Global Explorers Blog 
The Cactus Challenge
“I can touch a cactus all day long!” chanted my four-year-old son, Jack, on a recent excursion to Santa Fe, New Mexico. During the first part of our hike through Bandelier National Monument, he had been downright scared of getting pricked. Once I demonstrated for him, however, that on this particular kind of cactus you can safely touch the spines, he was overjoyed to the point of running up and down the trail yelling his chant.
Prior to our Southwest trip, Jack had studied the desert in his pre-school class, learning much about the flora and fauna that was now in front of us. He had read non-fiction books about desert reptiles and birds, created masterpieces second only to Georgia O’Keefe (in his mom’s opinion, anyway), and handled Native American artifacts from the region. During the flight to New Mexico, he regaled us with stories of owls that burrow inside barrel cactus for protection, and tips for avoiding a rattlesnake bite. Jack had clearly learned a lot in the classroom, and we were excited to see how that learning would come alive when he actually set foot in the desert.
Share on Facebook Post to Twitter Posted by Administrator · December 19, 2011
Donate Now… See Polar Bears Later!
Donate today to the Global Explorers Fund and you may win a once-in-a-lifetime trip to see polar bears valued at more than $10,000!
In giving to Global Explorers, you are helping students like Marcus. Marcus is a high school senior from New York City who grew up in poverty. When his father left his family at the age of 10, his world was blown apart. Marcus decided he could not rely on anyone but himself and essentially closed himself off to reaching his full potential.
Then he had the opportunity to join a Global Explorers program. By traveling outside his community and exploring the world with a close-knit team of peers, Marcus was changed forever. The Global Explorers program renewed his faith in his future. It opened him up and taught him to trust others. And it inspired a passion for exploring the world and making a difference.
Travel with Global Explorers is a journey of personal transformation. It opens young minds to new possibilities. It helps students overcome personal barriers. It inspires them to engage in their communities and give back. The Global Explorers Fund was launched in partnership with Andrew Zimmern, host of Travel Channel’s Bizarre Foods. The Polar Bear Expedition is thanks to our friends at Natural Habitat Adventures!
Donate today to the Global Explorers Fund and you may win a once-in-a-lifetime trip to see polar bears valued at more than $10,000!
Share on Facebook Post to Twitter Posted by David Shurna · December 13, 2011
Show Your Support for Global Explorers!
Today at Global Explorers we are celebrating Colorado Gives Day . Today, thousands of people across the state are speaking up for what they believe in by donating to nonprofits making a difference.
As the holidays approach, I encourage you to consider alternative giving. Consider making a donation to Global Explorers today instead of purchasing a new Xbox game or another pair of shoes. I guarantee it’s money better spent.
The reason that I am who I am, the reason that I made my way to Global Explorers, is because people invested financially in organizations that helped me travel.
Today, on Colorado Gives Day, I encourage you to take action on what you believe. Make a donation to Global Explorers.
Share on Facebook Post to Twitter Posted by Laura Portalupi · December 6, 2011
Why Donate to Global Explorers?
What is your first travel memory? What significance did that experience hold for you?
To honor that first travel experience, consider making a donation to Global Explorers tomorrow, December 6, on Colorado Gives Day. It’s a tangible way to pay it forward and give thanks for the life-transforming travel you’ve experienced.
Bruges, Belgium is what I consider my very first travel experience. I was eight years old and my family had recently moved from Ohio to Luxembourg. In Bruges, I distinctly remember climbing the narrow, winding staircase up, up, up to the top of the famous bell tower. Even now I remember the ancient smell, the cold stone walls, the endless upward spiral that induced contemplation, even in a child.
Share on Facebook Post to Twitter Posted by Laura Portalupi · December 5, 2011
It’s Happening on December 6
What are you doing on December 6?
I will be enjoying treats delivered by Saint Nicholas. Yes, it’s true, I am 30 years old and my parents still celebrate this traditionally European holiday by sending my sisters and me goodies in the mail.
But I’m guessing that for many of you, December 6 is just another day. Or is it? Why not join us in celebrating the second annual Colorado Gives Day? Celebrate the powerful potential of gifts and giving by donating to Global Explorers on December 6. You’ll be in good company. Last year, $8.7 million was distributed to nonprofits throughout Colorado.
