Host an 'Up With People' cast member during their stay in Grand Bahama

By The Bahamas Weekly News Team 

Freeport, Bahamas - Families in Grand Bahama will have the unique opportunity to bring a bit of the world into their own homes between February 19th – 25th when an international cast of Up with People arrives in Freeport, a stop on their 2011 world tour.

Host families are being sought to keep one or more students from Cast A 2011, the 100-member Up with People cast which represents 20 countries and more than 25 states. “It is a great opportunity to experience other cultures while sharing your own,” explained Reed, a Promotion Representative for the group.
The opportunity to stay with local families during their stay in each community is a centerpiece of Up with People’s 22-week program. The giving goes both ways…while families share their traditions and local attractions; the cast members share their experiences and cultures.

Local host families are asked to provide a place to sleep, local transportation, as well as breakfast and most dinners. While gone during the day, participating in regional learning, community service and show preparation, most evenings cast members will be home with the family to participate in their activities and interests.

In addition to many wonderful experiences with their new “son” or “daughter,” each host family will receive two complimentary tickets to the Up with People Show which will be held at a to be decided location on Thursday, February 24^that 7p.m. at the Jack Hayward Gymnasium. Tickets are $10 for Adults and $5 for Children (12 and under) and are available at Pelican Bay Hotel. 

Host an Up with People Cast Member 

“I can honestly say that the dozens of families who have opened their homes to me during my time with Up with People is one of the most meaningful and memorable experiences I have had,” said Reed. I still stay in contact with many of them and I believe they will remain lifelong friends,” she added. 

Those with smaller children or young teens in their home often find that the Up with People cast members are wonderful role models and provide a glimpse into other countries, cultures and traditions they might not otherwise experience in the Bahamas, Reed added.

Local families on the island are being sought to host the cast members between the 19^th and 25^th of February. Those interested in hosting are encouraged to contact Shawna Reed on the Grand Bahama Advance Team atsreed@upwithpeople.org or bserna@upwithpeople.org OR by calling 242.533.6857 or 439-6451

Up with People’s visit to Grand Bahama is sponsored by the Pelican Bay Hotel with support from our beneficiary, the Grand Bahama Youth Choir and with support by The Bahamas Weekly.   

Up with People is an independent nonprofit, [501(c)(3)] organization without any religious or political affiliations.  It provides young adults an international and intercultural experience that teaches service leadership and uses the performing arts to deliver messages of hope and goodwill throughout the world.  Up with People exists today to spark people to action in meeting the needs of their communities, countries and the world while building bridges of understanding as a foundation for world peace. For more information visit www.upwithpeople.org .