Interested in an RLT slideshow in person or on the web? Request a slideshow and join a teen summer travel program by clicking here.
Summer Community Service Programs
Together we inspire one another to act and make a difference.
On an RLT summer community service program, you may find yourself floating the ocean tides replanting coral reefs in Bonaire or the Keys, working on an organic farm in Southwest Michigan, or face to face with a wolf, aiding conservation efforts in a sanctuary with the sole mission of caring for these often misunderstood creatures.
The service learning element and the camaraderie aspect of the trip have strengthened my empathy for humanity and made me even more appreciative of the little luxuries of living in America."
- Oluseyi O., Tanzania: Hujambo
We define global service as a community-driven experience that applies structured, critically reflective practices to better understand the world; self; culture; human dignity; positionality; socio-economic, political, and environmental issues; power relations; and social responsibility, in a global context. The Road Less Traveled believes in exchange above all else. Our priority is to bring about positive benefit to communities across the world and most importantly – to connect with others and exchange ideas.
Browsing Summer Community Service Programs
Vietnam, Asia - Ban Than
Summer community service program in Vietnam. Explore Hanoi and Sapa; partner with the Center for Sustainable Development; work with children; facilitate local day camp; paddle Ha Long Bay
New Zealand, Oceania - Aotearoa
Join us on our 25-day teen adventure travel and environmental program in New Zealand! Journey from the North Island to the South Island and back again on this adventure of a lifetime. Explore ancient limestone sculptures, stunning alpine trails, magical thermal pools, black sand beaches, and Maori culture as we traverse the Land of the Long White Cloud.
Michigan, North America - Seeds of Change
Middle school summer community service and adventure program. Explore orchards, farms, wildlife, bees, and markets, and engage with local artists, entrepreneurs, and educators in this inviting community learning how our "chow" makes its way from field to market. Experience sunset sailing on Lake Michigan, Kayak the Kalamazoo River, bike the Kal-Haven trail, and take a ride on the Saugatuck dunes.
Tanzania, Africa - Hujambo
Summer community service program in Tanzania. Take Swahili lessons; explore with hunter/gatherer Hadza tribe; live and work at a local orphanage; visit Maasai community; plant trees; help rebuild facilities; work with children; learn about HIV/AIDS prevention efforts; safari in Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara National Park.
Belize, Central America - Gud Mawnin
Summer environmental community service and native species protection program in Belize. Earn PADI Open Water (or higher) certification; jungle float trip; hike through the rainforest; snorkel; explore Mayan ruins; take classes in chocolate making, creole drumming, Mayan cooking and art.
Thailand, Asia - Tham Dee Dai Dee
Summer animal conservation community service and cultural immersion program in Thailand. Explore Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Visit Buddhist temples, ancient cities, colorful markets, and night bazaars. Teach English to Thai primary students. Snorkel and explore islands beaches, Ko Samet. Take meditation and Thai cooking classes, feed, bathe and exercise elephants. Kayak and Bike Sri Lanna National Park.
California, North America - Pacific Sun
Middle school summer community service and adventure program in California. Explore San Francisco; hike through the Redwoods; whitewater raft the American River; treetop aerial course, sea kayak and stand up paddle board in Lake Tahoe; complete environmental service work, hike and bike in Yosemite National Park; surf on Half Moon Bay.
Costa Rica, Central America - El Sendero
Summer community service program and Spanish language exposure in Costa Rica. Rebuild homes with families in need. Teach English. Meet the indigenous Bribri Indians, surf, snorkel and kayak the Caribbean Coast, whitewater raft the Pacuare River, zip-line in the Rain Forest canopy and explore Cahuita National Park.
Ecuador & Galapagos Islands, South America - Sigue No Mas
Summer community service and Spanish language exposure program in Ecuador. Explore Quito, work in an indigenous community in the Andes, improve your Spanish language skills, snorkel and explore the Galapágos Islands. Visit the Darwin Research Station, white water raft the Napo River, explore the Amazon jungle, and shop the colorful Otavalo market.
Utah, North America - Unleashed
Middle school summer community service and adventure program in Utah. Volunteer work at a no-kill animal sanctuary for homeless animals. Explore Grand Canyon National Park, Zion National Park, Bryce National Park; Stand-Up Paddleboard, Lake Mead. Explore Certified International Dark Sky Park.
Florida, North America - Conservation is Key
Environmental community service program in the Florida Keys with coral reef restoration and turtle conservation. Earn your PADI Scuba Open Water (or higher) certification; sea kayak the Everglades; visit turtle hospital; snorkel; swim with dolphins; earn additional PADI specialty certification of underwater naturalist.
Hawaii, North America - Aloha 'Aina
Summer community service and environmental conservation program in Hawaii. Work with various NGO's on conservation and restoration efforts: help remove non-native plant species; engage in fishpond restoration and native plant preservation; sea kayak, Wailua and Hanalei Rivers; explore the Na Pali Coast; sail; surf; paddle board; snorkel Lahaina, Hanalei and Ke'e Beach.
Bonaire, The Dutch Caribbean - Bon Bini
Environmental community service program with coral restoration and conservation on the Caribbean island of Bonaire. Earn your PADI SCUBA diving certification; sea kayak; bike; windsurf; snorkel; sail Bonaire National Marine Park; hike Washington Slagbaai National Park.
Colorado, North America - 5280'
Middle school summer community service and adventure program in Colorado. Volunteer at a wolf conservation center; feed and care for wolves at Mission:Wolf; volunteer at a goat farm; whitewater raft the Arkansas River; aerial course in the river canyon; adventure through Great Sand Dunes National Park; rock climb in San Isabel National Forest.
Costa Rica, Central America - Pura Vida
Middle school community service and adventure program in Costa Rica. Cultural exchange with an indigenous community; service work at a Permaculture Environmental Sanctuary; zip-line the rainforest canopy; help at a local Costa Rican school on improvement projects; butterfly Farm and wildlife spotting; snorkel exploration of warm Southern Pacific waters.
Italy, Europe - Seme Al Piatto
Summer community service program in Italy. Take cooking lessons; volunteer on an organic farm; take Italian language classes; explore the Colosseum, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain; visit Michelangelo's David, Boboli Gardens, the Uffizi Gallery and more in Florence & Cinque Terre; shop at farmer's markets; hike to waterfalls.
Colorado, North America - Call of the Wild
Summer environmental community service program in Colorado. Volunteer at Mission: Wolf Sanctuary. Repair and clean enclosures; restore habitat; feed wolves; learn about horse behavior; whitewater raft the Arkansas River; aerial course in the river canyon; soak in hot springs; hike and rock climb San Isabel National Forest; explore Great Sand Dunes National Park.
New Orleans, North America - The Gulf Coast
Summer community service program and disaster relief in New Orleans. Rebuild homes; trim and plant trees in public spaces; volunteer in local schools; explore New Orleans, the French Quarter; airboat the bayou; take Cajun cooking lessons; visit Preservation Jazz Hall, Audubon Park; swim at area beaches.
The Road Less Traveled ®
2331 N Elston Court, Chicago, Illinois 60614
773-342-5200
