Volunteer As A Trailbuilder In Georgia

Costs

As a nonprofit organization primarily funded by donations, volunteer fees are what make it possible for us to run the international volunteer program and provide a great introductory trail building experience for people from all over the world. Your fee covers all your costs for the session, including food, transportation, and training by our fantastic local crew leaders. If extra funds are available, we use it to sponsor spots for local volunteers, which creates a better cultural exchange experience for everyone. The volunteer fee also includes TCTA membership for one year, giving you first access to all of the trail updates, webinars, news, and more!

The total cost of participation in the volunteer program in Georgia is USD $850 for the 10-day program.

What is included:
          • Two nights’ accommodation (Friday and the following Sunday) in Kutaisi
          • Transportation between Kutaisi and the work site
          • All meals from Friday dinner to Sunday lunch
          • TCT t-shirt
          • Use of tools and safety equipment in the field
          • On-site training from skilled crew leaders
          • TCT basecamp support

What is not included:
          • Airfare to Georgia
          • Transportation to Kutaisi
          • Items included on the Volunteer Packing List
          • Personal travel insurance
          • Other personal expenses

Note on the cost increase for 2025: In previous years, we were able to significantly subsidize the international volunteer program by combining administrative and logistic costs with our local Caucasus Conservation Corps program, which was funded through a grant from the U.S. Forest Service. Unfortunately, that grant is affected by the U.S. government’s decision to freeze and review all foreign aid, and we are unable to rely on that funding this year. Costs have also been driven up overall by rising food and fuel prices in Georgia. Therefore, we had to increase the volunteer fee this year to make it possible to run the program.

We are extremely grateful for the time that international volunteers contribute to this project. Please know that this fee still does not cover all of our expenses. Running the volunteer program comes with overheads, including staffing, food, equipment, insurance, transportation, and administrative costs. Making these opportunities possible for such a modest amount requires the support of many additional donors and partners. Your volunteer fee and time both support critical projects on the development of the Transcaucasian Trail, and we are grateful for your support.

Payment Deadlines

A nonrefundable deposit of $200 is due within two weeks of your acceptance to reserve your spot in the program. The remaining volunteer fee ($650) is due at least one month prior to your arrival.

Your spot on the team is not reserved until you have paid the deposit and submitted a signed liability waiver.