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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, building a school or orphanage in the shadow of the Himalayas in Ladakh, India, 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; live and work at Friendship Village; plant trees; help build bamboo bridges; work with children; teach English; facilitate local day camp; paddle Ha Long Bay
New Zealand, Oceania, Aotearoa
Journey from the North Island to the South Island and back again on this adventure of a lifetime. Explore ancient Kauri Forests, stunning alpine trails, magical glow-worm caves, black sand beaches, and Maori culture as we traverse the Land of the Long White Cloud. Experience the best of middle earth in this eco-conscious adventure paradise.
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 education; safari in Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara National Park.
India, Asia - Namaste
Summer community service program in India. Live and work at a Buddhist institute; build additional school structures, explore Tibetan and Buddhist cultures; trek the Himalayas; experience Hemis Festival, Oracle, Aarti ceremony on the Ganges; visit orphanages in New Delhi; take yoga classes; explore Leh, New Delhi, Varanasi, Agra, and Taj Mahal.
Belize, Central America - Gud Mawin
Summer environmental community service and native species protection program in Belize. Earn PADI Open Water (or higher) certification; jungle float trip; zip line and hike through the rainforest; snorkel; explore Mayan ruins; take classes in chocolate making, creole drumming, Mayan cooking and art.
Italy, Europe - Seme Al Piatto
Summer community service program in Italy. Take cooking lessons; culinary training; cultural immersion; volunteer on an organic farm; take Italian language classes; explore the Colosseum, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and more in Rome; visit Michelangelo's David, Boboli Gardens, the Uffizi Gallery and more in Florence & Cinque Terre; shop at farmer's markets; hike to waterfalls.
Nepal, Asia - Bodhisattva
Summer community service program in Nepal. Work to rebuild school in Devighat; Explore Kathmandu; Patan, Dunbar Square, various Temples, Stupa's and Shrine's; Nepali Language Lessons; Teach English; Thangka Painting Class; trek the Annapurna region in the Himalayas, safari in Chitwan National Park; Explore Pokhara, Lake Fewa, World Peace Pagoda
Panama and San Blas Islands, Central America - Los Cayucos
Summer community service program in Panama with the Ember; Explore he San Blas Islands with the Kuna. Experience cultural immersion; Spanish language exposure; explore the Panama Canal; zip-line; surf Playa San Carlos; snorkel; sail, paddle board Saboga Island; explore the Islands of the San Blas Archipelago.
Uganda, Africa - Munywani Wange
Summer community service program in Uganda. Explore Ngamba Island, Entebbe and local markets; live and work at Kasiisi Project; plant trees; help build beehives for elephant conservation; work with children; track chimpanzees; safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park and Lake Mboro National Park.
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.
Costa Rica, Central America - El Sendero
Summer community service program and Spanish language immersion 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 immersion program in Ecuador. Explore Quito, work in an indigenous community in the Andes, teach English, improve your Spanish language skills, surf, 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.
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 island of Bonaire in the Caribbean. Earn your PADI SCUBA diving certification; sea kayak; bike; windsurf; snorkel; sail Bonaire National Marine Park; hike Washington Slagbaai National Park.
Peru, South America - Pachamama
Summer community service and Spanish language exposure program in Peru. Work in an indigenous village in the Andes; trek the Inca trail; explore Machu Picchu, Incan Ruins, markets of Cusco and Ollantaytambo; whitewater raft the Urubamba River; complete the Salkantay Trek.
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 Alpaca farm; whitewater raft the Arkansas River; zip-line 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.
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; zip line, sea kayak and paddleboard in Lake Tahoe; complete environmental service work, hike and bike in Yosemite National Park; surf on Half Moon Bay.
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.
The Road Less Traveled ®
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