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Storytelling - An Immersive Cultural Exchange In Ghana

$0.00

Join me in Ghana — October 2026
Email hello@ryanmcabery.com for more information.

In April 2025 I started a storytelling company in Portland called Campfire Tales. It has grown into a community of people who connect around authentic, true storytelling.

In Ghana, the long tradition of folklore and oral storytelling is at risk of fading. As communities shift toward modern life, younger generations are less engaged in the “fireside chats” that once held families and villages together.

Campfire Tales and my co-founder, Betsy Benoit, have been invited to bring a small group of storytellers to Ghana for two weeks to share our love of story and to help middle-school students learn how to tell their own. This is a cultural exchange built around communication, connection, and learning from one another. The goal is to help revitalize enthusiasm for storytelling and personal expression in younger generations, working alongside a community that already values the power of story.

A Purpose-Driven Storytelling Journey — October 2026

Details

  • Anticipated price: $4,500 (does not include airfare)

  • Estimated dates: 10.23.2026 – 11.07.2026

  • Includes all accommodations, meals, air-conditioned sleeping quarters, and travel within program dates

  • 14 days of cultural connection, storytelling work, and community exchange

Campfire Tales founder Ryan McAbery, storyteller and business consultant, and co-founder Betsy Benoit, who has extensive experience leading volunteer trips to Ghana, are offering a Storytelling Journey to the Volta Region in 2026.

This trip is designed for writers, storytellers, educators, creatives, and curious travelers. You do not need to be an experienced storyteller — only open and willing to participate.

Over two weeks, you will learn from local storytelling traditions, partner with Friends of Adaklu, and work with youth and adults as they explore their own voices. You will return with new relationships, deeper cultural understanding, and a developing or fully drafted personal story.

Join me in Ghana — October 2026
Email hello@ryanmcabery.com for more information.

In April 2025 I started a storytelling company in Portland called Campfire Tales. It has grown into a community of people who connect around authentic, true storytelling.

In Ghana, the long tradition of folklore and oral storytelling is at risk of fading. As communities shift toward modern life, younger generations are less engaged in the “fireside chats” that once held families and villages together.

Campfire Tales and my co-founder, Betsy Benoit, have been invited to bring a small group of storytellers to Ghana for two weeks to share our love of story and to help middle-school students learn how to tell their own. This is a cultural exchange built around communication, connection, and learning from one another. The goal is to help revitalize enthusiasm for storytelling and personal expression in younger generations, working alongside a community that already values the power of story.

A Purpose-Driven Storytelling Journey — October 2026

Details

  • Anticipated price: $4,500 (does not include airfare)

  • Estimated dates: 10.23.2026 – 11.07.2026

  • Includes all accommodations, meals, air-conditioned sleeping quarters, and travel within program dates

  • 14 days of cultural connection, storytelling work, and community exchange

Campfire Tales founder Ryan McAbery, storyteller and business consultant, and co-founder Betsy Benoit, who has extensive experience leading volunteer trips to Ghana, are offering a Storytelling Journey to the Volta Region in 2026.

This trip is designed for writers, storytellers, educators, creatives, and curious travelers. You do not need to be an experienced storyteller — only open and willing to participate.

Over two weeks, you will learn from local storytelling traditions, partner with Friends of Adaklu, and work with youth and adults as they explore their own voices. You will return with new relationships, deeper cultural understanding, and a developing or fully drafted personal story.

Week One: Village Immersion in Adaklu - 7 Days

Learn the Storytelling Tradition

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, 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.

Men’s and Women’s Story Traditions

Alongside learning, you will share elements of Western-style personal narrative. This helps adults shape their stories and strengthens both individual expression and cultural growth.

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.

Daily Reflection and Personal Time

Quiet writing sessions, bead-making with Nunya Village students, cooking with a local family, sightseeing, and restful evenings. Air-conditioned rooms provide comfort throughout the week.

Week Two: Coastal Reset in Cape Coast - 7 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 stays in Ho and Cape Coast
• All meals except one lunch and one dinner, plus bottled water
• Private transportation with a dedicated driver and guide
• All workshops and instruction
• All cultural activities and excursions
• Partnership programming with Friends of Adaklu
Airfare not included

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.