Work Team Trips
Hearts Across Romania offers two work trips per year—one in the spring and one in the fall—because the weather is at its best during these seasons. Work team trips are two weeks in duration, and usually depart on a Thursday and arrive in Romania on a Friday. giving the team the weekend to rest and get acclimated to their new surroundings.
The team flies into Bucharest, and continues by car approximately 160 kilometers to our final destination of Brasov. Brasov, which is located in the Transylvania area of Romania, is in the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains and though its metropolitan area has a population of over 400,000, it has the feel of a small town. The medieval architecture, cobblestone streets, and mix of old and new create a romantic Eastern European atmosphere.
Lodging and Meals
The team will stay either in Poiana Brasov or the city of Brasov. Poinana Brasov is in the mountains about 10 miles outside of Brasov in an area surrounded by scenic, picturesque countryside that looks like a set from a movie. We most often stay in a private chalet. Our accommodations there include 5 bedrooms, 3 ½ bathrooms, a full kitchen and dining and living room area. There are single and double bedrooms so shared or private accommodations are available. In Brasov, we usually stay in a guest house or a "pensiunea" in the city. Stores, shopping and restaurants are in walking distance.
Team members eat meals together, which include a combination of food prepared at the chalet or guest house, dining in restaurants in town, or occasionally being treated to an authentic Romanian meal at the home of friends or associates. Grilled meats, chicken and fish, fresh vegetables and salads, tasty soups, excellent bread and traditional Romanian desserts are available. Wine is a staple of the culture and many are produced regionally.
Team members will work on a variety of projects with children of all ages from babies to young adults transitioning to life on their own.
Activities may include a picnic or cookout for young children in a rural orphanage; play time with toddlers in a day care center serving a gypsy village; delivering in-kind donations of food, clothing, toiletries, cleaning materials or medical supplies; social events, such as a BBQ, pizza party or bowling for teens and young adults who have grown up in orphanages; hands on care of abandoned babies in hospitals; and renovating rooms for a transitional residential program.
Volunteer Work Team Trips
Through A Volunteers Eyes