SOS Web Page

Faculty Advisors: Ms. Baylor and Miss Oesterreich

"The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others." --Gandhi

email SOS.

In-School Opportunities:
Out of School Opportunities:
      After School Programs, Tutoring, Mentoring, and Childcare:
      Animal Care:
      Environmental Conservation and Parks:
      Homelessness, Hunger, and Soup Kitchens:
      Hospitals, Health, and Wellness:
      Senior Citizens and Nursing Homes:
Upcoming Events:
Summer Opportunities:
Other Websites:

Forms to Download

In-School Service Application ... pdf version

In-School Opportunities:

Many students choose to use their free time helping the Chapin community. Opportunities include assisting a Kindergarten, Art, or P.E. class, tutoring Middle School students in certain subjects, helping out with Lower School lunch, or working on the Chapin archives.

Out of School Opportunities:

After School Programs, Tutoring, Mentoring, and Childcare:

Name: All Star Project, Inc.
Location: 543 West 42nd Street
Description: The ASP provides poor and minority children and teens educational and performing arts activities after school. Volunteers are needed to help with youth talent shows, organizing events, ushering, and much more. To volunteer, attend an introduction session, which take place four times per week on Mondays (12:00pm), Wednesdays (5:45pm), Thursdays (7:00pm), and Saturdays (2:30pm).
Contact Information:
      Telephone Number: To attend an information session, call Julie       Lenner at (212) 941-9400 or Gail Elberg at 212.941.9400.
      E-Mail: Visit their website and click on contact us to e-mail them.
      Website: www.allstars.org

Name: Brooklyn Public Library
Location:Grand Army Plaza
Description: Help out at the Brooklyn Public Library by becoming an After School Homework Helper. Provide support and guidance to children in grades 1-8 who need help in math, science, social studies, and other areas. Volunteers assist the children either one-on-one or in small groups. Training is provided. Must make a time commitment of one two-hour shift per week Monday-Thursday between 3:00pm-6:00pm for a minimum of 6 months. Volunteers must be 16 or older to participate as an After-School Homework Helper.
Contact Information:
      Telephone Number: To volunteer, call Elizabeth Lewis at
       718.230.2406
      E-Mail: volunteer@brooklynpubliclibrary.org
      Website: www.brooklynpubliclibrary.org

Name: The Door
Location: 555 Broome Street between Varick Street and Avenue of the Americas.
Description: The Door is an after school youth center for adolescents ranging from 12-21 years of age. Volunteer opportunities include tutoring in all subject areas one on one or in a small group (Weekdays: 10-12, 12-2, 3-5, 6-8 PM and Saturdays: 10-12, 12-2, 2-4 PM) or helping assist classes in dance, drama, music, film, spoken word, and journalism (Weekdays: 4-6, 6-8 PM and Saturdays: 10-12, 12-2, 2-4 PM)
Contact Information:
      Telephone Number: To volunteer, call Gregory J. Morris at 212.      941.9090 ext. 3295
      E-Mail:greg@door.org
      Website:www.door.org

Name: East Harlem Tutorial Program (EHTP)
Location: Main Site: 2050 Second Avenue (between 105th and 106th Street)
Description: East Harlem Tutorial Program (EHTP) is an award-winning non-profit organization which offers over 5,000 children individual tutoring in reading, writing, math, science, computers/technology and much more each week. Volunteers can schedule to tutor once a week at different times. The tutoring hours are from Monday-Friday 3:30-5:30pm, Monday-Thursday from 6:00-8:00pm, and on Saturdays from 10:00-12:00pm and 1:00-3:00pm. Training is offered to each volunteer and orientation is required. To volunteer, fill out the Volunteer Application from the website and attend an orientation session.
Upcoming Volunteer Orientation Sessions:
      February 12th (1:00-3:00pm)
      February 17th or 28th (6:00-8:00pm)
      March 8th, 16th, or 24th (6:00-8:00pm)
Contact Information:
      Telephone Number: To volunteer, call Adamma Anyaehie at       212.831.0650
      E-Mail:volunteer@ehtp.org
      Website:www.ehtp.org

