The core crew at Padma has spent decades travelling the world, diving into different cultures and traditions, and engaging in works that truly fulfill us. Since 2017, we have committed to share our favorite places, people, and projects with like minded individuals with altruism in their hearts. To this end, we design all-inclusive trips for teenagers to see the world, and learn to give back to others. When putting together trips, we ask ourselves, what would the ultimate life changing and life enriching adventure have been for us at sixteen years old? Then we make those trips happen for today's teens.
Padma leads group service trips for teenagers to work on various projects around the world. Trips also include leadership training activities, cultural site visits and educational, and adventure activities. Most trips offer multiple service projects including skills training and education.
Volunteers help build a high elevation earth sheltered
greenhouse for the residents of Chiwang Monastery
in the Everest Region of Nepal.
greenhouse for the residents of Chiwang Monastery
in the Everest Region of Nepal.
Trips run two weeks, although longer stays are often available for interested individuals or groups. On every trip, once the service work is complete, we offer optional adventure trips. These packages are designed based on the particular region, such as surf camps in Bali, Himalayan trekking in Nepal and India, or scuba diving in Borneo.
Participants in a medical camp at Thupten Choling Nunnery
in Nepal spending time with some superstar meditator Tibetan Buddhist Nuns.
in Nepal spending time with some superstar meditator Tibetan Buddhist Nuns.
Padma team members hard at work building coral reef restoration structures.
Padma team members with local scientists and divers preparing to deploy structures to support coral growth and repair fish habitats.
Trip Philosophy
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Safety
Safety comes first at every level, from planning to completion. Medical staff join each group and prepare medical plans and kits specific to each site, and for trip members with specific medical needs. At every place group members travel to, we do our best to ensure food and water hygiene. Accommodations are selected based on familiarity with the area and in consideration of protecting trip members. Orientation at each new location and a high staff/chaperone to student ratio help ensure the focus remains on service and that potential risks are mitigated before they can become problems. |
Worthwhile Projects
When choosing projects, we first consult with local leaders to learn more about the immediate needs of the communities we aim to serve. Our goal is to only select projects that are vital and unlikely to be accomplished without international partnerships. After completion, Padma members periodically visit project sites to evaluate continued viability, functionality, and effectiveness. Leadership Training & Team Building Every trip includes daily activities focused on group cohesion and promoting positive leadership qualities such as empathy, compassion, humility and the self-awareness of one's own strengths and weaknesses. These elements are drawn from proven outdoor leadership programs, university leadership institutes, and are also largely drawn from Buddhist based contemplative traditions. |
Cultural Immersion
Part of Padma’s mission is to share with others the marvelous worlds of south and southeast Asian cultures. Trip participants often stay in homestays with local families, work on teams together with locals, tutor local children, and participate in community activities. We don’t want you to see new places from a bubble, but instead, want you to make lifelong connections by experiencing being welcomed into the midst of new communities. Fun Although the majority of time on every trip is service focused, a number of activities are always incorporated that are just meant to be a really good time. In each location we travel to, Be it surfing, freediving and exploring rainforests in Indonesia, Himalayan treks in Nepal, pickup baseball games in Nicaragua, or hanging with sadhus in India, we find the best possible ways to take a break from work, and have fun local style. |
Trip Tuition
It is our goal to provide the opportunity for a safe, meaningful, and life-changing experience while keeping costs as low as possible. All selected accommodations and home-stays are highly reputable yet modest, to ensure cleanliness and safety, while also considering cost. Padma maintains a minimum international staff, choosing instead to employ local professionals wherever possible. This not only reduces the overall budget for trips but also supports local economies directly while promoting cultural interaction.
Trip tuition includes
- Lodging
- Most Meals
- Project design, management, and materials
- Local transportation
- Cultural and adventure activities
- Medical staff
- A minimum of 15% of trip tuition is allocated to the Padma Project Fund in support of our ongoing work across Asia.
- We take pride in striving to keep all US admin expenses under 15% of trip budgets.
How to Sign-up?
Before joining a trip all prospective students must have a phone interview with a Padma trip leader or attend an in-person info meeting. This is to make sure the trip is right for you, and to answer any questions you may have. To schedule a call, send us a message and we will find a time that works for you.
Once your application and trip deposit are received you will be sent a trip info packet including a checklist and timeline. Throughout the year before your trip begins, we will be in routine contact including up to two in-person meetings with fellow students joining your same trip. At these meetings your trip leaders will discuss preparation details and offer a chance to meet the other members of your adventure.
