I feel as if I gained more insight about the country I was volunteering in. The more you know about a country and its citizens the more respect and appreciation you tend to gain. My advice would be to always come opened minded and make the best of your experience.
Volunteer Summer Camp for Independent Teens in Puerto Rico
Purpose
Support local communities
Start dates
Only available in July
Duration
1 week
Volunteer hours
Up to 5 hours a day
Age
Volunteers aged 16 and 17
Accommodation
Dormitory style hostel
Who is going?
Group video calls
Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.
This program is ideal for:
16 and 17 year old volunteers who want to learn more about the impact of volunteering, practice their Spanish, experience a different culture, and make new friends during the summer holidays!
Project details
Are you 16 or 17 years old and looking to make a meaningful impact in Puerto Rico this summer? International Volunteer HQ’s Volunteer Summer Camp for Independent Teens offers a great introduction to independent travel and service-learning for teens. Teens have the opportunity to learn about the beauty of Puerto Rico while also volunteering with local community organizations. This project will allow teen volunteers to fully immerse themselves in the history and culture of Puerto Rico while also volunteering, hiking, kayaking, swimming and exploring their way through the island.
What to expect and how you'll make an impact
The Teen Volunteer Summer Camp is a fantastic introduction to travel, service-learning and the various types of community projects available to solo volunteers aged 16 and 17 and it is fully chaperoned.
On weekday mornings, volunteers work with a variety of different community organizations on different projects across San Juan. During weekday afternoons and evenings, planned activities include tours around the city, historical site visits, hiking, snorkelling, kayaking, community speakers and more.
The Teen Volunteer Camp has one available start date in 2025, July 14, 2025.
What’s included:
- Counselors 24/7; 8:1 student-counselor ratio
- Airport pick-up and drop-off
- Program and safety orientation
- Dorm-style, gender separated rooms with 2 to 4 beds and a designated private bathroom.
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner, 7 days/week
- All tours and social activities
- Chaperoned private transportation to/from all activities
- Emergency contact number 24/7
Why do Volunteer Summer Camp for Independent Teens volunteering in San Juan with IVHQ?
When you volunteer as a teen in Puerto Rico, you’ll be adding value to the local community, while also developing personally and professionally by:
- Contributing to community-driven volunteer projects
- Learning about the unique cultural history
- Developing your communication skills
- Immersing yourself in Puerto Rico’s culture, food, history
- Connecting with local people in an authentic way
- Discovering Puerto Rico’s beautiful beaches, national parks and cities
Volunteer requirements
- Volunteers aged 16 or 17 on their program start date are required to provide IVHQ with parental consent in order to participate on the program, and may be asked to provide additional document to the local team.
- Volunteers must provide two character reference letters in lieu of a background check
- All volunteers are required to have adequate volunteer travel insurance
- All volunteers must speak fluent English
Are you eligible to volunteer?
Submit a free application so we can confirm your eligibility and check availability for your preferred dates.
Not sure which program to join?
Get personalized recommendations >
Who is going?
Group video calls
Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.
Puerto Rico photo gallery
IVHQ Teens Summer Camp project
IVHQ Teens Summer Camp project
IVHQ Teens Summer Camp project
IVHQ Teens Summer Camp project
IVHQ Teens Summer Camp project
IVHQ Teens Summer Camp project
IVHQ Teens Summer Camp project
IVHQ Teens Summer Camp project
What recent volunteers said about their IVHQ experience
KM
Kameshia Mays
29 May 2024
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SH
Samantha Hochstetler
26 Apr 2024
From this experience I have gained so much confidence in myself and loved getting out of my shell in a new routine. For others who might be hesitant about joining I would say do it!! there's only good things that can come out of an amazing experience, don't be scared, have funnnnn!!!!!
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LH
Linda Hochstetler
11 Apr 2024
My primary goal for volunteering abroad was to introduce my daughter to other cultures and the joys of giving back by volunteering. I've always wanted to go to Puerto Rico and personally know people from there originally. The ability to "live like a local" was an amazing experience and I never want to travel any other way again. My advice to anyone thinking of joining the Puerto Rico Youth Support program is that they should not let any fears hold them back. Puerto Rico is super safe and the children at the program will make everything worth your time and effort.
