Fiji Service & Adventure 18 Days
This is the perfect program for teens who want to experience an authentic, hands-on and unique volunteer program in one of the most pristine and dynamic countries in the world. You will travel to the South Pacific islands of Fiji, a stunning country that is a part of the developing world. Enjoy island paradise and rural living during this immersive program with like-minded peers on a number of diverse projects from marine conservation at our island base camp to sustainable development projects and a kid’s after school program in local villages. On this program there are many opportunities for interaction with Fijians to understand and appreciate their culture and better foster an appreciation for our teens’ own lives. Outside of volunteering time, we will experience amazing adventures like ziplining, snorkeling, kayaking, hiking in sand dunes as well as cultural experiences like pottery and craft workshops, Indo-Fijian cooking lessons, soaking in mud baths and plenty of beach and ‘Island Time.’ Your volunteer program in Fiji will be forever memorable and impactful!
This program is the first 18 days of our longer Fiji Service & Adventure plus Hawaii 23-day program.
The perfect balance of meaningful service projects, cultural immersion and unforgettable adventures.
This program demands an open mind, challenging you to fully immerse yourself in a vibrant new culture, explore exotic foods, and navigate exhilarating surroundings.
A letter of completion detailing the program's service hours and projects will be issued after the program
Your service hours are eligible toward the President's Volunteer Service Award.
Everybody participates together in each project. Specific projects are confirmed in late spring and are similar to those described.
A professional guide accompanies the group to assist, educate and immerse the students into the local culture.
Hotel and simple lodges.
Includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily.
Includes all recreation & activities listed.
Up to 24 participants.
Chartered, air conditioned motor coach and ferries with a professional driver/crew.
We collaborate and partner with local villages near our mainland base lodge to support a number of different projects.
Infrastructure: The group will participate in an ongoing project to develop the availability of water to improve sanitary conditions in the area. Alongside skilled workers and tradespeople this could include excavation, block laying, painting and carpentry tasks.
Cultural education and income generation: We will visit local women who do craft making to generate their income and we will participate in workshops to learn about the practice and make crafts to be sold by the village.
Youth Leadership: The group will have the opportunity to design and lead an afternoon Kids' Club for a local after-school program.
Food Security/Ecosystems: Adjacent to our local basecamp, you’ll find a thriving pineapple farm. Join us in supporting the community by getting hands-on—help with weeding, watering, planting, and harvesting. Work alongside local farmers to gain insights into the vital role this fruit plays in the local economy and contribute to sustainable practices that enhance food security. Help rangers with reforestation by planting native species of trees at the Sigatoka Sand Dunes to strengthen the climate resilience of its ecosystem.
On the small island of Naviti, we partner with local villages and work alongside a marine biologist to help with ongoing environmental sustainability projects. This could include Mangrove planting, coral reef surveys, invasive species removal, beach cleanups, coral planting, fish id/counts, constructing incinerators, and marine enrichment.
Welcome to Fiji! Put on your Sulu - a traditional Fijian garment - before joining a formal sevusevu ceremony and beginning to learn the intricacies of cultural practices in Fiji. Head to Sigatoka Sand-dunes National Park for a hike through coastal dunes, local forests and stunning beach vistas. Ride the largest zip line in Fiji, where you’ll take in the stunning aerial views as you race through the forest canopy.
Board a high-speed catamaran ferry and sail to the breathtaking Yasawa Islands. It’s time for some island-living as you snorkel in the crystal-clear waters, relax on the white sand beaches, and experience the breathtaking landscape of Naviti. You’ll also continue to explore Fijian culture through a mat weaving workshop.
We’ll spend our final few days together in Nadi reflecting on an incredible two weeks of service and adventures, relaxing in mud baths, and participating in a farewell kava ceremony together. Finally, you’ll have a chance to grab some souvenirs at a local market to help remember your incredible summer!
Momi Bay, Fiji
At the Momi Bay Eco-Lodge, our groups stay in authentic Fijian cabins which feature simple rooms and modern shared bathrooms. Throughout this quaint property, there are extensive gardens, sports fields, a games room, and a swimming pool.