Once your application and trip deposit are received you will be sent a trip info packet including a checklist and timeline. Throughout the year before your trip begins, we will be in routine contact including up to two in-person meetings with fellow students joining your same trip. At these meetings your trip leaders will discuss preparation details and offer a chance to meet the other members of your adventure.
Trip Payment Deadlines
Trip payments can be made all at once or in three payments by check or via PayPal at padmaorganization.com. As we have expense deadlines throughout the year if payments are not made on time a $25 fee will be assessed for each late payment.
Medical Considerations/Vaccinations
There are no required vaccinations for traveling to Bali. The US Center for Disease Control updates a list of suggested vaccinations annually. It is up to each individual to decide which vaccinations they receive. For specific questions regarding vaccines contact us at info@padmaorganization.com. For the Center for Disease Control’s suggested vaccinations go to:
Digestion Issues
Many travelers to Thailand and Indonesia are bothered with stomach and gastro-intestinal illness even when conscientious efforts are made to eat hygienic foods. It is safe to assume that at least one member of our group will fall ill during the trip. If you are beginning to feel the onset of any type of illness, immediately contact one of the trip leaders so treatment can be administered in hopes of staving off a multi-day ailment.
Ocean Safety
During our trips there may be opportunities to swim, snorkel, scuba dive, and surf in the ocean. Riptides, large waves, sharp reefs, stings and bites from marine life are some of the inherent risks we will face. Trip participants are never to swim alone and careful consideration of individual swimming ability and experience in the ocean must always be considered.
Padma High School Service Trip Faculty Chaperone
When ten or more students from a high school join a summer service trip at least one faculty member from that high school is encouraged to join the trip as a lead chaperone. The main role of these individuals is to serve as the principal liaison between students and trip organizers both before and during trips. This role has proved very important for ensuring trips run smoothly. This position requires individuals who are expert in communication, experienced in international travel, service work, and outdoor adventure. Faculty chaperones airfare and all trip costs are provided for by Padma.
Faculty Chaperone Responsibilities
Organize and set dates for trip information meetings for both students and parents. Padma staff will attend one information meeting in the fall, and one trip preparation meeting in the spring.
Communicate with Padma staff throughout the year including forwarding whatever parent or student inquiries and issues that may come up.
Communicate with all student trip members regarding trip meetings, deadlines, payments, etc.
Choose fellow chaperones when needed for larger groups.
Assist in the student application process and advise on potential problem students. -Select student leaders from among trip members.
Assist in scholarship and financial aid selection.
Coordinate international flights with students.
Encourage students to, or help lead fundraising activities to offset trip costs for students.
Communicate with Padma staff throughout the year including forwarding whatever parent or student inquiries and issues that may come up.
Communicate with all student trip members regarding trip meetings, deadlines, payments, etc.
Choose fellow chaperones when needed for larger groups.
Assist in the student application process and advise on potential problem students. -Select student leaders from among trip members.
Assist in scholarship and financial aid selection.
Coordinate international flights with students.
Encourage students to, or help lead fundraising activities to offset trip costs for students.
Pre-Trip Timeline
Aug-Oct 2019 Inform students about Bali 2020 within the parameters of your school’s guidelines.
Oct-Nov 2019 Schedule and publicize October student/parent meeting.
Work with Padma staff to finalize trip member list and scholarship recipients. Remind students to complete applications and make trip deposits.
Nov-Feb 2020 Encourage students to purchase airfare, decide on additional chaperones and manage student travel questions via group messaging App (GroupMe or WhatsApp). Appoint student leaders to help with communicating with students and organizing potential fundraisers to offset trip costs for students.
Feb-March 2020 Organize Trip Prep meeting with Padma staff for students/parents.
March-May 2020 Remind students to get their passports, make trip payments, and get vaccines.
June 2020 Organize chaperones who will accompany students on their flights several weeks before they travel and communicate with students who choose to fly individually.
June/July 2020 Arrive in Bali.
Oct-Nov 2019 Schedule and publicize October student/parent meeting.
Work with Padma staff to finalize trip member list and scholarship recipients. Remind students to complete applications and make trip deposits.
Nov-Feb 2020 Encourage students to purchase airfare, decide on additional chaperones and manage student travel questions via group messaging App (GroupMe or WhatsApp). Appoint student leaders to help with communicating with students and organizing potential fundraisers to offset trip costs for students.
Feb-March 2020 Organize Trip Prep meeting with Padma staff for students/parents.
March-May 2020 Remind students to get their passports, make trip payments, and get vaccines.
June 2020 Organize chaperones who will accompany students on their flights several weeks before they travel and communicate with students who choose to fly individually.
June/July 2020 Arrive in Bali.