Sheldon, Iowa — Two local students from Sheldon will be traveling to New Zealand this coming summer as volunteers to protect endangered animals and environments. Gage Karolczak and Katherine Albers are participating in the unique travel program.
The program is under the leadership of an organization called International Student Volunteers (www.isvolunteers.org). The two from Sheldon will join 20 to 50 other individuals from around the globe in a four-week program, leaving on May 28th.
“Helping others and traveling have always been passions of mine,” says Albers. She says that going on a mission trip to Uganda was just the beginning. She says she wants to continue working with other cultures for the betterment of the world. Albers, daughter of Chris and Carren Albers of Sheldon, is currently studying Private Studio Dance at Minnesota State University in Mankato, Minnesota.
Karolczak credits the Boy Scouts for his passion for the environment.
In New Zealand, volunteers will spend their time working outdoors on a habitat restoration project or conducting scientific wildlife research. Many of the projects involve meaningful interaction with indigenous Maori communities. To generate the greatest impact, ISV volunteers will work alongside local organizations and grassroots groups that specialize in problem-specific conservation projects. Karolczak tells us about it.
He tells this opportunity presented itself when someone came to speak during one of his classes that he was taking as a freshman at the University of Oklahoma.
Karolczak, son of Todd and Paulette Karolczak of rural Ashton, is currently studying Music Performance at the University of Oklahoma in Norman, OK.
“The cost to make this trip is about $6000 for each of us,” said Karolczak. He says they definitely need some help in making this trip a reality.
Those interested in making a donation can do so at the www.isvolunteers.org website. Click on the “Make a Payment” link. Be sure to list the person’s full name and ISV ID number (shown below). OR you can contact Katherine or Gage directly:
Katherine Albers ISV ID# 150268 katherine.albers@mnsu.edu PH. 712-324-1941
Gage Karolczak ISV ID# 150279 Gage.W.Karolczak-1@ou.edu PH. 712-348-7114
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