Geneseo Ties Run Deep During Give Kids The World Alternative Break 2017

“We’re Baaaaaaack!” For the eighth consecutive year, I’ve trekked to Give Kids The World Village with 13 college students from upstate New York for Give Kids The World Alternative Break 2017.  At Give Kids The World (GKTW), families with children with life-threatening illnesses get a week-long, cost-free vacation to Florida, and volunteers (like my group) work hard to bring a smile or two to their faces. Continue reading for thoughts and photos over the course of our Give Kids The World Alternative Break 2017 trip, but for the most up-to-the-minute updates on our GKTW visit be sure to follow along on instagram, twitter, and facebook as well.

If you’re not familiar, Give Kids The World (GKTW) is the whimsical, non-profit resort in Kissimmee, Florida where children with life-threatening illnesses stay with their families when they have a wish to visit Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, SeaWorld, or anything related to Central Florida.  Founded in 1986 by World War II Holocaust survivor Henri Landwirth, GKTW allows families a respite for one week on a restorative vacation.  Watch the video below to hear the story of GKTW directly from Henri himself.

During Give Kids The World Alternative Break 2017 my college students and I will serve food; trick-or-treat with the kids; staff the carousel, pool and train; hold a Christmas parade; and more.

Saturday, March 11, 2017

We blitzed out of Rochester NY, just as “Winter Storm Stella” was bearing down on the East Coast.  Stellaaaaaaaaaa!!!! Temperatures plummeted as we boarded our Allegiant flight to Orlando, Florida, and the snow started to fly right as we took off.

Once we arrived, it was my duty to educate this group of Yankees to the Southern tradition of Waffle House where they filled up with breakfast and comfort food.

Sunday, March 12, 2017

Sunday morning was our first official shift in the Village, and our 7:30 am report time was especially early due to daylight savings time. However, that didn’t dampen the energy and enthusiasm for this group of college students, not typically known for early morning energy.

That being said after serving breakfast and staffing the Village venues, there was plenty of time for napping back in the house later in the afternoon.  After everyone rested and freshened up, it was back to GKTW for our evening shifts playing with kids on the life-size Candyland Playground, delivering cookies, and more.

Back with my college students at #GKTWVillage this evening to help provide some sweet “Candyland” entertainment to the families pic.twitter.com/lXI7CeQLzU

— Dad/Dave Parfitt (@AdventuresByDad) March 12, 2017

Monday, March 13, 2017

We’re just getting started for today, and the schedule calls for a detailed tour and history of Give Kids The World.  Emily Wagner, from GKTW’s Communications team, led us throughout the Village.  Emily was not only a knowledgeable GKTW employee, she also happened to be a Geneseo grad who’s first volunteer experience was meeting up with one of my previous groups of students.  Her experience volunteering with us that evening led to a passion and now career in the Village.

Catching up with one of my favorite people in the world, Neal from @GKTWVillage. Convinced there is not a kinder man on the planet. pic.twitter.com/eOtmkUnOVB

— Dad/Dave Parfitt (@AdventuresByDad) March 13, 2017

After a lunch break and quick spin on Walt Disney World’s Monorail from Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, through the hotels, and a loop around Epcot, it was back to the Village for a little Halloween fun.

Taking a break between volunteer shifts at @GKTWVillage for a little #Disney Magic pic.twitter.com/ZDOFWuNk44

— Dad/Dave Parfitt (@AdventuresByDad) March 13, 2017

Every Monday night is Halloween at Give Kids The World, my students pack up their costumes and get ready for Trick-or-Treating with the families.  The local Star Wars costuming group, the 501st Legion, joined us for an evening of Stormtroopers and Jawa-packed fun.

Alternative Spring Break Halloween Celebration at #GKTW Village with #StarWars‘ #501st Legion – #BadGuysDoingGood #FamilyTravel pic.twitter.com/FW2MMa25qB

— Dad/Dave Parfitt (@AdventuresByDad) March 14, 2017

Tuesday, March 14, 2017

Tuesday morning began with a special treat for my students, as we were hosted by SeaWorld’s Discovery Cove for a swim with dolphins and to learn about SeaWorld’s conservation programs.

Special treat for our alternative break group before going to @GKTWVillage – a day in paradise at #DiscoveryCove 🐬 #FamilyTravel pic.twitter.com/VZP7GqjdAW

— Dad/Dave Parfitt (@AdventuresByDad) March 14, 2017

Scenes from an underwater hike at #DiscoveryCove while learning more about @SeaWorld‘s conservation efforts supporting @RisingTideFish pic.twitter.com/DvEeHcoBh5

— Dad/Dave Parfitt (@AdventuresByDad) March 15, 2017

Then it was back to the Village where our group was spread out operating the carousel, rides, and shuttling families around the property.

