Lifeworks International - Service Adventures for Teens

Backed by over 30 years of experience offering educational programs for youth, Lifeworks offers global programs for teens which combine international community service projects with cultural immersion, travel and outdoor adventure.  Our current program locations include Costa Rica, Peru, China, India, Thailand, The British Virgin Islands, and Ecuador & The Galapagos.

At Lifeworks, we believe in each individual's unique potential to affect positive change. By bringing together teams of talented and driven young adults, we amplify our ability to create a positive ripple effect that we hope will continue long after our programs conclude. By working in community with others, we are able to impact and leave an imprint on many different levels...

People: One-on-one interactions while working toward a common goal, build understanding and camaraderie, person by person.

Places: Working in community and with the community achieves results that go beyond what a single person might accomplish. The benefits of the accomplishment enhance the broader community, and, at times, positive efforts inspire community growth because good works can be contagious. Just getting started is often the key; once the ball is rolling, others tend to contribute spontaneously.

Perspectives: Contributing to the global community while expanding your own personal horizons will change your perspective, guaranteed. You'll grow as an individual and leave with a huge sense of achievement for what you and your team has accomplished.

In combination, these three elements form the core of the Lifeworks philosophy and define the goals of each program that we offer. In truth, we never know how far-reaching our impact can be; yet there's beauty in holding the vision that our individual acts make a difference. That way, every step taken holds that challenge and possibility.

Camp Facilities

BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS
Living aboard sailing vessels, students undertake sea and land-based environmental projects such as sea turtle tagging and mangrove restoration, as well as educational initiatives for local school children.

COSTA RICA
Students assist low-income communities around San Jose. Action packed excursions include trips to the Caribbean and Pacific coasts, banana and coffee plantations, rafting, hiking, zip-lining and horseback riding.

GALAPAGOS & ECUADOR
With two programs to choose from, students can select to earn either 40 or 100 service hours. Activities include snorkeling with sea lions, rafting, Andean hiking & Amazon exploration. Both trips aid the increasingly important conservation efforts of the Galapagos National Park Service.

PERU
Students lend their hearts, hands and minds to the impoverished children of Cuzco and on construction projects in the Sacred Valley. Adventure excursions include spectacular Machu Picchu, whitewater rafting, horseback riding and hiking.

THAILAND
Focusing on the children of Klong Toey, an impoverished community in Bangkok, students engage in a range of humanitarian projects in and out of the city. Explorations include elephant trekking and visits to beautiful temples, palaces and markets.

INDIA
Based in the majestic Himalayan Mountains, students are immersed into the life and struggle of Tibet in exile. While engaging in cultural and language exchange and art programs for kids, students aid the refugee community of Dharamsala, home of the Dalai Lama.

CHINA
Based in the capital city of Beijing, students provide much needed care to physically disabled children in private orphanages. Excursions include the Great Wall, Forbidden City, Terracotta Army, Shanxi and Xi'an.

Camp Staff

Lifeworks is proud to attract and recruit the best in our field. Our summer staff consists of avid world travelers, highly qualified professionals, and fun and experienced facilitators and educators. All members of our team are dynamic, multi-talented, and passionate individuals with a devotion and commitment to the safety and experience of our students.

The average age of our summer staff is 26. Staff skills are program specific, such as holding a maritime license in the BVIs or having a background in childcare for China. All staff are first aid and CPR certified, and many hold advanced training certificates such as Wilderness First Responder or EMT. Along with local guides and our community service partners, the ratio of staff to students is approximately 1:5. This enables close interaction and individualized attention during the program.

Camp Sessions

Camp Season: June 19, 2012 to August 18, 2012
Multiple camper discounts available