a time in your life when you say, what purpose do I have or how can I give back to the world. It fulfilled that need, and makes me want to do more! After the house build, you enjoy some downtime, pampering, and fun, which we all deserve in our busy lives. Kindness Adventures has captured the need to give back and have adventures all in one trip!
Diane W.
Boyne City, MI
This trip was a last-minute decision for me. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to travel with a purpose. It was the most incredible kindness birthday! I gave of myself to someone else and the kindness was welcomed and received with an open heart… an exchange of gratitude… what a gift!
Jacquelene G
FL
If you are remotely considering building a house for a deserving family, these are the organizations you want to work with (Kindnesses Adventures and One Small House)! I personally came away feeling more capable of making a difference for the family we built for. I also really enjoyed being part of an incredible team. The whole really is greater than the sum of its parts.
Cat Pumford
It was really helpful for me to go somewhere and give my time and energy without expecting anything in return. Yet, while there, I made some amazing new friends and learned some new skills. But the best part was giving the keys to the family and seeing how happy and grateful they were.
Kate B
Joining kindnessadventures.org for a One Small House build in Tijuana was deeply fulfilling by balancing tough physical labor with the profound reward of knowing that the outcome of these few days of my effort makes a significant change in the life of a deserving family.
The concept of kindness adventures.org in collaboration with OSH is nothing short of brilliant. It allows for self-driven work with others that fosters a sense of autonomy in a fun atmosphere, followed by relaxation and adventure. The community building aspect is extraordinary - I had the chance to work alongside so many kind-hearted individuals, each driven by the common goal of making a difference, and experience the same people in trying out new things and stretching beyond their capabilities (encouraged by Jax).
What struck me the most on this trip was the unexpected balance between giving and receiving. Despite the strenuous physical efforts - the overwhelming sense of receiving and gaining perspective was unparalleled. The opportunity for reflection provided by Jax, the energy to still do Yoga despite the pain and exhaustion, and the conversations with others during the evenings (and the amazingly authentic food) contributed to this transformative experience.
In essence, this trip with kindnessadventures.org offered me a structured way to spread kindness and do this on a significant scale which cannot be achieved alone. I wholeheartedly recommend this adventure to anyone seeking a profound and impactful way to give back to deserving communities. The memories, the bonds formed, the adventures in an environment not everyone would travel alone, and the positive change generated made it an experience that resonates long after the last nail was hammered. And, as a nice side effect, I am now ready and prepared for any house project back home :)
Judith Y.
Canada
November 2023
November 2023
Building a Home in Tijuana for a Mom
Building a Home in Tijuana for a Mom
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." ~ Margaret Mead
Where we combine kindness in service and adventure in travel.
At Kindness Adventures, we are committed to fostering a culture of kindness and compassion, and to creating a supportive and inclusive community of like-minded women who are passionate about making a positive impact.
Destinations are chosen to provide a service of KINDNESS + a spark of ADVENTURE. Our non-profit brings together women to donate their skills in service and to enjoy their life more fully through travel and adventure.
If you are interested in waitlisting or learning about upcoming programs, email: Jax@KindnessAdventures.org
You may also support Kindness Adventures by becoming a Kindness Ambassador. Information on becoming a Kindness Ambassador may be found in our Kindness Community