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TB
Thomas Bernard
03 Nov 2023
My experience was very enriching. I was able to broaden my vision of the world.
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JH
Johnnie Hammelman
07 Sep 2023
In both projects, I worked with local people. They shared their culture, their country highlights and problems. It was a good feeling to work with local people so closely. For anyone considering this program, like the saying, just do it! IVHQ will support you and be there if needed.
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EP
Emily Pashouwer
14 Jul 2022
It was so important for me to be able to connect with the children and to learn about the culture of Puerto Rico from the locals. If I would have decided to travel to Puerto Rico without volunteering with IVHQ, I would have missed out on the experiences with the local children and adults. It is a beautiful thing to be able to experience life as a local would in order to understand what is important to each individual and the society based on individual and cultural values. At least from my experience, I was greeted by wonderful volunteers as soon as I got to my destination. With the support of the other volunteers, I never felt alone or like I was incapable of doing everything I wanted to do during the experience. This is the perfect opportunity to get out of the culture you are used to and go explore a new one with locals proudly sharing their culture with you. If you want to grow as an independent person, volunteer abroad.
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To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.
Academic course credit
Academic course credit
Gain course credit from your college or university and meet your academic requirements when completing a volunteer abroad program with International Volunteer HQ!
Learn about course creditLocation
Location
The Summer Program for Teens in Puerto Rico is based in San Juan. The capital of Puerto Rico, San Juan, is the second oldest city in the entire Western Hemisphere and our launching pad for the rest of the island. Puerto Rico’s rich culture is on display throughout San Juan, from its famous food, to beautiful murals, and lively music San Juan has everything to offer to its visitors. Furthermore, it sits on the coast of the Caribbean and is surrounded by coastal beautification and beaches for everyone to enjoy. There are numerous museums, historical sites, shopping centers, beaches, parks, and nightlife. It’s also a great place to connect with nature on a hike or bioluminescent kayaking tour due to its unique geographical location and makeup.
Arrival and orientation
The Volunteer Summer Camp for Independent Teens project is available for the week beginning July 14th, 2025.
After you have registered for the program, please book your flights to arrive at Luis Muñoz Marin International Airport (SJU) in San Juan.
We recommend that participants travel with a notarized letter from their parents to support their documentation.
When you arrive, you will be greeted at the airport by a member of the local team and taken to the volunteer accommodation in San Juan. This is included in your Program Fee.
Once you arrive at the accommodation, the local team coordinator will take you through the health and safety orientation. Orientation covers everything you need to know for your volunteer program in Puerto Rico – introduction to Puerto Rico, Puerto Rican customs, rules and expectations, and safety. The day will wrap up with a welcome dinner giving you the chance to bond with your fellow volunteers.
Volunteer schedule example
| Sunday, July 13th | Airport pickup, transfer to your accommodations in San Juan, orientation, and a welcome dinner with fellow volunteers. |
| Monday, July 14th | Breakfast, Housing & Homelessness volunteer project, lunch at the project site, guided exploration of historic Old San Juan followed by local cuisine for a dinner out. |
| Tuesday, July 15th | Breakfast, Environmental Sustainability project, lunch at the project site, a beautiful beach afternoon. Dinner will be at the housing site with an educational Hurricane Maria discussion with local community leaders. |
| Wednesday, July 16th | Breakfast, Neighborhood Revitalization project, lunch at the project site, and an unforgettable snorkeling experience with sea turtles. |
| Thursday, July 17th | Breakfast, Education volunteer project, lunch at the project site, and a visit to the historic Puerto Rican fortresses along with some free time for souvenir shopping followed by dinner and reflection. |
| Friday, July 18th | Breakfast, an unforgettable hike through El Yunque, the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System, followed by some time to unwind at famous Luquillo Beach and Kioskos, dinner out, and a magical bioluminescent kayaking tour. |
| Saturday, July 19th | Breakfast, group reflection on an incredible week, goodbyes to departing volunteers, and airport drop-off. |
Accommodation and WiFi
You’ll stay in a retreat center located in a safe, residential neighborhood of San Juan. This welcoming space is designed for group experiences, offering a supportive and social environment. Rooms accommodate 2–3 volunteers with bunk beds and include an ensuite bathroom with a shower for added privacy and convenience.
