Great news article by By Erika Miranda, writing for The Latin Post, on how youth can be inspired to give back to their community through volunteer vacations.
Teach youngsters to be grateful for their blessings and give back to the community while enjoying their Spring break vacation in Latin America.
Nowadays, youngsters look forward to Spring break because it is a chance to get away from all the toils of studying and spend time with family and friends out of town or overseas.
While that sounds like fun, there may be better ways to enjoy the vacation while doing something to better the lives of others.
Globe Aware
Globe Aware can help your teenagers tap their inner altruistic self by going to Costa Rica where they can stay in a village near one of the country's most diverse biological reserves: the Carara Biological Reserve.
They can also visit the popular "cultural and natural paradise" in Orosi Valley where they can help create sustainable members of small communities in the locality.
Here is a video description of what's in store for volunteer vacationers from Globe Aware.
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International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ)
The International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ) founded by Dan Radcliffe in 2007 promotes literacy in Guatemala where vacationers can teach residents how to speak English and Spanish as well as proper care for children and the elderly.
The program also includes teaching about Lake Conservation, Animal Care and Animal Rights, Construction and Renovation, Eco-Agriculture Conservation, and Special Needs.
The program period ranges from one to 24 weeks, depending on how long the volunteer wants to stay.
Of course, the organization will provide training for volunteers prior to their departure to ensure "an understanding of important aspects that need to be considered before embarking on an IVHQ program."
Volunteering Solutions (VolSol)
Founded in 2006, this international volunteer organization opens popular tourist destinations like Peru to volunteers who want to spend their holidays and vacation days helping others.
VolSol's Peru-Cusco program promises an unforgettable experience with the country's ancient ruins, history, customs and traditions as well as an awe-inspiring tour of the enigmatic Machu Picchu.
Volunteer work with VolSol in Peru includes dental, medical and teaching programs as well as child care for normal and differently abled children.
Projects Abroad
Already catering to over 10,000 volunteers every year, Projects Abroad presents a chance for tourists to help young children of Argentina earn kindergarten knowledge with their "Care in Argentina Alternative Spring Break Trip."
Set up in Cordoba, volunteers will be assigned to assist local kindergarten teachers by playing with the children and helping them with homework.
Volunteers would also be assigned tasks to help with general maintenance of the school and the kids' homes.
American Hiking Society (AHS)
As its name implies, the American Hiking Society is composed of a group that protect and promote foot trails as well as the surrounding natural areas.
While they mostly do hiking and backpacking with adults, AHS also has a special program for youngsters that allows them to do "part volunteer work project, part kick-back outdoor vacation."
With a group of 8 to 15 students, the AHS combines hiking, exploration, trail work and crew camaraderie into one fun experience and gives them the choice of camping out or staying in lodges, bunkhouses or cabins during the course of their week-long vacation-slash-volunteer stay.
