Dear Peter
It has been a little while since we last communicated with you regarding our gap year and school group trip programs. African Conservation Experience (ACE) is now well into its second decade of conservation travel, sending volunteers to Southern Africa to work with wildlife and make a real contribution to wildlife conservation in the region.
Benefits for Participating Students
Gap year volunteering and conservation travel is increasingly being recognised by employers and universities for providing real life experience and the opportunity to learn valuable skills. The students will gain a range of skills and experience including increased independence, team work and gaining practical knowledge essential for a career in the animal care fields, conservation, veterinary science or wildlife research. The experience gained on a project can stretch a young student and be demanding while giving them an experience of a lifetime, passion and drive which they take home with them. Many of our volunteers have continued on in the field of wildlife care and management, and now work in their dream careers!
ACE Conservation Value
While our programs cover all aspects of wildlife conservation and management, our attention in recent times has also been focused on the continuing plight of the Rhinos in the Region. Our Khulula Care for Wild wildlife centre is now largely focussed on the care of orphaned rhinos. As a volunteer here, you will be focussed on hand rearing, veterinary care, nutrition and rehabilitation of rhino calves whose mothers have been killed by poachers.
We are now able to offer volunteers a choice of 15 programs to participate in, including our Game Ranger, Predator and Rhino courses. Volunteering with ACE includes the opportunity to work on wildlife reserves alongside conservationists, zoologists, wildlife vets, game rangers and reserve managers. Details about all our volunteering opportunities are included on our website at - All Projects
Gap Year & Individual Volunteer Experience
For those students interested in a Gap Year experience, there is a large amount of information on our website. In addition, we have a 24 page brochure available on request - just email us to request our eBrochure.
School Group Field Trip
African Conservation Experience also works with a number of schools and universities every year to create highly educational, rewarding and hands-on Group Field Trips. We tailor each trip to achieve the adventure, experience and learning outcomes the group requires (including CAS Learning Outcomes). Every field trip that we organise is bespoke and our approach to putting together a field trip is collaborative: We will have a discussion with you as to what your group’s particular interests and abilities are and what you are hoping to get out of the trip. Based on that, we’ll work out the exact programme for your group - we’d love to put together an unforgettable field trip in Africa for your group.
Pricing will be based on your inclusions and length of the trip, but as a guide, a recent group trip worked out at A$2,300 per person for a 10 day trip and another was A$3,110 per person for a 14 day trip. These were based on group sizes around 12-14. Teaching staff / trip leader usually attend for free. Final prices for group trips will be quoted upon enquiry, and include all transfers, accommodation, meals and activities, but do not include international airfares. More detail (together with some sample itineraries and costs) can be found on our website in
the Group Field Trips section.
Would you kindly consider forwarding this email, or any of this information, to other staff (or students) at St Luke's Anglican School, who may be interested in any of the above. Please let me know if you would like any further information on any of the above or any other aspect of ACE's activities.
Kind regards,
Brett Sharpe
P: 07 5545 1211
M: 0415 894 865
[Student Director - Peter Robinson]
