Volunteer
Traveling the world is one thing, making a difference as you go is a whole new experience.
Age-compatible groups for teens completing grades 7-11.
Give a Little. Grow a Lot.
Community service programs break down barriers and build awareness and compassion. They develop teens into leaders and global citizens. It is not just about seeing a place, it’s about creating powerful, life-changing experiences.
Volunteering on a community service program helps cultivate a lifelong service-ethic, and when you reach out, you exchange ideas and experiences, creating a ripple effect that results in benefits to the larger community.
See Volunteer ProgramsVolunteer Program Outcomes
A Greater Sense of Global Citizenship
What better way to understand the issues facing other parts of the world than to go and help solve them? Interact with the local people, broaden your perspective and cultural awareness, and consider the role you play as a global citizen.
Leadership & Teamwork Skills
We work as a team alongside experienced non-profit organizations to maximize our contribution to various service projects. Stepping out of your comfort zone, contributing to the project goal, and reflecting upon your experience are all stepping stones on your way to becoming a stronger leader.
Inspiration for Your Future
Whether you’re working with underprivileged children, helping to build a home for a family in need, or helping to protect an ecosystem from an invasive species, volunteering can help open your eyes to what really matters and inspire you to make a difference.
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New Friendships
The bonds you’ll forge while volunteering with a group of your peers are truly special. Together, you’ll share an unforgettable journey filled with exciting adventures and leave behind a lasting impact on the communities you visit.
Service Hour Recognition
The service hours you complete over the summer are eligible toward the President's Volunteer Service Award. You'll receive a letter of completion detailing your program's service hours and projects.
More Ways to Enjoy this Experience
Frequently Asked Questions
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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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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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How are roommates assigned?
Giving everyone a chance to make new friends creates a cohesive group and the warmest and most welcoming social environments in our industry!
On our Active Teen Tours, Global Adventures and Community Service programs, rooming rotation is as follows:
To promote this we’ve found the best system is for the Program Director to assign the rooms for the first and second stops. For the first stop, independent travelers room with other independent travelers and any friends who enrolled can room together. All participants will be assigned a different roommate for the second stop. After the first two stops, choice of roommates is always up to you!On our Pre-College Enrichment programs & Career Experiences, rooming is as follows:
We assign independent travelers with another independent traveler for the duration of your stay. Any friends who enrolled together can room together.Important notes:
- Depending on the hotel bedding configuration, all friends traveling together may not be able to room together for the first stop.
- Roommates are assigned based on gender identity. We welcome all genders, inclusive of those anywhere on the gender spectrum.
- On a few programs where we spend an extended period of time at the first stop, participants have the opportunity to rotate after the first two nights.