Name: Grand Street Settlement
Location: 80 Pitt Street
Description: Grand Street Settlement provides individuals from the Lower East Side community with programs and services that enable them to achieve their goals. Volunteers have the option of either mentoring a child or tutoring them in the after school program. In addition, one-time events are also available.
Contact Information:
      Telephone Number: To volunteer, call Aileen Moore at
       212.674.1740, ext. 206
      E-Mail: volunteer@grandstreet.org
      Website:www.grandstreet.org

Name: Lenox Hill Neighborhood House
Location: 331 East 70th Street
Description: The Lenox Hill Neighborhood House is devoted to improving the lives of those in need living on the Upper East Side by providing them with the skills they need in life. With a variety of programs serving children, teens, senior citizens, and the homeless, volunteers have many options to choose from.
Children:Volunteers can help out at the Early Childhood Center by helping lead educational and recreational activities. (Weekdays from 9:00am-6:00pm) Volunteers can also help a group of children with their homework in the After School Program. (Monday-Thursday from 5:00pm-6:00pm) Or volunteers can work one-on-one tutoring 6-13 year olds in reading, writing, and math. (Monday-Thursday from 5:00pm-6:00pm)
Contact Information:
      Telephone Number: To volunteer, call Pat Mayo at
      (212) 744-5022
      E-Mail: pmayo@lenoxhill.org
      Website: www.lenoxhill.org

Name: The 92nd Street Y
Location: 1395 Lexington Avenue
Description: The 92nd Street Y offers many volunteer opportunities available through their Community Service Program. To volunteer, call to set up an interview with the Director of Community Service at the Teen Center. Volunteers are expected to make an eight-session commitment. Listed below is only a fraction of the projects offered.
BIG S.I.B.S.: Become a mentor for young children in the after school program by playing games, sharing stories, and helping them with their homework. (Tuesdays from 4:15pm-6:00pm.)
Read to Me: Spend the afternoon reading stories to children aged 4-5 in the after school program. (Tuesdays from 4:15pm-6:00pm.)
Contact Information:
      Telephone Number: To volunteer, call Abe Goldberg at
       212.415.5614
      E-Mail: agoldberg@92y.org
      Website: www.92y.org

Name: Star Learning Center
Location: On the 2nd floor of St. Matthew's & St. Timothy's Neighborhood Center at 26 West 84th Street
Description: Star Learning Center is a program associated with St. Matthew's and St. Timothy's Neighborhood Center. Its purpose is to help children at risk overcome their difficulties in reading, math, and writing. Volunteers can tutor children one on one for 2 hours a week. (Monday & Wednesday: 3:30pm-7:00pm or Tuesday, Thursday, & Friday: 3:30pm-6:00pm.) Volunteers must be 15 years of age and an interview is required.
Contact Information:
      Telephone Number: To volunteer, call Deena Hellman at
       212.362.6750 ext. 303
      E-Mail:dhellman@smstny.org

Name:StreetSquash
Location: 420 Lexington Avenue, Suite 246
Description: StreetSquash is an after-school program for boys and girls living in Western Harlem. The program includes academic tutoring, mentoring, community service, and squash instruction. Volunteers are always welcome to help teach squash (weekdays and weekends), tutor students, or assist with cultural and community service related trips on the weekends.
After-School Tutoring:
-Mondays or Wednesdays at Columbia University (tutoring 8th graders) from 3:15pm-6:00pm.
-Mondays or Wednesdays at West Side YMCA (tutoring 7th graders) from 4:30pm-6:00pm.
-Tuesdays or Thursdays at the Harvard Club (tutoring 9th graders) from 3:30pm-6:00pm.
Squash Instruction:
-Mondays or Wednesdays at Columbia University (instructing 8th graders) from 3:15pm-6:00pm
-Mondays or Wednesdays at Westside YMCA (instructing 7th graders) from 3:30pm-4:30pm.
-Tuesdays or Thursdays at the Harvard Club (instructing 9th graders) from 3:30pm-6:00pm.
-Saturdays at Columbia University (instructing middle school students) from 10:00am-12:00pm.
Weekend Volunteering:
      -Saturdays. Times and locations vary.
Contact Information:
      Telephone Number: 212.949.4030
      E-Mail:volunteers@streetsquash.org
      Website: www.streetsquash.org

