Volunteer Vacation FAQs

How is the Spring Brachiate program different than the Chimpcation program?

What if I have never worked with animals before? How much experience is necessary?

We welcome you! Our volunteer vacations are a fun way to learn new things and most do not require any prior experience. Volunteers (and our staff) do not have any direct contact with the chimpanzees, for everyone’s safety, but you will be able to see them in their outdoor habitat.

All of our projects do require participants to be in good physical condition and may involve 1-2 miles of equivalent hiking each day. Please read the project descriptions carefully and choose one that fits your experience level and physical abilities.

What is the basic itinerary for a volunteer vacation?

Most trips last one week with weekends used for travel. A typical 5-to-7-hour day will include building and maintaining chimpanzee habitats, gardening and harvesting fresh produce and plants, making seasonal enrichment items for the chimps and other activities. You’ll enjoy lunch provided for you on campus and then a well-deserved evening of relaxation back at your lodging. All trips will include free time to get to know your fellow crew members and explore the area. Each trip schedules in a "free day" in which you can spend it how you please. If you want to rest, you can. If you want to go into town and shop, you can. Either way, that day is yours. We will provide you with information on local attractions that you can visit on your own.

What will my day be like?

Each itinerary will vary based on weather, projects, and crew participants. Typically, you’ll arrive on site between 8 AM and 9 AM. Groups will generally work 6-8 hours each working day, four days per service week. Lunch will be served on campus.

Most projects will wrap up the work day in the late afternoon, allowing you to enjoy a few hours of daylight for free recreation. Most trips include a full day off during the work week to explore the area, go for a recreational hike, or take a tour of local attractions.

Introduction to Chimpanzees

Travel and Logistics

What types of accommodations are available?

How are meals handled?

Why vegan and what will that include?

As an animal welfare organization, we are committed to minimizing our impact on all animals, not just chimpanzees. To this end, all meals and food products provided by Project Chimps will be vegan. Guests are welcome to consume any food product they desire during this trip and may bring their own supplemental ingredients to consume during the program. Additional dietary restrictions will be collected during the registration process and we will do our best to ensure you have an enjoyable and healthy vegan option available.

How do I get to the site?

Project Chimps is located approximately two hours north of Atlanta, Georgia, and two hours southeast of Chattanooga, TN. More air travel options are available through Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL), though the Chattanooga Airport (CHA) in Tennessee is smaller and easier to navigate. Amtrak trains also stop in Atlanta. Transportation from the Atlanta airport is available for Spring Brachiate participants. Chimpcation participants should arrange for their own transportation via a personal or rental car. Spring Brachiate participants will be provided transportation from Atlanta only.

Volunteers are responsible for all travel costs to and from the site. Please do not make non-refundable travel arrangements until you have received a confirmation. If the project is canceled due to low attendance or unforeseen circumstances, Project Chimps cannot be held responsible for loss of funds due to canceled or changed travel itineraries.

Travel expenses for public service projects are considered charitable contributions and may be tax deductible, as allowed by law.

When should I arrive?

What to bring

You will enjoy your trip much more if you have all the right gear. Your equipment needs will vary based on the project and different seasons. Tools and basic First-Aid equipment will be provided by Project Chimps. Pay attention to any special instructions from your host and crew captain for your specific visit. Each volunteer must bring the following gear in addition to all personal items:

Sturdy Hiking/work boots and tennis shoes;
Long pants and long-sleeve shirts for days working on sanctuary grounds;
Work gloves;
Rain jacket;
1-Liter reusable water bottle.

Registration and Cancellation

I’m sold! How do I sign up?

Project Confirmation

If you submit your registration online, you should receive an automatic confirmation that your registration has been submitted and received. Once the minimum number of volunteers has been met and all details have been confirmed with the project, we will send you a project confirmation, via email. These are generally sent out 6-8 weeks in advance of the project start. Project confirmations include local travel information for that time period and other project details.

Do not book non-refundable transportation until receiving the project confirmation. Project Chimps is not responsible for lost funds due to canceled or modified travel itineraries.

Guest Cancellation Policy

Cancellations received at least 8 weeks prior to the start date of the trip will result in a 50% refund of the original registration fee paid.
No refund will be given if the cancellation is made less than 8 weeks prior to the start date or if the participant fails to show up for the trip. This includes instances of injury or illness.
If notice is received at least 8 weeks prior to the start date of the trip, participants may switch to another project during the same calendar year, subject to an additional $50 administrative fee.
We understand that things might come up that would prevent you from participating in your scheduled trip. If you are unable to take part in your assigned Volunteer Vacation for any reason, please let us know immediately so we can notify our team. You may consider purchasing travel insurance for your trip.

Cancellations by Project Chimps

Although rare, cancellations may occur due to unforeseen circumstances, inclement weather, natural disasters, unsafe working conditions, or if the minimum group reservation threshold is not met. If the trip you signed up for is canceled, we will refund the entire registration fee. We are also happy to transfer the registration fee to another Volunteer Vacation within 12 months of your original trip. You may consider purchasing travel insurance for your trip.

Legal Requirements

Liability and Insurance

All trip participants must provide their own health and accident insurance in case of injury or illness while on their trip. Each participant is required to fill out a Waiver Form prior to participating on any trip. Please consider purchasing trip cancellation insurance to cover you in the event that you are no longer able to participate in your scheduled trip. Trip cancellation insurance protects you against financial loss if you must cancel a trip because of illness or injury to yourself, a family member, or traveling companion.

Age Requirements

Participants must be 18+ or traveling with a parent or guardian if 12-17 years of age who is also enrolled in the same program. Minors must be at least 12 years of age by the first day of their program.

Vaccinations

All participants must show proof of a current tetanus, and flu vaccinations, and provide proof of a negative TB test within 12 months before their service week.

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