by Annie Bowers and Randall Barney

In July 2025, seven of us joined a Bountiful Children’s Foundation (BCF) ‘NutriTour’ to Guatemala—a humanitarian journey focused on giving children their best start in life by preventing and treating malnutrition in the first 1,000 days. Our group of four teens, three adults, and four dedicated guides quickly bonded, turning from strangers into family within just a day or two. The experience showed us how service, travel, and connection can come together to create lasting impact—something anyone can be part of through a BCF NutriTour.

Throughout our trip, we combined hands-on service with immersion in Guatemala’s rich and vibrant culture. One of our most meaningful roles was distributing nutritional supplements—simple but vital resources that fight malnutrition and strengthen the health of children and families. It was a reminder that even small acts of service can have a lasting impact—something every NutriTour participant can experience.

Ciudad Vieja, was destroyed by a devastating mudflow in 1541 from Volcán de Agua
(in the background), leading to the city's relocation to Antigua.

After arriving in Guatemala City on July 14, our group explored the surrounding highlands, beginning with a visit to Antigua the following day. We learned about the history, geography, and culture of both indigenous and European communities. From atop the cathedral, we took in a breathtaking view of the city and nearby volcanoes. We also visited Hobbitenango, the “place of the hobbits,” an eco-park celebrating the region’s natural beauty—a perfect example of how service and exploration can go hand in hand on a NutriTour.

Three Rosales generations

Three generations of the Rosales family served as our coordinators and guides, expertly immersing us in the local culture while providing meaningful opportunities to serve. As Randall, one of our group members, reflected:

“I was greatly impressed by the Guatemalan volunteers we traveled and worked with—Gloria, Raul, Raul Jr., and Vivian. They have served local children and mothers for many years, dedicating so much of their time to this effort. They are extremely good at what they do, demonstrating great empathy and skill while interacting with women and children.”

Experiencing their dedication firsthand highlighted how volunteering on a NutriTour lets participants contribute to lasting change alongside committed local teams.

Serving families at the community health center

On July 16, we had the privilege of serving at the community health center in San Pedro Jocopilas de Quiché, supporting 26 children and 12 pregnant or nursing mothers. Being directly involved in distributing nutrition and care showed us how even a short visit can make a real difference in the lives of families—an experience every NutriTour participant can share.

Lunch with Luz!

One of the local volunteers, Luz, welcomed us into her home for a delicious lunch. Afterward, some of the men in our group helped her husband, Emilio, install siding on their house. Moments like these—sharing meals, lending a hand, and connecting across cultures—illustrate the personal impact and meaningful experiences that make a NutriTour so rewarding.

Luz kindly invited us to bake cookies in her kitchen for families we would visit later. When the power went out and the electric mixer couldn’t be used, Emilio ingeniously attached the mixer blades to his cordless drill. Meanwhile, Alisa enjoyed playing with Luz and Emilio’s daughters after they returned from school. Simple, hands-on moments like these—full of creativity, laughter, and connection—show how even small acts on a NutriTour create lasting memories and meaningful impact.

Mixing cookies when the power is out and making new friends

On July 17, we started the day with breakfast at an Austrian buffet and explored the vibrant weekly market in Chichicastenango. That evening, we attended a temple service in Quetzaltenango. Experiencing local traditions and daily life alongside our service work highlighted how a NutriTour combines cultural immersion with meaningful volunteer opportunities.

On July 18, we traveled to Momostenango and visited two clinics—Tzanjon and Chinimabe. While families typically visit these centers monthly to receive nutritional supplements, as visiting volunteers we were able to bring small toys and gifts for the children, who were thrilled by the surprise. Moments like these show how a NutriTour allows participants to make a direct, joyful impact on children and families.

The volunteers enjoyed every moment as much as the children, playing with toys, blowing bubbles, and sharing stickers. Even without speaking the same language, hugs and smiles conveyed all that mattered. That day, we were able to serve 29 children and 10 nursing or pregnant mothers—an experience that demonstrates the power of a NutriTour to create meaningful connections and lasting impact.

BCF partners with local community health centers to provide health education, monitor children’s growth, and address other health concerns. During our visit, a social worker showed us how to prepare Incaparina, a warm, nutrient-rich drink packed with protein, vitamins, and micronutrients. Children are weighed and measured every six months to track healthy development—demonstrating how NutriTour participants witness firsthand the vital work BCF and local teams do to fight malnutrition.

A Guatemala public health worker
teaching families about malnoutrition

Annie shared:

“Meeting the mothers and children who received education and nutrition supplements was the highlight for me. The mothers were so thankful, and the children were beautiful. Seeing the delight in their eyes when given a small treat or toy was overwhelming. Realizing that just a small donation can mean the difference between a healthy child and one suffering from stunted growth, weakened immunity, impaired vision, or developmental delays was incredibly impactful. In Guatemala, it costs only about $2.00 per month to provide nutritional support for one child.”

Experiences like these show how participating in a NutriTour or supporting BCF can create a real, tangible difference in children’s lives.

We also took part in a painting project at one of the community clinics while distributing supplements and gifts. These simple acts of kindness brought visible joy and connection, showing that compassion and generosity can cross both language and cultural boundaries—a core experience that every NutriTour participant shares.

July 19–20 were rest days at the stunning Lake Atitlán, where we swam, hiked, shopped, attended a local church service, and enjoyed delicious local food. These moments of relaxation and cultural exploration showed how a NutriTour balances meaningful service with immersive travel experiences, giving participants a full and memorable journey.

Our final excursion took us to the Mayan ruins at Iximché, the 15th-century capital of the Kaqchikel Maya kingdom. Visiting historic sites like this offered a deeper appreciation of Guatemala’s rich heritage, showing how a NutriTour combines meaningful service with cultural discovery that stays with you long after the trip ends.

Bountiful Children’s Foundation is making a real difference in Guatemala. Each community has an established network of social workers, coordinators, and volunteers providing comprehensive health services, fighting malnutrition, and supporting healthy families. In just the first five months of 2025, BCF Guatemala served:

• 365 chronically malnourished children
• 117 acutely or severely malnourished children
• 139 babies and their nursing mothers
• 122 pregnant women

Altogether, 773 young lives received proper nutrition, health monitoring, and family education—demonstrating how contributions from volunteers and donors help create measurable, lasting impact. Participating in a NutriTour or supporting BCF lets anyone be part of this meaningful work.

💚 Donate Today – Every $10 per month can provide essential nutritional support for a child in Guatemala, giving them a stronger start in life and a chance to thrive.

🌎 Join a NutriTour – Bountiful offers unique “Create Your Own Humanitarian Trip” experiences. Individuals, families, and groups can design service-focused travel tailored to their interests and skills. Engage in education, supplement distribution, and hands-on service projects alongside experienced local coordinators. Every trip is an opportunity to make a meaningful difference while building lasting connections.

🤝 Volunteer – If travel isn’t possible, there are many other ways to give your time and talents to fight child malnutrition. Whether it’s remote support, local fundraising, or advocacy, your contribution matters.