2019 Cambodia Humanitarian Efforts
Conference Description
Register OnlineReach Out And Learn (ROL) presents the Cambodia Humanitarian & Self Reliance training event, 2018 (ROL in Cambodia). This event will be held in Cambodia, October 19 - 26, 2018. The objective of this event is to provide a setting where foreign professionals receive in-depth training on techniques and practices that will help individuals, families, and communities become more self-sustaining and help those in need. This training is unique in that it is a "Train the Trainer" course where public & mental health professionals, faculty, and students from the U.S. "learn together" with their Cambodian peers who focus on issues that exist that impact health and well being. These "trained" professionals will be tasked with training hundreds of their colleagues in practices to improve the way they help those in need! The ROL model helps leaders make greater strides toward collaborating to tackle issues and problems that encourage the sharing of ideas and practices to better help those in need.
The objective of this ROL event is to provide an opportunity for service oriented individuals, and those interested in public and mental health issues and the resultant problems, to receive and disseminate best practices and the latest information on topics that improve the quality of health. Our effort is to bring together professionals who specialize in areas directly related to public and mental health and to place these experts in an educational setting that fosters learning, stimulates purposeful discussions, and encourages peer networking.
Additionally, at the ROL in Cambodia event, we will be promoting self-reliance/english speaking training.
Bring Friends and Family
This event is designed so that trainers may bring family and friends who may visit rural villages to assess needs and to learn about and experience the Cambodian people and culture. We will teach English in the elementary schools using a tried and true "Reading Horizons" online system to help the children learn English. Cultural/historical tours may also be included that helps our volunteers gain a background from which to better address problems and challenges faced by the Cambodian people. We plan for conference registrants to join their family members and friends on one of the village days to participate in interactive activities with children in remote villages. Conference directors attending this year have extensive experience in villages doing village activities and on the history of Cambodia. Our Travel Service is based in Phnom Penh and they are the best! We expect them to get us in and out of places that tour groups cannot go. Our interactive activities with school children brings you to the rural villages outside Phnom Penh. Tourists normally don't get this experience. Many past participants have stated that the historical knowledge was awesome but the village experience was the highlight of the week.
We "learn together" as we learn the methods and procedures (treatments) used by foreign professionals to help those in need, and they learn from us!
Proposed Agenda
Friday, October 19, 2018Flights from the U.S. and other international cities to Phnom Penh, Cambodia usually arrive in the late evening or morning.
Saturday, October 20, 2018Our hotel is located in a centralized area of Phnom Penh, a few blocks from the Russian Market. The goal is for us to adjust to the new environment (lay low and take it easy) to recover from the airline flight. Dinner this evening is on own.
This evening, our Mental Health professionals will provide training to Church leaders who council with members who come to them with mental health challenges.
Church or free time in the morning. We plan to visit an orphanage in the afternoon for games and activities.
Monday, October 22, 2018Excursion to rural villages for English language instruction to school children. We also plan to have public health projects, teeth brushing workshops, water filtration, hand-washing stations.
Tuesday, October 23, 2018We plan to work with Royal University in collaborative meetings with the graduate psychology program and meetings with Administrators with the Russian hospital.
Wednesday, October 24, 2018We plan to do more work in the rural villages, english instruction, teacher training, hand washing stations, water filtration, Days for Girls training, and teeth brushing workshops.
Thursday, October 25, 2018We will work, again, in rural villges doing games and activities.
Friday, October 26, 2018Some in our group, based upon their departure plans, may join tours to other cities or nearby countries. Others will return to the airport for their return flights to the U.S.
Conference Faculty
Sheila Huntsman, M.A. Ed. C.
Sheila Huntsman has a Master's Degree in Education Counseling and a bachelor's degree in Psychology. She has also received a State certification in Mediation, studied Art Therapy, Music Therapy, Neuro-Linguistic Programming, Brain Gym and many other counseling techniques.Sheila uses Neurofeedback "brain training" to help those who struggle with symptoms associated with ADHD, anxiety, depression, learning disabilities, and sleep issues. She has many years of experience and now utilizes Neurofeedback, using an FDA approved device, to help people overcome challenges in order to function well.
Sheila is married to Michael J Huntsman and they are the parents of five children and have just recently become grandparents. She enjoys spending quality time with her family as well as running, hiking. swimming. playing the piano, organ, marimba and vibraphone.
Brian Barthel
Brian has been at UVU since 1998.
EDUCATION:
Ph.D. in Health
M.S. in Health Science from Brigham Young University, 1985
B.S. in Health Science from Brigham Young University, 1984
CERTIFICATIONS:
Gerontology
Certified Health Education Specialist (inactive)
First Aid Instructor
Ryan Christiasen, Social Work/Therapist, L.C.S.W., C.S.AT., E.M.D.R.
