Volunteer Vacation FAQs
While the mission of Spring Brachiate and Chimpcation with is the same - giving back to the chimpanzees - Spring Brachiate is geared specifically towards college students. Additionally, Chimpcations take place before or during a sanctuary event and, thus, activities are often geared more towards preparing for them.
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.
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 we will include one “free-day, during which you can . We will provide you with information on local attractions that you can visit on your own.
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.
Are you unfamiliar with chimpanzees? You can learn more about them and meet the individuals now living at Project Chimps online. Though you won’t be working directly with the chimpanzees, safety for our volunteers is critically important. More in-depth information and training will be provided on your Volunteer Vacation prior to starting your vacation.
Travel and Logistics
There are many options for accommodations near the sanctuary. Options include campsites, cabins, hotels, resorts, and Airbnb. RV locations are nearby too. Visit this site for more details.
There is a camp site at Project Chimps they may be available for tents or RVs as well, check for availability.
Project Chimps will provide vegan lunches on each work day of your service week and a vegan farewell dinner on the evening of your last night (with the exception of the Thanks for Giving service week when the dinner will be held on Thanksgiving). Additional meals are the responsibility of the guest. Please communicate any additional dietary restrictions when you confirm your reservation.
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.
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.
The start date listed for each project is the first day of work, which will start at 9 AM. You should travel to the area and check-in to your lodging the evening before your start date. The end date listed for each project will include a farewell dinner. Generally, we recommend traveling the day after the end date, although you may wish to explore the area and stay longer!
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
Thank you for considering donating your vacation to the chimpanzees! The process to reserve your spot is easy and we will walk you through the steps. We require a $200 deposit to reserve your spot. Registration fees will be due one (1) month from the start date of your service week. The paid deposit will be subtracted from the total registration fees.
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.
- 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.
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, covid, and flu vaccinations, and provide proof of a negative TB test within 12 months before their service week.
Other Questions?
Please email our Volunteer Coordinator with any additional questions. We look forward to your participation!
This project would not be possible without our many generous individual supporters and volunteers. We rely on donations to fulfill our mission, including caring for our existing residents and expanding the sanctuary to accommodate those chimpanzees still waiting in the lab.
Won’t you help us bring the remaining chimps to sanctuary by supporting Project Chimps today? Please donate today because...