Summer family Global Volunteering with teens?
Having a rough time with my high schoolers and my original idea of a European summer vacation feels unwise. New idea: travel to Africa and engage in volunteering or non-tourist activities.
What I’ve found so far—-1-3-wks of volunteering with Global Volunteers in Tanzania.
Yes staying home would be better for the planet, but my teens could use some change of perspective, and we’d like to create family memories before they leave us.
Please share any experience with Global Volunteers or other non-religious volunteer organizations. Other suggestions on somewhat uncomfortable traveling? Africa or teens? I’m brainstorming, so appreciate your input.
Feb 3, 2025
Parent Replies
I commend your interest in doing this, and hope you have an excellent experience. I don't know of any specific organizations that combine teen and adult volunteering.
I'd also encourage you to do research and be mindful about "voluntourism". It's a big global industry and different companies vary in terms of how much they're actually trying to accomplish on the ground vs. how much they're selling an enjoyable trip to the paying customer. Some focus only on the latter and create a negative impact on the community they're supposedly serving. But not all are like that. If you go into this knowing that it's really more about learning and expanding your horizons, it could be an amazing experience for you and neutral to net positive for the community you're in.
Way back in the day, as a 21 yo fresh graduate, a friend and I took a volunteer-based trip to Belize with Earthwatch. We supported a marine biology professor and his grad students conducting research on a portion of the barrier reef. To this date, it was one of the best trips of my life. I believe they offer(ed?) family-based volunteer trips. Check them out! I hope you & your teens have an amazing experience.