Animal Care:

Name: American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA)
Location: 424 East 92nd Street
Description: For many years, ASPCA has been dedicated to protecting animals from cruel and undeserved suffering. ASPCA volunteers help out in community shelters, either by directly handling the animals or by working behind the scenes in the offices. Volunteers have the option of being a cat volunteer or a dog volunteer. All volunteers must be 14 years of age and willing to commit to 8 hours a month for 6 months. Volunteers must fill out an application and attend a Volunteer Information Session.
Contact Information:
      Telephone Number: To volunteer, call the information hotline at       (212) 876-7700 ext. 4396 or call Eric Grant at 212.876.7700 ext.       4406 Monday through Friday 9:00am-5:00pm
      E-Mail: volunteer@aspca.org or ericg@aspca.org
      Website: www.aspca.org

Name: JASA P.E.T.S (Pets and Elders Team Support) Project
Location: 132 West 31st street
Description: P.E.T.S is a part of JASA, the Jewish Association for Services for the Aged. The program assists elderly men and women living in Manhattan maintain and keep their pets. Volunteers help with dog walking, cleaning litter boxes, shopping for pet food and supplies, and providing assistance with visits to the veterinarian. Volunteers can commit as much or as little time as they want. There is no age limit, but an adult or a friend must accompany individuals under 16.
Contact Information:
      Telephone Number: To volunteer, call Keith Koblick at
      212.273.JASA
      E-Mail: KKoblick@JASA.org
      Website: www.JASA.org

Environmental Conservation and Parks:

Name: Carl Schurz Park Association
Location: East End Avenue and 86th Street
Description: Participate in one of Carl Schurz Park's monthly volunteer gardening days this fall. Volunteers meet on Saturdays from 10:00am-2:00pm at the Eastern End of the 86th Street Mall. (Group volunteer arrangements can be made for Community Service Day, but must be made in advance.)
Contact Information:
      Telephone Number: 212.459.4455
      E-Mail: Visit their website and click on volunteer.
      Website: www.carlschurzparknyc.org

Name:Central Park Conservancy
Location:14 East 60th Street
Description: Join Central Park Conservancy's volunteer team and have fun making the park a better place for all visitors. Contribute as much time as you want helping to rake leaves, plant, prune, weed, and paint. Also join a group of volunteers every other Saturday (10:00am-1:00pm) to work on larger projects in the park. (Download quarterly schedule online.) Must be 16 years old.
Contact Information:
      Telephone Number: To volunteer call 212.360.2752 or to       volunteer for Saturday sessions call 212.360.2764.
      E-Mail:volunteer@centralparknyc.org
      Website: www.centralparknyc.org

Name: Prospect Park Alliance
Location: 95 Prospect Park West, Brooklyn
Description: Help keep the park beautiful by volunteering at Prospect Park. Volunteers help with restoration, planting, mulching, weeding, cleaning, and painting at certain locations on weekends from 10:00am-2:00pm. All volunteers 14 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian over 18 years of age. Volunteer open houses are held monthly.
Upcoming Volunteer Open Houses:
No more this year, but check back in the Spring.
Upcoming Volunteer Events:
      Weekend VIPP: November 14th (Call for location. 10:00am-      2:00pm. Call volunteer office for more details.)
Contact Information:
      Telephone Number: To volunteer, call James Green at
      718.965.8960
      E-Mail: volunteers@prospectpark.org
      Website: www.prospectpark.org

Homelessness, Hunger, and Soup Kitchens:

Name: Baby Buggy
Location: 520 8th Avenue on the 8th Floor
Description: Baby Buggy is an organization that collects gently used and new clothing for babies and toddlers in the New York area. The clothing is then redistributed to families in poverty. Volunteers help gather, organize, and repair the clothing that has been donated. (*Groups of 8-12 volunteers only! Call in advance.)
Contact Information:
      Telephone Number: To volunteer, call Erin Berger at
      212.736.1777
      E-Mail: erin@babybuggy.org
      Website: www.babybuggy.org