Naviti Island, Fiji
We stay at TSP Island Base Camp, a rustic yet stunning island paradise. Set on the beach overlooking the crystal clear waters, you'll live with generated electricity and sleep on cots in large permanent safari style tents only a few yards from the ocean.
Nadi, Fiji
Nestled on 5 acres of tropical gardens, the Mercure Nadi has modern rooms, a beautiful pool and wonderful grounds and is a great place to spend the final nights of the program.
Flights: On this program, all airfare is arranged by Westcoast Connection.
Flight to Nadi, Fiji
We begin this program with a chaperoned flight from Los Angeles to Nadi. For those coming from the New York area, we have a chaperoned NY to LA flight to connect to the escorted overseas flight from LAX. For our participants from outside the New York area, our program leaders greet you at LAX airport and are with you for the duration of the flight to Fiji. Because of the International Dateline, you will lose a day, but you’ll make it up on the return flight when you get the very cool opportunity to live part of the same day twice.
Return Flight Home from Nadi, Fiji
We offer a chaperoned flight back to the USA through either San Francisco or Los Angeles, then onto New York. Final flight details are determined in the spring. For travelers from outside these cities, we will help you arrange transfers at suitable times after the group has cleared customs and immigration in the USA.
Meals & New Cuisines
Eating well while away from home is an important part of a summer’s success. Part of your travel experience will be immersing yourself in the local cuisine and culture so please bring with you an open mind and a willingness to try new things. In addition to eating in a variety of restaurants, you will also enjoy buffets and have some meals to prepare and eat together as a group.
We have satisfied the choosiest of eaters and gladly accommodate most special dietary requests including vegetarian, food allergies, lactose intolerance, celiac disease, and kosher style. We welcome discussing your individual requirements with you and have extensive experience in this area.
Vaccinations
We recommend you follow the advice of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and consult with your physician for current immunizations and medication required for travelers to Fiji. These recommendations may change from time to time. We will send you detailed information in March (or upon enrollment if later) regarding the current recommendations for this itinerary.
Drinking Water
All accommodations on this program have filtered water available. While traveling in Fiji, we will have large containers of potable drinking water for you to fill up your own water bottles as needed.
Community Service on Naviti Island
The remote location of the Naviti Islands’, surrounded by lush rainforest and natural beauty paired with the basic living conditions at our volunteer site offers a truly unique and immersive experience. Our four days spent on Naviti will be a highlight for participants who are open-minded about the rustic experience this destination offers.
The accommodations are simple with solar-powered electricity and private outdoor showers that provide a refreshing break in Fiji’s warm and humid climate. While modern comforts are limited, this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity allows our group to connect deeply with the Somosomo Community and pristine natural ecosystem.
What’s Included
Included in your program tuition is all lodging, breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, recreation & entertainment listed, airport transfers in designated times, gratuities & taxes.
Not included is transportation to and from the program, other meals while traveling, snacks, personal spending money for souvenirs, and laundry. We also make available optional travel insurance that is not included, but highly recommended.
Please contact us with any questions. We are happy to hear from you!
Who are the staff and what are their qualifications?
Our staff are educators, guidance counselors, coaches, college and university students, former camp counselors, residence life coordinators, community volunteers, world travelers, and other leaders with diverse backgrounds. Many are former participants themselves who couldn’t get enough of the Westcoast experience! Learn more about our summer leaders.
What if I need to contact my teen during the program?
Participants may bring their cell phones so parents may call and message their kids directly. You may also contact our Communication Centers which serve as the official link between programs on the road and parents. We are staffed every day during the summer and have somebody on call for after hours emergencies ready to assist you 24/7.
What is the difference between an Active Teen Tour and a Global Adventure program?
Our Active Teen Tours offer larger group sizes (generally 35-48 participants) and travel in deluxe motor coaches. Accommodations include quality hotels and occasional fun college residences.
Global Adventures are smaller group experiences (generally up to 26 participants on all itineraries other than the 17 or 25-day Greece & Italy or 10-day Greek Islands which varies from 24-36 participants.)
Groups travel by private motor coaches and occasional public transportation internationally, and use passenger vans in the USA. Select European programs travel exclusively by train and public transportation. While these programs have a slightly bigger focus on adventure travel, we stay in quality hotels and lodges, always ensuring a good night’s rest.
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