Bedding is provided, but volunteers should bring their own towels. While participants are responsible for keeping their rooms tidy, staff ensure the overall cleanliness of the accommodations. This setup provides a safe, comfortable, and social environment, making it the perfect place to unwind after a rewarding day of volunteering. The accommodation also offers free Wi-Fi, so you can stay connected with family and friends throughout your stay.
Volunteers also have access to spacious common areas, including a lunchroom, green outdoor spaces, and a scenic terrace, perfect for relaxing and connecting with fellow participants. Located in a quiet neighborhood, the accommodation provides a peaceful home base while still offering easy access to San Juan’s beaches, cultural sites, and attractions
Meals
During your week at camp, volunteers will be provided with three meals a day. Breakfast will be served at the housing site, lunch will be a packed meal enjoyed at the project site, and dinner will either be at the housing site or at a local restaurant.
Breakfast will include a variety of egg preparations, cereals, fresh fruit, yogurt, and beverages, ensuring a nutritious start to your day.
Lunch will be a balanced packed meal consisting of a sandwich with protein and carbs, accompanied by veggies or fruit, and a drink, to keep you energized at the project site.
Dinner will feature different local dishes, served at the housing site, providing a balanced meal with protein, carbs, and vegetables. Occasionally, dinners will be enjoyed out at local restaurants, offering a taste of the local cuisine.
Volunteer accommodation
Volunteer accommodation
Exploring during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring during an IVHQ weekend
Pricing
Secure your place for just US$299 (approximately AU$505), pay your Program Fee later.
Spots are limited. For a Registration Fee of just US$299 (approximately AU$505) you secure your spot and unlock all our preparation and training tools.
You don't need to worry about paying your Program Fee until you get closer to your start date.
Duration |
Program FeeDue 30 days before you start, or within 48 hours if you register inside of 30 days. Covers the cost of hosting you.
|
|---|---|
| 1 week | $2,060 Equivalent to $294/day |
- All programs attract a Registration Fee of US$299 (approximately AU$505) in addition to the Program Fee. This covers all pre-departure support services.
- A 5% international banking fee is added at point of payment.
- Recommended spending money: Volunteers in Puerto Rico generally find US$300 - US$400 per week to be sufficient for expenses, such as meals, and in-country tours.
- Any cancellations or changes within 14 days of a volunteers start date is subject to a minimum 25% late change/cancellation fee
- Airport drop-off
- Counselors 24/7; 8:1 student-counselor ratio
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner, 7 days/week
- All tours and social activities
- Chaperoned private transportation to/from all activities
- Accommodation
- 24/7 in-country emergency support
- In-country program orientation
- Pre-departure support from your Program Manager
- Personalised preparation tools, guides and check lists
- Access to IVHQ’s preferred insurance and flights partners
- Comprehensive in-country day to day support and guidance
- Certificate of International Volunteer Service
Learn more about what's included in your IVHQ Registration Fee and Program Fee.
- Flights
- Visa (if required), travel insurance (mandatory), vaccinations, criminal background check.
- Personal spending money for snacks, laundry, public transportation, drinks and leisure activities during your free time.
Check what's required to visit Puerto Rico
Safety and support
Safety and support
IVHQ follows best practice and industry-leading health and safety procedures, which are regularly reviewed and optimized as part of the B Corporation recertification.
- All volunteers encouraged to complete our interactive pre-departure training.
- All local teams trained on best practice volunteer management & First Aid.
- All IVHQ programs are required to adhere to IVHQ's Risk Management Policy.
- All volunteers have access to 24/7 in-country support from our local team.
Essential country information
Essential country information
| Capital | San Juan |
| Population | 3.68 Million |
| Languages | Spanish, English |
| Currency | US Dollar (USD) |
| Time zone | UTC-04:00 |
Weather and climate
Puerto Rico has a tropical climate with warm to hot temperatures throughout the year. The average top temperature each day is around 85°F (29°C). Easterly trade winds can cross the island year round. Puerto Rico’s rainy season is from April to November, and the dry season is from December to March. The temperature in San Juan, where our program is based, varies very little throughout the year and can be very humid.
Apply to check if you're eligible!