Name: The Church of Heavenly Rest
Location: 2 East 90th Street at Fifth Avenue
Description: The Church of Heavenly Rest is dedicated to serving the community in need by providing them with shelter, food, and job opportunities. Volunteer Opportunities include:
Friday Lunch Program: Volunteers are needed to help serve lunch to senior citizens. Volunteers would set up, welcome guests, serve drinks and lunch, socialize, clean up, and play games. (Every Friday from 1:00pm-2:45pm).
Holiday Meals: During Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter, Heavenly Rest provides dinner to those individuals with no place to go. Volunteers can help prepare food the day before, bake desserts, set up the tables, serve and socialize with the guests, and clean up at the end.
Contact Information:
      Telephone Number: To volunteer, call The Rev. Tom Synan at
      212.289.3400, ext. 214 or Volunteer Coordinator Leslie Rupert at
      212.595.7984.
      E-Mail: tsynan@heavenlyrest.org
      Website: www.heavenlyrest.org

Name: Citymeals-on-Wheels
Location: 355 Lexington Avenue on the 3rd Floor
Description: Citymeals-on-Wheels provides meals for homebound elderly New Yorkers who are in need of help. Volunteers can spend their time with lonely seniors either by delivering meals (Saturday morning for 2 hours or depending on location) or visiting with seniors (1 hour per week for 6 months). Group projects (school clubs are always welcome) include birthday cards and letter writing. Must be 16 years old to deliver meals without adult supervision. Students under 16 need a parent or guardian to accompany them.
Contact Information:
      Telephone Number: To volunteer, call Leora Jontef at
      212.687.1234
      E-Mail: volunteer@citymeals.org
      Website: www.citymeals.org

Name: Food Bank for New York City
Location: Hunts Point Cooperative Market
      355 Food Center Drive
      Bronx, NY 10474
Description: Through the Food Bank of New York City over 200,000 meals are delivered daily to individuals suffering from hunger. They offer two types of volunteer opportunities: volunteering at their Bronx Food Bank or volunteering at one of their Emergency Feeding Programs throughout the 5 boroughs.
      Bronx Food Bank: Volunteers primarily re-pack large donations of food that have been received in bulk containers into sizes suitable for soup kitchens and food pantries. Individual volunteers are needed to help during their regular operating hours, Monday-Friday, 8:00 am-4:00 pm. Groups can come during this time, or the Food Bank can be opened during the weekday evening or on Saturdays for volunteer groups of 15+ that are willing to dedicate at least 3 hours of volunteer work.
      Emergency Feeding Programs:Volunteers are able work in one of Food Bank's affiliated agency programs (i.e. local soup kitchens or food pantries). Agency operating hours vary. They are affiliated with over 1,000 emergency feeding programs throughout the city and can match volunteers with a variety of agencies throughout all 5 boroughs.
      Special Events:Volunteers are also needed for the Volunteer-A-Thon in December to help repack food that has been collected in food drives. Another option is participating in May's Stamp Out Hunger. Volunteers would help sort and pack up food raised by the National Association of Letter Carriers and the U.S. Postal Service.
Contact Information:
      Telephone Number: To volunteer, call Debbie Sheintoch at
      718.991.4300 ext 241
      E-Mail:dsheintoch@foodbanknyc.org
      Website: www.foodbanknyc.org

Name: Grand Central Food Program (Coalition for the Homeless)
Location: 129 Fulton Street
Description: The Grand Central Food Program is a mobile soup kitchen. With two vans, the program serves hot meals to homeless and hungry men and women each night from 6:30pm-9:30pm. Volunteers help distribute food, clothing, and blankets.
Contact Information:
      Telephone Number: To volunteer, call Fraser Bresnahan at
      212.776.2090
      E-Mail: fbresnahan@cfthomeless.org
      Website: www.coalitionforthehomeless.org