Wednesday, March 15, 2017

Of course you can’t visit the theme park capital of the world without taking some time to play.  Wednesday was our day off from the Village, and the majority of the group made the pilgrimage to visit a certain boy wizard at Universal Orlando Resort.

“Play Day” for my #GKTW alternative break group. Heading to @UniversalORL for some #HarryPotter Magic #UniversalMoments pic.twitter.com/wTonU0iNAg

— Dad/Dave Parfitt (@AdventuresByDad) March 15, 2017

Escaped the spring break snow storm, only to go to #HarryPotter‘s Hogwarts school (there’s snow in Hogsmeade too) #UniversalMoments pic.twitter.com/5jY7aXjVZO

— Dad/Dave Parfitt (@AdventuresByDad) March 15, 2017

What’s considered a “working lunch” at @UniversalORL. Looking forward to checking out the Toothsome Chocolate Emporium #FamilyTravel pic.twitter.com/k0S2WqMQ7t

— Dad/Dave Parfitt (@AdventuresByDad) March 15, 2017

“Light” lunch at @UniversalORL‘s Toothsome Chocolate Emporium- my burger had meatloaf and mashed potatoes on it, plus a milkshake pic.twitter.com/9zUmk4u45g

— Dad/Dave Parfitt (@AdventuresByDad) March 15, 2017

So many beads at the @UniversalORL Mardi Gras Parade – great floats and dancers too! #UniversalMardiGras #UniversalMoments pic.twitter.com/S28KU1N5QF

— Dad/Dave Parfitt (@AdventuresByDad) March 16, 2017

Thursday, March 16, 2017

After a full day at the theme park from opening to close, and multiple days waking up early to serve families at Give Kids The World, my college students earned a day to sleep in.  Each Thursday it’s a Winter Wonderland in the Village, holiday decorations go up, carols are in the air, and Santa visits to give every child a special gift.

Back at @GKTWVillage for the weekly Christmas party 🎄. Santa’s here for the kids! pic.twitter.com/DR15Tn3Pzu

— Dad/Dave Parfitt (@AdventuresByDad) March 16, 2017

Even I stepped outside my comfort zone, and dressed up for the Winter Wonderland parade.

Part of tonight’s Christmas Parade 🎄at @GKTWVillage. It’s for the kids pic.twitter.com/K7iqZAJWeJ

— Dad/Dave Parfitt (@AdventuresByDad) March 16, 2017

Geneseo Toy Soldiers at @GKTWVillage on guard for tonight’s Winter Wonderland Parade in @Kissimmee pic.twitter.com/8SYAvsUebk

— Dad/Dave Parfitt (@AdventuresByDad) March 17, 2017

Friday, March 17, 2017

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!  Give Kids The World invited our group to participate in a special “Village Vision” session Friday morning.  We talked about ways we could spread awareness and spread the message of Give Kids The World long after our week of volunteering.

Geneseo has strong ties to Give Kids The World, and we were thrilled to get the opportunity to provide feedback on our experience as well as brainstorm about other ways we could promote Give Kids The World.

Part of Geneseo’s legacy at @GKTWVillage pic.twitter.com/f9wcJ2B08s

— Dad/Dave Parfitt (@AdventuresByDad) March 17, 2017

And in the evening it was time for our final volunteer shift with the families.  The alternative break week at Give Kids The World always goes so quickly.

Final volunteer shift at @GKTWVillage this year, “Once Upon a Village” Pirate & Princess Party #GKTWVillage pic.twitter.com/dgipIZLhe5

— Dad/Dave Parfitt (@AdventuresByDad) March 17, 2017

Feeling a little sad our service trip to #GKTWVillage is coming to an end. Well, Disney’s @YehaaBob gets our group smiling again real fast. pic.twitter.com/aBPRHFQ4KD

— Dad/Dave Parfitt (@AdventuresByDad) March 18, 2017

Saturday, March 18, 2017

I’m privileged to travel as much as I do, but one week each year I’m “double-privileged.” I get the opportunity to give-back to families at Give Kids The World Village dealing with life-threatening illnesses who may only get one vacation ever. I also get to travel with a great group of 13 college students from Geneseo who unselfishly devote themselves to these families and this cause.

Two of my students are siblings of wish children who visited #GKTWVillage. They wanted to give back to the place that gave them so much. pic.twitter.com/ZmULqSgUAD

— Dad/Dave Parfitt (@AdventuresByDad) March 18, 2017

Whenever I get to feeling low, or down, or overwhelmed throughout the year, I think back to my week at #GKTW and the new friends I’ve made serving others side-by-side.

Give Kids The World was founded in 1986 by Henri Landwirth who wanted to ensure children with life-threatening illnesses could enjoy a Florida family vacation. The Village is truly one of the happiest places I’ve ever visited, and is by far one of my favorite trips each year.

It is my sincere hope that sharing our Give Kids The World alternative break 2017 experience may inspire others to learn more about the Village and get involved.

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