PLAY it Forward Adventures
PLAY it Forward Adventures is a travel organization, ran by Jodi Nelson, that combines volunteering with active outdoor adventure. The company strives to provide all-encompassing travel experiences that benefit both the traveler and the country they are visiting by giving back to the locals in the places they play. The vision of PLAY it Forward is to improve the quality of life across the globe. They strive to achieve this goal by staying in locally-owned hotels supporting the community, traveling with limited clients so as not to have a major impact on the environment, and participating in tangible service projects that will better the lives of the local community. These experiences help travelers to enjoy the adventures the country has to offer while allowing them to truly immerse themselves in the culture.
When I met Jodi Nelson, I was a confused college student, unsure of which path to follow. I knew two things, I loved to travel and I really enjoyed helping people, specifically working with children. Instantly inspired by her enthusiasm and dedication to her work, I decided to intern with her company. We decided it would be very beneficial for me to experience one of the trips so I could truly understand the company. I went on the Guatemalan Adventure. This adventure was unlike any other I had experienced. The tour included adventure and opportunities to see the beautiful landscape of Guatemala, but also provided an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of a local family in need. There were immense feelings of joy and gratitude as we celebrated our accomplishment in a blessing ceremony with the family. After the trip, I was so inspired by Jodi and PIF that I knew this was what I wanted to do with my life. I have been interning with PIF ever since. Each trip is powerful and helps travelers to step out of the typical tourist’s shoes and have a positive impact on the world around them.