Ryan Christiansen, LCSW has over 13 years of experience working in the fields of substance abuse, domestic violence, porn and sex addiction and trauma. He has received extensive training from the International Institute of Trauma and Addiction Professionals (IITAP), the EMDR International Association and the Trauma Center at the Justice Resource Institute. He is the owner and Clinical Director of ABC Counseling Services in St. George, Utah.
Jamie Christiasen, M. Ed. Psych., A.C. M.H.C.
Jamie Christiansen, MEd, AMHC is the School Counselor for George Washington Academy. She assists parents, families, and staff to set up behavioral plans to help students be successful in the home and school. She has extensive experience working with children and adolescents in various settings and provides community suicide prevention training for Southwest Behavioral Health. She is a therapist for LDS Family Services and ABC Counseling Services in St. George, Utah.
Ryan and Jamie Christiansen have been married for 18 years, have six children and own and operate ABC Counseling Services in St. George, Utah where they provide mental health services for children, teens and adults. They can be reached for sessions at achievecontrol@gmail.com
Michael J. Huntsman, M.B.A., Operations Director
Mike is the Executive Director for Reach Out And Learn. He received his Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Phoenix in January of 1993. His Bachelor of Science degree is from Brigham Young University. Mike was also a faculty member with the University of Phoenix for 10-years. He enjoys a variety of work, and spends a significant amount of time designing brochures, postcards, and Web sites. In his free time he enjoys gardening (especially grapes and walnut trees), beekeeping and bike riding.
Questions & Answers (FAQs)
Please check back as updates to this information are added periodicallyWhat is included with my Registration Fees?
Includes all the arrangements to visit universities, rural villages, cultural/historical sites, and schools. Also includes ground transportation and hotel accommodations. Does not include your roundtrip flight from the United States to Phnom Penh, medical insurance, personal expenses, or meals (although breakfast is usually provided by the hotel and some lunches, and at least one group dinner).
How do I book and pay for a flight from the United States, to and from Phnom Penh?
1. Purchase a ticket through an online travel site (Orbitz, Delta, United, Expedia, Travelosity, Yahoo Travel, etc.), or...
2. Check specific airline Websites (American, Delta, United, China East Airline, etc.) or...
3. Use your frequent flier miles/award points,
4. Call a travel agent at a travel service such as Christopherson Travel. Christopherson Business Travel: 866 327-7606 Toll free, 801 327-7668 Direct line
When should I purchase my USA to Phnom Penh airline ticket?
In recent years, we have found that prior to 4-months out has been the best option. We have shopped both Orbitz and the major airline (Delta, United, Hainan) Web sites. We have found that the prices change significantly (up and down) from day to day.
How do I obtain a Cambodian visa?
A one-month tourist visa costs US$30 on arrival and requires one passport-sized photo. Be sure to have a passport sized photo with you when you arrive to the Phnom Penh airport, along with $30 cash.
Should I purchase Travel Insurance?
We highly recommend that you purchase travel insurance. It is available from various providers. Just do a Google search for "travel or trip insurance and you will find many options.
What should I pack? The following list includes packing list suggestions: (It is not recommended that you bring everything on this list)
Additional tourist attire:
Waterproof sandals
Sunglasses
Nice comfortable attire such as slacks or skirt and dress shirt for sit-down dinner or possible worship services
Personal Medical Pouch (we recommend the following):
Insect repellent & itch-balm plus or other hydrocortisone-base cream
Sunscreen along with Chapstick or Blistex-type lip ointment
Small first aid kit with Band-Aids, ointment, tweezers, medications etc.
Pain reliever
Diarrhoea medication (Imodium/Pepto Bismo, etc.)
Constipation medication
Cold & allergy medication, throat lozenges or cough drops
Other personal prescriptions if applicable
Personal Toiletries:
Personal hygiene items—toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, towel, wash cloth, soap, deodorant, etc. (an antiseptic cleanser can be a skin saver)
Toilet paper (you may prefer several pocket pouches of Kleenex)
Antibacterial wet wipes--the equivalent of 80-100 wipes per person. Individual pouches can be very convenient.
Miscellaneous:
Personal snack supply: You will buy your own food/water in country, but if you are a "picky eater" or have favorites you can't live without…bring your snacks you prefer (trail mix, granola bars, dried fruit, etc.)
Headlamp or emergency flash light (to be used when the power goes out)
Box/Duct/Strapping tape to be used to repair luggage or to use in the villages.
Personal safety and getting around
Avoid carrying a purse when you go out. It's best to have some sort of money belt that sits under your clothes. Keep a tight grip on things such as your camera.
The safest way to get around the city is by tuk tuk for a few dollars or less each trip. Settle on a price before climbing aboard.
Items to entertain or leave with those in the villages
Small "American" footballs, soccer balls (you can bring them deflated, then pump them up in the village (bring a small bike pump and a ball needle)
Long jump ropes (more than one person can jump at the same time)
Cultural sharing items i.e. a small musical instrument that you play, magic tricks, costume, etc.
