Rafael Gonzalez, USFWS biologist and volunteer, Maria Mercedes Acosta helping girl plant an endangered Matabuey tree at the Puerto Rico Zoo (Creative Commons).
Have you ever thought about doing a family volunteer trip? How many times has your family been on the same beach trip or vacationed repeatedly at the local amusement park? When you are ready to look for a new and enriching opportunity for you and your children, it is worth your while to investigate international family volunteer travel. For your convenience, we have rounded up a few options to break up your monotonous vacation routine and provide the entire family with a fulfilling experience.
Global Citizens Network
Challenge and strengthen your family bond by going on a volunteer travel adventure through Global Citizens Network. With programs across Africa, Asia, and North, South and Central America, they have a variety of options tailored to suit your family’s particular needs and interests. Six participants are required per trip, and if the scheduled trip dates do not work for your family, they can work with you to arrange a private trip.
Highlight: Have a team leader trained specifically to work with families.
Minimum Age: Eight, but if your child is under 12 they ask you to consult with their staff first.
Important Tidbit: You may travel in a group with less than six people, but your family will assume the cost for six participants.
Projects Abroad
Started in the early 1990s as an opportunity for students to travel and work in Eastern Europe, Projects Abroad has since expanded across five continents and paired 50,000 people with volunteer opportunities internationally. Many of their projects are appropriate for children and include options such as teaching, conservation, sports, construction, farming, performing arts and childcare opportunities. Children can volunteer with their families or Projects Abroad can suggest appropriate choices for daycare near the placement destination.
Highlight: The staff works closely with you to accommodate a project specified to your personal interests and schedule.
Minimum Age: Four, except in China and Costa Rica.
Important Tidbit: Unlike other opportunities, many of the volunteer activities at Projects Abroad are suitable for very young children, not just preteens.
Cross-Cultural Solutions
Experience a well-rounded family volunteer experience with Cross-Cultural Solutions, an organization that incorporates genuine cultural immersion, volunteer work, personal adventures and safe lodging all into one convenient trip. Major areas of impact that families can volunteer in while abroad include improving education, assisting with infant and child care, improving health among the elderly, supporting those with HIV/AIDS, improving the quality of healthcare and enhancing the quality of care for people with disabilities. They also make the safety of volunteers a top priority by including first aid kits and lockers in every home-base destination to keep you healthy and ensure that your belongings are secure.
Highlight: Experience the perfect balance of volunteer work and local exploration.
Minimum Age: Eight, except in South Africa, Morocco and Costa Rica where the minimum age is 10.
Important Tidbit: Cross-Cultural Solutions handles all of the minor details of your travel such as rides from the airport and additional adventures, making your trip planning process as stress-free as possible.
This blog post was provided by Marriott International, which operates more than 3,700 hotel destinations across 18 brands in 70 countries. Did you like these family volunteer opportunities? Have you ever gone abroad with your family?
What a great idea for a family trip! I am intrigued and will looking into the resources you listed! Thank you!
Hello!!
Thank you for sharing this wonderful information.
I am Daniela and our NGO, based in India is also offering volunteering opportunities for families, where all of them will have the opportunity to experience the exotic India, sharing with local communities involved in projects related to sustainable development.
If someone is interested please contact me, we offer a great opportunity to volunteer and explore the beauty India with your family.
daniela@ecovolunteertravel.com
Info in Spanish is also available!
Información en español disponible!
Thank you so much for sharing!! This looks fantastic!