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Lifeworks teen summer community service and adventure summer camps and programs.

 
Memorable Moments from Global Community Service Projects for Teens

over the years, we have received hundreds of letters providing feedback on our programs. here we have included a select few about each trip. if you would like more testimonials or to get in contact with some of our lifeworks alumni, please contact our office at 800.808.2115 or +1.941.924.2115

british virgin islands

"I learned so much about myself and how easy it is to help the rest of the world. In only hours I was able to do simple tasks which would have cost others money, time, and effort which wasn't obtainable. It truly feels good to help someone and see the gratification in their eyes. I learned I can make a difference."
Alyssa Tabbutt, Peaks Island, ME

"I absolutely loved all of the projects we undertook, whether they were tagging turtles, cleaning beaches, playing at a daycare, or monitoring mangroves. I really loved everything. I can't think of a single experience that wasn't absolutely wonderful. Living on a boat with 15 other people while undertaking projects that you know are helping to change things in the world for the better was a life-changing experience that I'll never forget."
Rachel Small, Quebec, Canada

"I felt each new day and project brought an experience in which to learn. Coming to this program I was taking a step outside my comfort zone and my doubts quickly dissolved as I adjusted to the situations. From painting to helping to tag the turtles and working with children, I realized quickly that despite being in one of the prettiest places in the world there was still so much help needed within the community. I realize that I shouldn't take for granted what I have and that something so small can really mean so much."
Jessica Stein, Katonah, NY

galapagos & ecuador

"Before this trip, I took advantage of many things in my life. After seeing the poverty and the poor people in the Galapagos, my view has changed. The people in Ecuador and on the islands are so thankful for everything, and I hope that I can start to be as thankful as they are. I am realizing how lucky I am to have a good family. This trip taught me a lot."
Laura Ragsdale, Georgetown, SC

"Helping the people of the Galapagos made me feel like I had made a true difference. If I had not come here, I would have not likely been helping much sitting at home. But having this opportunity helped me to become more aware of issues I did not know about before, and also allowed me to realize that putting effort into a worthy cause is never done in vain."
Jacqueline Sider, Briarcliff Manor, NY

china

"This experience has been extremely valuable for me. I feel I have matured significantly over the course of the past three weeks. When I went into this experience, I expected it to be hard and it certainly was. But I didn’t expect that the hardest part would be leaving. This trip, the kids, have helped me to become a better person in so, so many ways."
Philip Crane, Lawrenceville, NJ

"I would like to say that I had an amazing time on this trip.  I had no clue what to expect which was a good thing.  All the places that we went to were just amazing to be there.  Sightseeing was awesome.  Seeing the Terra Cotta Soldiers, Great Wall of China, Wall in Xi’an, Summer Palace and so much more!  Being at Liming was really the most amazing thing I have done.  It made me feel that being there with the kids made a difference not only for them but for me too!  China Little Flower was also so cool to see.  Being with the kids was fun and taking care and playing with the babies was awesome.  At night our group did the forum and it has made our group think. Thank you!"
Alice Daly, Hampton, NH

costa rica

"This trip to Costa Rica has been one of the most amazing experiences of my life. I learned so much about another culture and language and about myself. Helping others and traveling somewhere new really helped center me and reminded me of what I actually enjoy in life. It put all the things I'd been focusing on, SAT's GPA and colleges into perspective. Numbers are numbers and everything now seems less overwhelming!"
Aurora Coon, Hartland, VT

"This trip was a truly eye-opening experience. Not only did I witness the conditions in which some people live, but we got to be immersed in the culture and really see how they live. It made me respect the hard work people do, even though the fruits of their efforts might not be visible. By helping in the communities, I experienced a striking sense of self-worth because we actually got to physically see the progress we were making."
Courtney Quinn, Potomac, MD

"The involvement in the community added a new dimension to the trip that I really enjoyed. I enjoyed all of the service projects that we worked on because they allowed us to see the people of Costa Rica."
Parker Lieberman, Encino, CA

thailand

"This has been the most amazing experience I've ever had in my young life. Coming to Thailand and working with children has made me so happy and fulfilled, but it has also opened my eyes to the horrible state of the people here. I've learned so much from working with all of these teenagers and young children and have experienced so many different ways of life. This program has changed my attitude towards helping others, especially children, so drastically. I want to come back here next year so that I can do more and see all these people again. It has made such a difference to me and I want to do more. Everyone here has been so kind and so caring. I wish I could have done more during my short stay. Spending time in children's schools playing and working has made me feel so content and peaceful I wish I could stay and do it forever. So thank you for this chance to see a part of the world that is so beautiful and life changing. It has changed my life in so many amazing ways."
Carey Rieser, Wilton, CT

"Let me start by saying that this trip has changed my life, my perspective, and my long term goals. This country is unbelievable, these people are incredible. Every day is another adventure, another story, another life altering expedition through slums, through countryside, through schools, villages, and homes. I'll never be the same again."
Colin Jones, Carmichael, CA

"As a Thai student, I really don't know how many thank yous it will take to thank you for all the wonderful times I have just gained. I have learned so much in a matter of 3 weeks. I've met some of the best people, learned and gained lifetime skills and I can fully say that this whole experience has been life changing."
Pin Srisontisuk, Bangkok, Thailand

"Meeting the people in the slums and seeing how happy they are despite their difficult living conditions taught me the importance of life and laughter. This was the best experience of my life!"
Nicole Cameron, Baltimore, MD

 

 
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