Canadian residents pay in Canadian funds at the exchange rate of 1.36
Established in Montreal in 1982.
Outstanding summer programs for teens since 1982
Fiji Volunteer Program for Teens
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 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 with manta rays, 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.’ The program ends with a fantastic finale in Hawaii with 4 nights in the modern paradise of Honolulu. Your volunteer program in Fiji and Hawaii will be forever memorable and impactful!
Please note that a limited number of participants depart on day 18 while the 23-day participants continue on to Hawaii.
Program Highlights
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Zip-line through the canopies of Fiji's forests.
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Experience Fijian culture with a traditional sevusevu ceremony.
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Facilitate a Kid’s Club for local children of an after school program.
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Learn to surf with professionals on Waikiki Beach.
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Embrace island life on the beautiful islands of Barefoot Manta and Naviti.
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Work with builders in Bavu Village to help provide homes with access to clean water.
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Learn how to prepare Fijian dishes and distribute them to a local women's shelter.
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Experience a traditional Hawaiian luau.
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Contribute to sustainable development projects alongside marine biologists.
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Snorkel among manta rays in the vibrant waters of the Yasawa Islands.
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Hike Diamond Head & enjoy the spectacular views.
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Support a reforestation project & create crafts with the women of Nabila Village.
Service Projects
Momi Bay, Lomawai Region
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.
Somosomo Village, Naviti Island
Experience authentic island life in the heart of Somosomo Village. Participate in a traditional welcome ceremony, explore the village, and lend a hand on the community farm by planting and harvesting crops that help sustain local families.
Barefoot Manta Island
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, and marine enrichment.
Activities
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Momi Bay, Fiji
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.
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Barefoot Manta Island, Fiji
Board a high-speed catamaran ferry and sail to the breathtaking Yasawa Islands. It’s time for some island-living as you snorkel with manta rays, swim in the crystal-clear waters, relax on the white sand beaches, and experience the breathtaking landscape of the Yasawa Islands.
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Nadi, Fiji
We’ll spend our final few days together in Nadi reflecting on an incredible two weeks of service, 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. We’re saying farewell to Fiji, but we’ll be finishing off our unforgettable summer with 5 days of Hawaiian adventures!
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Honolulu, Hawaii
While in Hawaii you will visit the Dole Plantation and sample some of the famous pineapple-flavored Dole Whip! We’ll hike Diamond Head together, and take in the spectacular ocean views. Learn to surf with professional surf instructors at Waikiki beach, where you’ll be riding the waves in no time. For your final night, you’ll dance the evening away at a Hawaiian Luau.
Accommodations
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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.
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Barefoot Manta Island, Fiji
Barefoot Manta Island Resort is located on what can only be described as the perfect Fijian Island. Experience the ultimate glamping, staying in permanent tents with bunk beds and shared facilities, steps from the perfect white sand beaches and beautiful blue ocean waters.
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Nadi, Fiji
Tokatoka Resort has a tropical resort setting with modern rooms, a beautiful pool, and wonderful grounds. It is a great place to relax and enjoy your final days in Fiji.
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O'ahu, Hawaii
The Holiday Inn Express is located just three blocks to Waikiki beach and a short distance to restaurants and activities. Amenities include a hot breakfast buffet, free Wi-Fi, and an outdoor pool as well as a fitness center.
About This Program
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What It's Like
The perfect balance of meaningful service projects, cultural immersion and unforgettable adventures.
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Cultural Sensitivity
This program demands an open mind, challenging you to fully immerse yourself in a vibrant new culture, explore exotic foods, and navigate exhilarating surroundings.
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40 Service Hours
A letter of completion detailing the program's service hours and projects will be issued after the program.
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Recognition
Your service hours are eligible toward the President's Volunteer Service Award.
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Service Projects
Everybody participates together in each project. Specific projects are confirmed in late spring and are similar to those described.
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Local Guide
A professional guide accompanies the group to assist, educate and immerse the students into the local culture.
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Accommodations
Hotels and simple lodges.
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Meals
Includes breakfast and dinner daily, plus 16 lunches.
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Activities
Includes all recreation & activities listed.
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Group Size
Up to 24 participants.
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Transportation
In Fiji, air-conditioned motor coach and ferries. In Hawaii, passenger vans driven by our staff.
More Details
Frequently Asked Questions
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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.
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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.
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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, 20 or 25-day Greece & Italy, 20-day Greece & Portugal 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.