Name: Holy Apostles Soup Kitchen
Location: 296 Ninth Avenue (on the corner of 28th Street)
Description: The Holy Apostle Soup Kitchen serves food to over 1,100 homeless men and women in New York City. Volunteers are needed Monday through Friday from 10:00am-1:00pm to help serve meals, greet guests, hand out drinks and clean up.
Contact Information:
      Telephone Number: To volunteer, call Clyde Kuemmerle at
      212.924.0167 ext. 237
      E-Mail: clyde@holyapostlesnyc.org
      Website: www.holyapostlesnyc.org

Name: St John's Bread and Life Program Inc.
Location: 75 Lewis Avenue, Brooklyn
Description: St. John's Bread and Life is organization that serves meals daily to hungry New Yorkers. The organization also strives to increase public awareness about the issues of hunger and poverty, as well as providing social services to lower income individuals and families. Volunteers are always welcome to help out at the soup kitchen in Bedford-Stuyvesant by serving food, cleaning tables, sweeping, and mopping. (Unfortunately, meals are served from 8:00am-1:00pm, Monday-Friday. There are, however, special holiday meals served on Thanksgiving, Christmas, Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Easter.) In addition to the soup kitchen, students can volunteer in the food pantry or the personal product pantry by organizing bags of food and toiletry items for families. Volunteers can also assist in the office.
Contact Information:
      Telephone Number: To volunteer, call Ning Chan at
      718.574.0058 ext. 26
      E-Mail: nchan@breadandlife.org
      Website: www.breadandlife.org

Name: Westside Campaign Against Hunger (WSCAH)
Location: Church of St Paul and St Andrew, 263 West 86th St (West End Avenue)
Description: The Westside Campaign Against Hunger is determined to combat hunger in New York City by providing the hungry with a "Supermarket" style food pantry. Volunteers play a huge part in running the pantry, usually by stocking shelves, bagging groceries, helping customers, and working the checkout. (Monday: 8:00am-6:30pm, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday: 8:00am-3:00pm.)
Contact Information:
      Telephone Number:To volunteer, call Analiz at
      212.362.3662 ext. 117
      E-Mail: analiz.wscah@verizon.net
      Website: www.wscah.org

Hospitals, Health, and Wellness:

Name: Beth Israel Medical Center
Location: First Avenue and 16th Street
Description: Volunteers at Beth Israel are given the opportunity to give comfort and support to patients through a variety of ways. Volunteers may either deliver books or read to the elderly and pediatric patients. Another option is volunteering with the pediatric patients by coloring or drawing with them. All volunteers must be 14 years of age and have working papers.
Contact Information:
      Telephone Number: To volunteer, call Terry Williams at
      212.420.2733
      E-Mail: twilliams@bethisraelny.org
      Website: www.bethisraelny.org

Name: Lenox Hill Hospital/Manhattan Eye, Ear & Throat Hospital
Location: 100 East 77th Street
Description: Volunteers have always played a significant role at Lenox Hill Hospital and Manhattan Eye, Ear & Throat Hospital and are truly part of the healthcare team. Volunteers may help discharge patients, read to patients, give out books and magazines, deliver flowers, run errands for the staff and greet visitors in the lobby. Volunteers need to commit only three consecutive hours during the day or two consecutive hours in the evening each week for a minimum total of 60 hours. A volunteer application can be picked up at Lenox Hill Hospital or downloaded from their website. Students between the ages of 14 and 18 must have the Parental Consent (included in the packet) signed by their parent or guardian, as well as working papers. (Lenox Hill Volunteer Services Department administers the volunteer program at Manhattan Eye, Ear & Throat Hospital located at 210 East 64th Street.)
Contact Information:
      Telephone Number: 212.434.2600--Monday to Friday, 9-5;       Saturday, 9-3
      E-Mail: volunteers@lenoxhill.net
      Website: www.lenoxhillhospital.org

