Parents who look for volunteer programs often say the same thing: they want their child to see that the world is bigger than their phone, their school and their worries.
What you may be worried about
Is the work meaningful, or just a photo opportunity? Is it safe? Will my child cope far from home? These are fair questions, and the right ones to ask.
What your teen is hoping for
To do something that matters, for animals, the ocean or a community, and an adventure that isn't just sightseeing. Most of them want all three.
What makes it work
Careful planning: real projects with a clear purpose, experienced leaders who stay with the group throughout, and a balance of work, adventure and rest. That's how teens find out what it feels like to make a real difference.
Lucie Straková, kiDay's founder, can help you find a project that matches what your teen cares about.
Ask Lucie on WhatsApp
LIR
14–17y
Volunteer & conservation
Night beach patrols with park rangers, a sea turtle hatchery and hatchling releases on Costa Rica's Pacific coast — plus surfing and a zipline.
SJO
12–17y
Volunteer & adventure
Wildlife rescue and a community building project, plus rafting, a canopy zipline, mud baths and surf lessons — ten days of service and pura vida.
SJO
12–17y
Volunteer & adventure
Wildlife rescue, home building with a local NGO and a school makeover — plus rafting, canyoning, surf lessons and volcanic mud baths.
NAN
14–17y
Volunteer & adventure
A village water project, a kids' club and reef work with a marine biologist — plus manta rays, sand dunes and Fiji's biggest zipline.
NAN
14–17y
Volunteer & adventure
Village projects, reef work and manta rays in Fiji, then surf lessons, Diamond Head and a luau in Hawaii.
MIA
13–16y
Volunteer & marine conservation
Reef fish surveys, shark research and a canal clean-up in the Florida Keys — plus paddleboarding, the Turtle Hospital and Key West sunsets.
BKK
14–17y
Volunteer & adventure
Elephant sanctuaries, a mud-brick eco-building project and a school playground makeover — plus ziplines, Erawan Falls and Muay Thai.
It depends on the program: conservation work, such as protecting wildlife and marine habitats, or community projects. Each program page describes the work.
No. The projects are designed for teens, and leaders guide the work.
No. Each trip combines service with adventure, travel and time to enjoy the place.
Each card shows the ages. The youngest trips start at 12.
It often can, but requirements differ by school. Ask us before you book, and we'll check what confirmation the program can provide.
See also: Summer programs for older teens
