Once again, Bubba and I find ourselves brimming with excitement as we gear up for our fourth journey to the beautiful heart of Guatemala with HUG IT FORWARD. This year, we are honored to be joined by the incredible Gary Schraer, who is embarking on his remarkable 18th trip! We would love to extend a heartfelt invitation for you to join us in this meaningful adventure from July 17th to 23rd, 2025.

Imagine the transformative experience of volunteering abroad – a chance to immerse yourself in a vibrant culture, learn invaluable lessons, forge new friendships, and, most importantly, leave a lasting impact on the lives of children in need. HUG IT FORWARD’s mission is clear: to provide educational access, raise environmental consciousness, and empower the youth in rural communities that face the challenges of poverty. By joining us, you can be a part of something truly special.

As we arrive in Guatemala, we will be greeted with the joyful sounds of singing and the vibrant rhythms of traditional dance performed by the children. This warm welcome extends beyond just the children; the entire community, including its leaders and educators, will come together to celebrate our shared mission. Throughout the week, we will work alongside the students, side by side, pouring not only concrete for their new schoolhouse but also building bridges of understanding and friendship that will last a lifetime.

This year, we are calling upon strong bodies and willing hearts to join us in this essential task. We’ll dive right into the action, helping to lay the foundation for a schoolhouse that will serve as a beacon of hope for generations to come. Whether you gather your friends, family, or co-workers, we encourage you to bring along your children too. This experience is not just an opportunity to give back; it’s a chance for your family to learn, grow, and bond in ways that will resonate long after we return home.

If circumstances prevent you from joining us, consider sharing this opportunity by gifting a trip to someone special in your life. Imagine the joy of knowing that your loved one is making a difference while creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Together, let’s embrace this journey of compassion and connection. Join us in Guatemala, where your hands can help build a brighter future, and your heart can experience the true beauty of giving. Let’s make a difference, one hug at a time!

“We think we’re going there to help them… what we find is we get so much more out of this than we give.” – Anonymous Volunteer

With Love,
Bubba and Tracy Meyers

How kids and communities build bottle schools

Pictures from our previous bottle school trips

Please read the Terms and Conditions!

Have you read the Terms and Conditions? After reading the Terms and Conditions, please click the “Yes” button to view the booking options.

Yes No

Fundraising for bottle schools

You might also like to fundraise for Hug It Forward bottle schools. Fundraising for bottle schools is optional – it is not a requirement of participating in a bottle school trip.

If you choose to fundraise, we suggest a $250 fundraising goal, but some people choose to do more or less than this. It’s really up to you – how much you think your friends and families can give, how creative you can be, and how much time you’re prepared to put into it.

See more information about fundraising.