Name: Mount Sinai Medical Hospital
Location: Between Madison and Fifth Avenue from 98th Street to 101st Street
Description: Volunteers at Mount Sinai Medical Hospital are dedicated individuals who care about making a difference in people's lives. Here are a few of the volunteer opportunities:
      Patient Care:Volunteers work directly with patients by visiting them, responding to patient calls, and assisting at meal times. Requirements: must be 16 years of age and willing to volunteer 4 consecutive hours a week for 6 months.
      Child Life Program:Volunteers who enjoy working with children help out in the playroom and bring toys and art materials to the bedside. Volunteers read to the children and assist Child Life specialists. Requirements: must be 17 years of age and willing to volunteer 4 consecutive hours a week.
      Patients' Library:Volunteers provide comfort by bring books, magazines and audio/visual materials to patients. Requirements: must be 15 years of age (or 16 in order to take the cart of books to the patients' rooms) and willing to volunteer 2 hours a week from Wednesday to Friday 10:00am-3:00pm.
      Ambassador Program:Volunteers are situated at the entrance of the hospital to greet and assist patients, families, and visitors in whatever way possible. Requirements: must be a High School Senior who is willing to volunteer 3 consecutive hours a week Monday-Friday from 7:00am-7:00pm.
Contact Information:
      Telephone Number:New number coming soon.
      E-Mail: cynthia.levy@mssm.edu
      Website: www.mountsinai.org

Senior Citizens and Nursing Homes:

Name: Burden Center for the Aging
Location: 1484 1st Avenue
Description: The Burden Center for the Aging provides a variety of services and programs that benefit the elderly living on the Upper East Side. Long term or one time only volunteers are welcome to visit, escort and socialize with seniors or work with the meal service and Meals-on-Heels, a Saturday delivery program to those who are homebound.
Contact Information:
      Telephone Number: To volunteer, call Lessie Askew at
      212.879.7400 ext. 117
      E-Mail: volunteerservices@burdencntr.org
      Website: www.burdencenter.org

Name: Lenox Hill Neighborhood House
Location: 331 East 70th Street
Description: The Lenox Hill Neighborhood House is devoted to improving the lives of those in need living on the Upper East Side by providing them with the skills they need to go on in life. With a variety of programs serving children, teens, senior citizens, and the homeless, volunteers have many options to choose from.
      Seniors:Volunteers help with lunch, front desk, discussion groups, and other programs for seniors in general, and those who have Alzheimer's disease. (Weekdays from 10:00am-2:30pm)
      Special Events:The Thursday before Thanksgiving, volunteers deliver meals to homebound seniors.
Contact Information:
      Telephone Number: To volunteer, call Pat Mayo at
      212.744.5022
      E-Mail: pmayo@lenoxhill.org
      Website: www.lenoxhill.org

Upcoming Events:

Reminder: When you sign up for a SOS organized volunteer event you are making a commitment and are expected to follow through!

DISASTER RELIEF EFFORTS:
Network for Good (a great source to find a variety of descriptions and links to other charities and organizations, including those listed below)
www.networkforgood.org

The American Red Cross
www.redcross.org

AmeriCares
www.americares.org

CARE USA
www.care.org

Direct Relief International
www.directrelief.org

Feed the Children
www.feedthechildren.org

Free the Children
www.freethechildren.com

International Medical Corps
www.imcworldwide.org

Oxfam America
www.oxfamamerica.org

Save the Children
www.savethechildren.org

UNICEF
www.unicef.org

December:

Homes for the Homeless Party:
Upper school girls throw a holiday party for children from different homeless shelters around the city

March:

Community Service Day:
On this day students in classes 8, 9, and 10 are required to find an opportunity to serve in their community.

May:

AIDS Walk New York:
AIDS, which stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, affects the immune system and causes it to not work properly. AIDS Walk New York is the largest AIDS fundraising event. The money raised in the walk will go to helping men, women, and children infected with HIV or AIDS through the services provided by GMHC (Gay Men's Health Crisis) and other AIDS organizations.
      When: To be announced. Registration opens at 8:30 am and the walk begins at 10:00 am.
      Where: 6.2 mile walkathon begins and ends in Central Park
      Contact Information: For more information, e-mail at       awnyinfo@aidswalk.net
      Website: www.aidswalk.net
*Registration forms can be downloaded from their website.

