These Resorts Educate Kids, Help Teens Earn Community Service Hours

Traveling kids and tweens can turn this summer into a chance to learn about wildlife and/or give back and earn community service hours thanks to these resorts’ special programs and voluntourism offerings. Here, family travelers can relax, engage in fun activities and give back to the community.

Become a Horticulturist at WorldMark Portland Waterfront Park

Located in downtown Portland, Oregon, this property recently launched Planting Seeds, an environmental educational program for guests of all ages to learn about urban environmental conservation. Master regenerative farmer Dan Campbell teaches kids (and parents) how to mimic the process of nature. Guests get their hands dirty in the mini food forest and learn about mason bees, soil health and carbon capture. Produce grown in the gardens are donated back to a Portland CSA to feed local families.

© Woodstock Inn & Resort

Master Falcons, Owls and Eagles at Woodstock Inn & Resort

Vermont’s historic inn lets kids as young as 8 years old take part in the property’s birding experiences. Hands-on encounters see kids learn about conservation, raptor adaptations, the history of the species and, of course, flying lessons. New to the program this year are owls, where kids can fly and/or handle a barn owl, burrowing owl and Eurasian eagle owl. Kids can also take part in private eagle sessions to view a falcon lure-flying demonstration and Verreaux’s eagle demonstration.

© Beaches Resorts

Volun-Teenism at Beaches Resorts

Beaches Resorts now let teenagers fulfill their summer community service hours thanks to its Island Impact program. Here, full-time students can earn community service hours through various volunteer activities like beach cleanups, community outreach and more. Teens can earn up to 10 service hours total — five for Packing for a Purpose and five for Island Impact Initiative.