Compact indoor games or projects i.e. cards or beads & yarn
Compact outdoor games (i.e. Wiffle ball, bubbles & blower)
What can I bring with me to have for village children?
We have found that it is best to allocate funds to purchase available items in Cambodia, rather than transport items in luggage.
English learning materials designed for younger children (4 to 9 years old) - these can be cards with pictures that provide a simple way to learn English words.
Art or craft materials that the students can use (preferably materials that are reusable).
They love bubbles, used tennis balls, finger paints. They also like their finger nails painted.
Colored pencils and crayons are always a hit. But don't bring paper because it can be purchased cheaply here in Phnom Penh and it is heavy to bring in your luggage.
Magic tricks are also popular. Don't bring clothes or shoes for the school children.
Colorful hair bows and ribbons
What can I bring with me to donate to village adults?
Hygiene Kits (We will plan to present these to the village leaders/school master)
1 hair brush
4 toothbrushes
1 tube toothpaste (be sure to put this in your "checked" luggage and in a zip-lock bag)
1 bar of soap
1 dozen colored hair ties
2 wash cloths
Put these items in a one-gallon zip lock bag, then put the zip lock bag in a cloth bag with rope draw string.
Passport and Immigration Card
Keep your passport and immigration card in a convenient, yet secure, spot. When checking into hotels, onto planes and trains, into historical sites, leaving the country, etc., you are required to show your passport. Your Immigration form will be required when you leave Cambodia for your return flight to the U.S. I scan my passport and email it as an attachment to myself or upload it to Google docs or other online place that I can access if necessary.
Missed flights, missed connections, delayed luggage, etc.
Reach Out And Learn is not responsible for missed flights, missed connections, standby flights, missing luggage, delayed luggage, your late arrival to Phnom Penh, or airline change fees. We have learned that it is important to have at least two hours between flights in order to have time to make connecting flights. When making your flight reservations from the U.S. to Phnom Penh, you may choose to select an itinerary that has at least two hours between connecting flights. If your flight from the U.S. to Phnom Penh is postponed or delayed for any reason, we will anticipate that you will join our activities when you arrive in Phnom Penh. We are also not responsible if you miss bus, train, or airline departures in Cambodia. We are not responsible for your wake up calls or to make sure you board buses, trains, or flights in time for their departures. However, we will make reasonable effort to make you aware of our itinerary and departure times so you can plan for and anticipate departures so you will be able to continue with the group.
What hotels are we planning to stay at?
Flights typically arrive in Phnom Penh in the late evening.
We book hotels that are convenient to historical, shopping, and transportation hubs.
Rooms will be arranged "double occupancy" or greater (at least two people to a room).
In order for us to reserve a room, you must register online (for this ROL event at least 60 days before your arrival in Phnom Penh.
Where can I find traveller health/vaccination information?
Please visit the CDC Website http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/cambodia to find Traveller recommendations. For general questions, please contact the Reach Out & Learn Office. Email: info@reachoutandlearn.org
What village activities will I participate in?
We plan to travel to remote rural villages to interact with school children with activities such as English lessons, coloring pictures, jewelry making, soccer, frisbee, bubble blowing, etc. We also plan to work on village, family, and personal histories. We also plan to conduct needs assessments to discover and propose better ways for villagers to heat their homes, cook their food, wash their clothes, eat nutritious meals, drink pure water, etc.
When can I give items to children and community members?
Reach Out And Learn has found that the best way for us to distribute items is to give them to professionals in our humanitarian conferences and have them give them to people in need in small villages. Local professionals typically know those who are most in need. We also plan to give items such as first-aid and hygiene kits to the community leaders, such as the school master or teacher.
Registration Cancellation Policy
Conference cancellation requests received 70 days before your arrival in Cambodia, will receive a full refund minus a $200 cancellation fee. Conference registration requests received after 70 days before your arrival in Cambodia, wll receive no refund. Please send cancellation requests to info@reachoutandlearn.org. You must receive a cancellation confirmation (e-mail) from us to confirm your cancellation.
Information About Travelling to and getting around in Cambodia
Lonely Planet Website or online search, Google, Bing, Yahoo, etc.
Reach Out And Learn Event Cancellation Policy
Please register as early as possible, as the Expedition Planning Committee may cancel the event if a minimum number of registrants is not reached.
Changes
Reach Out And Learn reserves the right to change information on this Web page as well as arrangements associated with our agenda or the conference or expedition agendas, as necessary.
Paying by Check?
If paying by check, please make checks payable to Reach Out And Learn and mail to 188 W. 2000 S. Bountiful, Utah 84010-5553. We can also arrange for you to pay by Venmo or other money transfer method.
Continuing Education Information
Each conference participant will receive a certificate of attendance/participation.
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