Spending your summer giving back is one of the most rewarding choices a teen can make. And combining that with travel? You’re in for an unforgettable experience!
As you start planning for summer 2026 you might be wondering how to choose the perfect program from the many summer volunteer opportunities available. To make it easier, we’ve curated a list of seven incredible community service opportunities that will take you to exciting destinations around the world. Whether you’re passionate about environmental sustainability, community development, or volunteering opportunities abroad, each of these programs have one thing in common – they’re truly life-changing.
Before we take a closer look, let’s take a moment to talk about why these summer volunteer experiences are impactful. Beyond the joy and fulfillment of helping others, volunteer programs offer the opportunity for personal growth. You’ll develop leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving skills while contributing to meaningful projects alongside other motivated teens. And the best part? The friendships and memories you make will last a lifetime!
2026 Summer Volunteer Opportunities for Teens
Hawaii Sea Turtle Conservation
Duration: 11 Days
Service Hours: 25
Completing Grades: 8, 9, 10
Service Projects: Wildlife Conservation
Adventure Highlights: Surf the Maui waves with professional instructors, enjoy a traditional Hawaiian Luau, embark on a spectacular hike at Diamond Head, and cruise to and snorkel the Molokini crater, home to 250 species of fish.
Overview: Volunteer alongside expert biologists, while assisting with various tasks related to the conservation of Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles and coral reef ecosystem preservation. You’ll take part in hands-on activities like scientific research, photo identification efforts and coastal clean ups. You’ll also learn about Hawaiian culture and gain a strong appreciation of the Hawaiian people and their way of life. Outside your volunteering time, soak up the spectacular scenery of O’ahu and Maui. By the time your program comes to an end, you’ll be a close-knit ohana!
Find out more about this program!
Florida Keys: Marine & Wildlife Conservation
Duration: 16 Days
Service Hours: 30
Completing Grades: 8, 9, 10
Service Projects: Environmental Sustainability
Adventure Highlights: Snorkel the crystal clear waters of John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and ride an airboat while spotting Everglades’ native wildlife.
Overview: Looking for a chance to reconnect with nature? This string of tropical islands stretches off the southern tip of Florida, and is home to some of the most incredible marine and wildlife in the U.S! On this Florida Keys program, you will help restore coral nurseries, preserve the marine environment, learn about shark conservation efforts, and much more. You’ll also learn how to protect biodiversity and ocean life through partnerships with the scientific community. Laid-back island vibes and golden sunsets are just a bonus on this community service program. Find out more about this program!
Costa Rica Service & Adventure
Duration: 10 Days
Service Hours: 30
Completing Grades: 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 (departures are grouped by grade)
Service Projects: Wildlife Conservation and Infrastructure
Adventure Highlights: Learn to surf with professional instructors at Tamarindo Beach, zip-line over the canopy in Rincon de la Vieja National Park, go whitewater rafting, and learn how to salsa at a Latin dance class!
Overview: This 10-day service and adventure program for teens is one of our most popular! From Costa Rica’s beautiful beaches, to its Central Valley, teens get to experience the perfect balance of helping the local community while also going on exciting adventures. Volunteer with Refugio Animal and with Siempre Amigos (Always Friends) on an infrastructure project. Find out more about this program!
Fiji Service & Adventure
Duration: 18 Days
Service Hours: 40
Completing Grades: 9, 10, 11
Service Projects: Environmental Sustainability, Infrastructure, Community Welfare, Youth Leadership
Adventure Highlights: Experience amazing adventures like ziplining, snorkeling, kayaking, hiking sand dunes, as well as cultural experiences like pottery and craft workshops, Indo-Fijian cooking lessons, soaking in mud baths and plenty of beach time.
Overview: Enjoy island paradise while volunteering on a number of diverse projects, from marine conservation to youth leadership. Volunteer alongside a marine biologist to help with environmental sustainability projects, such as planting mangroves and surveying coral reefs. The group will also participate in an ongoing project to develop the availability of water in the area. On this Fiji service program you’ll have many opportunities to connect with local Fijians and gain a deeper appreciation for their rich culture. Find out more about this program!
Thailand Elephant Service & Adventure
Duration: 25 Days
Service Hours: 40
Completing Grades: 9, 10, 11
Service Projects: Wildlife Conservation & Community Welfare
Adventure Highlights: Snorkel in the emerald waters of Koh Phi Phi and Chicken Island, chill on the beach at Railay Bay, explore Bangkok’s bustling food market, go ziplining, try a Muay Thai Kickboxing class, relax with a Thai massage, float down the Mae Kok River on bamboo rafts, and enjoy a feast at our very own Thai cooking class.
Overview: You’ll experience it all on this student trip to Thailand! Spend three incredible days with Thai elephants at the Elephant Rescue Park! Then volunteer with the Lahu Tribal Village, including an evening of song, dance & games. You’ll also learn about and help with rice farming in a local community. Thrilling adventures across Thailand are also included to make the summer experience even more memorable! Find out more about this program!
Costa Rica: Medical Assistance
Duration: 11 Days
Service Hours: 35
Completing Grades: 9, 10, 11
Service Projects: Community Welfare and Infrastructure
Adventure Highlights: Learn to surf with professional instructors at Tamarindo Beach, go zip-lining and cruise the stunning coast of Guanacaste aboard a chartered catamaran!
Overview: Under the guidance of MEDLIFE doctors and other medical professionals, learn what it takes to run a mobile clinic and help provide free healthcare to the community of Tamarindo. After shadowing these medical professionals, teens will walk away with hands-on medical support experience and a greater understanding of the complexities and challenges of public health in remote communities. In addition to this incredible volunteer experience, teens will fall in love with the beauty of Costa Rica as they embark on fun adventures like surfing and snorkeling. Find out more about this program.
Ecuador & the Galapagos Service & Adventure
Duration: 18 Days
Service Hours: 25
Completing Grades: 9, 10, 11
Service Projects: Environmental Sustainability & Infrastructure
Adventure Highlights: Snorkel, kayak and hike by the beautiful beaches in the Galapagos Islands, whitewater raft the thrilling Pastaza River, and visit Otavalo Market to discover all its colorful fabrics, crafts and local food.
Overview: Volunteer on various projects alongside locals in Quito and the Amazon Rainforest. When not volunteering, explore Quito- the first city to be declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, where you’ll straddle the Northern and Southern Hemispheres at the same time. You’ll be one of the privileged travelers to visit the Galapagos Islands where we explore the home of Darwin’s theory of evolution and observe many species of animals, including the giant land tortoise. This program will also awaken your sense of adventure as we whitewater raft and snorkel crystal blue waters and more! Find out more about this program.
Interested in exploring more volunteer opportunities for teens around the world?