Summer Opportunities:

Name: Global Works
Locations: Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, Spain, Ecuador, Yucatan, Fiji Islands, New Zealand, Ireland, Pacific Northwest, and France.
       (Main Office)
       1113 South Allen Street
       State College, PA 16801
Description: Global Works is a coeducational summer program designed for students age 14-18. With an emphasis on community service, the program also incorporates language immersion and travel adventure. Past community service projects include: building playgrounds, renovating community centers, constructing water systems and home foundations, assisting at a youth center, or helping with environmental conservation. Prices range from $2,950-$4,150 depending on the program and the location. Applications are accepted whenever, but most students apply during December, January, and February.
Contact Information:
      Telephone Number: 814.867.7000
      E-Mail: info@globalworksinc.com
      Website: www.globalworksinc.com

Name: Overland
Locations: Massachusetts, New Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii, and Costa Rica. (Community service project locations)
       (Main Office)
      63 Spring Street
      Williamstown, MA 01267
Description: Overland has a variety of American Community Service programs targeted to students age 14-18. Community service projects in the past have included: working on an organic community farm, serving and distributing food at a soup kitchen, repairing and maintaining hiking trails, volunteering at a homeless shelter, renovating community centers, mentoring children, and many more. (Overland also has language study abroad programs.) Prices range from $2450-$4050 depending on the location. Applications are accepted now and most spots fill up by mid-February.
Contact Information:
      Telephone Number: 413.458.9672
       (800) 458-0588 (toll free)
      E-Mail: info@overlandsummer.com
      Website: www.overlandsummers.com

Name: Peace Works International
Locations:Peru, Costa Rica, and Ecuador.
       (Main Office)
      P.O. Box 70905
      Pasadena, California 91117
Description:Peace Works International provides opportunities for teens aged 15-18 to make a difference through community service and to learn from their experiences. Each program involves a homestay, language immersion, and adventure activities. (Spanish skills are recommended, but are not required.) Costs range from $3695-$4395 depending on location. Programs fill up quickly, so apply as soon as possible.
Contact Information:
      Telephone Number: 626.798.5221
      E-Mail: info@peaceworksintl.org
      Website: www.peaceworksintl.com

Name:The Road Less Traveled
Locations:Costa Rica, Ecuador, Peru, Panama, Mexico, Hawaii, Colorado, Nova Scotia, and India.
      (Main Office)
       2331 North Elston Avenue
       Chicago, IL 60614
Description: The Road Less Traveled is a coeducational summer program that offers a variety of community service projects that give students, age 14-18, a life changing experience through cultural immersion and adventure travel. Students participate in projects, such as, helping with the community harvest, plowing fields, repairing homes, improving school buildings, assisting at a turtle protection center or a center for rescued wolves, and volunteering at a school. Prices range from $1,595-$5,050 depending on the location. Space is limited so sign up as soon as possible!
Contact Information:
      Telephone Number: 800.939.9839 (toll-free)
      E-Mail: info@theroadlesstraveled.com
      Website: www.theroadlesstraveled.com

Name: VISIONS Service Adventures
Locations: Alaska, Montana, South Carolina Sea Islands, Dominican Republic, British Virgin Islands, Dominica, Guadeloupe, Ecuador, Peru, and Australia.
      (Main Office)
       P.O. Box 220
      Newport, Pennsylvania 17074
Description: VISIONS Service Adventures is a coed summer program for teenagers 14-18 years of age. VISIONS projects focus primarily on community service in cross-cultural settings. Participants also learn about the culture and their surroundings through cultural immersion and outdoor exploration. Costs range from $2,800-$4,100 depending on location and length of the program. Partial and full scholarships are available if financial aid is needed. Spaces are limited, so apply early. Applications are accepted as early as October.
Contact Information:
      Telephone Number: 717.567.7313
       800.813.9283 (toll-free)
      E-Mail: info@visionsserviceadventures.com
      Website: www.visionsserviceadventures.com

Other Websites:

www.networkforgood.org
www.kidsforcommunity.org
www.idealist.org
www.volunteermatch.org

Last updated 06.17.08

This page overseen by The Web Team (ML)

Questions, comments: E-mail