Galapagos: Preserving Nature's Wonders

Bring your leadership skills to the next level on this service learning adventure! This experience is ideal for those looking to explore a new culture, make new friends, and gain a deeper knowledge of the wildlife and ecosystems in the incredibly diverse Galápagos Islands off the coast of mainland Ecuador through volunteer work. Learn from local leaders and meet teens from across North America (and the world!) as you spend two weeks working, playing and learning together. 

In the mornings, we'll wake early and head to the service site, where we'll engage in a variety of projects aimed at preserving habitat. Invasive plant species pose a threat to the native wildlife in these pristine islands. Prepare to get your hands dirty! Work at a tortoise refuge center, digging up invasive plants, helping with groundwork, and preparing habitat for the tortoises. You’ll plant trees to help protect endemic species and restore the natural habitat of the local wildlife.

In our downtime, we'll explore the coastlines of multiple islands through swimming, snorkeling and boating; spot unique wildlife such as majestic Galapagos tortoises, blue-footed boobies, and iguanas. On mainland Ecuador, we'll explore colonial Quito through a city tour. We'll also dive deep to discover our individual paths, including exploring our leadership styles and professional and educational goals for the future. 
​​​​​​​