Spending your summer giving back is one of the most rewarding things a teen can do. And pairing that with travel? Now, that’s an experience you’ll never forget.
As you start planning for summer 2025 you might be wondering how to choose the best volunteer program. To help, we’ve carefully curated a list of six incredible community service opportunities that will take you to exciting destinations. Whether you’re passionate about environmental sustainability or looking to volunteer abroad, these programs all have one thing in common – they’re truly life-changing.
Before we dive into the list, let’s talk about why these volunteer experiences are impactful. Beyond the joy and fulfillment of helping others – it’s about personal growth. Teens gain leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving skills while working on meaningful projects alongside like-minded peers. Plus, the friendships you make can last a lifetime!
6 of our best volunteer programs for teens in 2025
Hawaii: Sea Turtle Conservation
Duration: 11 days
Service Hours: 25
Completing Grades: 8, 9, 10
Service Projects: Wildlife Conservation
Adventure Highlights: Surf the O’ahu 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, such as 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: 21 days
Service Hours: 60
Completing Grades: 9, 10, 11
Service Projects: Community Welfare, Wildlife Conservation & Infrastructure
Adventure Highlights: Zip-line over the canopy in Rincon de la Vieja National Park, surf the Pacific at Tamarindo Beach, and make a splash while whitewater rafting, canyoning and snorkeling!
Overview: Known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant culture, Costa Rica is a perfect volunteering destination for teens. Help underprivileged locals, whether you’re distributing meals, planting community gardens, or helping to build a home. And the best part? You’ll be taking part in these meaningful initiatives all while exploring the different regions of Costa Rica alongside your new friends! With the perfect balance of service and adventure, this teen volunteer program is truly unforgettable. 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 to improve sanitary conditions in the area. On this Fiji Service program there are many opportunities for interaction with Fijians to understand and appreciate their culture. Find out more about this program!
Costa Rica Service & Adventure
Duration: 10 days
Service Hours: 30
Completing Grades: 9, 10, 11
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 take 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 one day, and going on an exciting adventure the next. Volunteer with the Costa Rica Animal Rescue Center (yes, there are usually sloths!) and with Siempre Amigos (Always Friends) on an infrastructure project such as helping to build a home. 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!
Interested in checking out all of our summer volunteer programs for teens?