CampfireTales in Ghana
October 24 – November 5, 2026
A Purpose-Driven Storytelling Journey
13 days of cultural connection, storytelling, and community exchange
CampfireTales founder Ryan McAbery, storyteller and business consultant, and co-founder Betsy Benoit, with has extensive experience leading volunteer trips to Ghana, are offering a unique Storytelling Journey to Ghana in October, 2026.
Designed for writers, storytellers, educators, creatives, and curious travelers, this trip values interest and openness more than expertise. You don’t need to be a practiced storyteller, only willing to engage. Over two weeks, you will learn from the storytelling traditions of the Volta Region, partner with Friends of Adaklu, and work with youth and adults as they explore their own voices. You will return with meaningful relationships, deeper cultural understanding, and a developing or fully drafted personal story.
Week One: Village Immersion in Adaklu - 7 Days
Learn the Storytelling Tradition
After sightseeing in Ghana’s capitol and spending the night in Accra, you will travel from to the lush Volta Region and work directly with community partners, educators, and villagers. Travel from Accra to the Volta Region to work directly with community partners and villagers. Learn from Elders, the Chief, the Queen, and community members about how story supports memory, morals and values, identity, teaching, and cultural continuity.
Empowering Youth
Support students in grades 7 through 9 as they build personal stories and learn to speak with confidence and authenticity. We will be working with the local teachers and university professors before journeying to Ghana to discuss these workshops intent and outcomes.
Men’s and Women’s Story Traditions
Alongside learning, you will share elements of Western-style personal narrative. This approach gives participating adults agency to shape their own narratives, share their lived experiences, and extend cultural storytelling to include the voices of today, strengthening both personal expression and cultural continuity.
Community Storytelling Night
An evening gathering where youth, Elders, and community members share personal and traditional stories. Participants share their own developing narratives as well. We reinforces storytelling as a living tradition and highlights the value of every voice in the community.
Daily Reflection and Personal Time
Thoughtful pacing is built into each day — quiet writing time, bead-making with Nunya Village students, a cooking session with a local family, sightseeing, and restorative evenings. Air-conditioned rooms provide comfort and space for reflection, while a dedicated catering service ensures meals outside the hotel and authentic, traveler safe and delicious.
Week Two: Coastal Reset in Cape Coast - 6 Days
Guided Writing and Storytelling Workshops
Two structured workshops to work on writing about your experiences and your own personal storytelling.
Additional sessions provide time to refine your story with optional peer feedback.
Time to Explore and Reflect
Slow, restorative days including:
• Beach walks
• Visit to St. George’s Castle in Elmina
• Walk across the canopy bridges at Kakum National Park
Evenings are open for reading, writing, and quiet connection.
What’s Included
Air-conditioned accommodation in Accra (1 night), the Volta Region (hotel in Ho-6 nights) and Cape Coast (oceanfront low-key resort - 5 nights)
All meals (except 2 lunches) plus all bottled water
Private transportation and dedicated driver-guide throughout, including airport pick-up and drop-off
All scheduled cultural activities and excursions
Partnership engagement with Friends of Adaklu, including pre-trip meetings with Ghana University Professors and teachers.
What’s Not IncludedAirfare to and from Ghana
Mandatory travel insurance
Gratuities for the driver
Personal purchases, souvenirs
This is not Just travel
It is a relationship. It is mutual learning. It is story as bridge from past to present, culture to culture, person to person.
The Essence of This Trip
This is not tourism.
This is relationship.
This is mutual learning.
This is story as bridge, past to present, culture to culture, person to person.
Learn more: hello@campfiretales.org
Contact: Betsy Benoit