Our Mission


"To help all, especially the young, gain a greater understanding of the world and its people through hostelling."

Community Programs


The Washington State Council of Hostelling International - USA sponsors monthly community programs aimed at building and strengthening the travel community within the Washington State area. We also have a variety of education programs for youth and community groups that can be booked by reservation.

Below is a list of our ongoing educational program offerings, as well as photos and resources from our past community events. To book a program, please contact us at programs@hiwsc.org or 206 - 658 - 3262. To receive email updates about upcoming events and opportunities, please send your name and email address to programs@hiwsc.org, subject line "listserve".


Ongoing Programs

Cultural Kitchen - Girl Scouts
Cultural Kitchens empowers girls to investigate a country of their choice. The program involves three troop meetings and culminates in the girls cooking a community meal from their focus country to share with travelers at a hostel. Following dinner, the girls deliver a presentation on their focus country, and earn the Discover the World patch. Troops may stay overnight at the Seattle or Port Townsend hostels for a discounted rate.

Upcoming Dates:
  • March 20th 5pm
  • April 17th 5pm
  • May 15th 5pm
  • June 19th 5pm
  • July 17th 5pm

Cultural Kitchen - Youth and Community
Participants have the chance to learn about a focus country's  history, geography, people and culture while creating a delicious meal to share with their fellow chefs. A great way to meet new people, or strengthen the dynamics of an existing youth or community group. Overnights and cooking facilities are available at either our Olympic Peninsula or Seattle hostels.


World Travel 101 - Girl Scouts
The World Travel 101 workshop teaches girls what they need to think about when planning a trip: what to bring, how to get there, where to stay, how to pay for it, and how to stay safe. We also discuss the importance of responsible/respectful travel, which is traveling with an open mind. Girls who finish the program will earn the Discover the World patch.

Upcoming Dates:
  • March 27th 2 - 4 pm Seattle HI
  • April 11th 2 - 4 pm Seattle HI
  • May 23rd 2 - 4 pm Seattle HI
  • August 1st 2 - 4 pm Seattle HI

World Travel 101 - Youth and Community
The World Travel 101 workshop teaches participants what they need to think about when planning a trip: what to bring, how to get there, where to stay, how to pay for it, and how to stay safe. We also discuss the importance of responsible/respectful travel, which is traveling with an open mind.

To book a program, please contact Carissa at programs@hiwsc.org or 206-658 -3262.

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Travel By Bike Travel Circle - 10/27/09

posted Jan 18, 2010 1:41 PM by Programs Director   [ updated Jan 18, 2010 1:53 PM ]

At the end of October, we gathered to talk bikes. We had two great speakers, one who had lead bike tours through China in the '80s, and one who has traveled all over the States with his foldaway Bike Friday. We got the chance to talk through the logistics of bike travel as a group or individually, and even got some hands-on demonstrations with the Bike Friday.

    



| Attachments: IMG_2698.JPG IMG_2699.jpg IMG_2702.JPG

Trekking Travel Circle - HI - Seatte - 10/06/09

posted Jan 13, 2010 11:20 PM by Programs Director   [ updated Jan 13, 2010 11:51 PM ]

We gathered at the new HI Seattle with three great speakers to talk about the whys, hows and wheres of trekking. Our primary focus was the Himalayas, with shorter forays into the mountains of Italy, Kenya and Japan. Pictures attached!

| Attachments: Discussion groups.jpg Trekking talk.JPG Two of our speakers, Van and Megan.JPG

Cultural Kitchen - HI Seattle - 09/16/09

posted Jan 13, 2010 11:09 PM by Programs Director   [ updated Jan 13, 2010 11:20 PM ]

HI-USA's Washington State Council held its first Cultural Kitchen event! Our Board gathered with HI-Seattle guests to learn about Cuba's and Myanmar's geography, culture, people, history, and (my favorite) cuisine! We worked in two teams to cook a great meal with dishes from both countries, then came together to eat and share what we'd learn. It was a great night, and the recipes from our concoctions are attached to this post if you're interested in trying this at home! Watch out, the tapioca coconut dessert is very sticky!

| Attachments: Cuba Menu.pdf Myanmar Menu.pdf

Open House - HI Seattle - 08/27/09

posted Jan 13, 2010 11:04 PM by Programs Director

The new HI Seattle at the American Hotel celebrated its opening and the 75th year of Hostelling International - USA in style with volunteers leading tours of the new diggs, refreshments, and a presentation by HI-USA's Executive Director, Russ Hedge.

Open House / Ice Cream Social - Vashon Island - 08/23/09

posted Jan 13, 2010 10:59 PM by Programs Director   [ updated Jan 13, 2010 11:03 PM ]

Vashon Island's HI had a great anniversary celebration complete with a juggler, lots of ice cream on apple pies, and a nature walk through their wonderful wooded land. It was a fun day, thanks to all who came out!

Women Traveling Solo - Port Townsend Hostel - 08/22/09

posted Jan 11, 2010 6:30 PM by Programs Director   [ updated Jan 11, 2010 6:44 PM ]

We had a great Open House celebration for Hostelling International's 75th anniversary, complete with the delicious culinary concoctions of Saloni, HI-Port Townsend's resident chef, and an engaging panel on Women Traveling Solo. We had three great panelists, each with a unique set of insights on the hows and whys of traveling alone as a women. If you missed the event, or would just like a refresher, the notes from the event are attached to this post.

| Attachments: Notes - Women Traveling Solo panel – Port Townsend.pdf

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