Volunteer Vacations

Are you looking for something different to do for your family vacation this year? If the thought of Disneyland one more time has you cringing, or if you’re wondering if the money spent on hotels and food and over-priced fun is really money well-spent, then you’re not alone. Many families want to give their children a true taste of another culture, not just the tourist version. Others are looking for ways to help people in need while putting their own family’s good fortune into perspective. Still others are hungry for adventure—not just a vacation, but a real-live adventure! If this sounds like you, then a volunteer vacation could be just what your family needs.

The following organizations offer family opportunities:

Global Citizens Network is a nonprofit organization based in Minnesota. They welcome families ranging in age from 8-80. Volunteer opportunities are available in New Mexico, Arizona, Washington, Mexico, Guatemala, Nepal, Kenya and Tanzania. For more information, visit their website at www.globalcitizens.org or call 800-644-9292.

Cross-Cultural Solutions sends volunteers abroad to assist with their Volunteer Work Programs in Brazil, China, Costa Rica, Ghana, Guatemala, India, Peru, Tanzania, Thailand and Russia. There are opportunities that last from 2-12 weeks, and one week "Insight Programs" are also offered. The minimum age for a child traveling with a parent or guardian is 8 years old. Visit their website at www.crossculturalsolutions.org or call 800- 380-4777 for more information.

The Oceanic Society offers nature lovers the opportunity to dive into conservation and research efforts. This organization takes over 5,000 individuals on participatory research expeditions, natural history expeditions, and other volunteer activities each year. Expert naturalists and local guides handle travel details and enrich your travel experience. For more information, visit their website at www.oceanic-society.org or call 800-326-7491.

Volunteer America connects families with volunteer vacations on public lands all across the United States. The opportunities are offered by a variety of organizations, and range from trail building to archeological digs and whale counting. For more information, visit their website at www.volunteeramerica.net/vacations.

The Crow Canyon Archeological Center in Cortez, Colo., sponsors special August family weeks in which parents, grandparents and children (in seventh grade or older) can participate in a working archeological dig, gathering insights into the ancient Anasazi communities that once lived near Mesa Verde National Park. Call 800-422-8975, extension 142 or visit the web site at www.crowcanyon.org.

Habitat for Humanity International’s Global Village trips give participants a unique opportunity to become active partners with people of another culture. Team members work alongside members of the local community, raising awareness of poverty and building decent, affordable housing worldwide. Team members help build a true “global village” of love, homes, communities and hope! Call 800-422-4828 or go online to www.habitat.org.

This summer try something new that will enrich your life and the lives of others while creating memories your family will cherish for years to come.