WHAT TYPE OF PROJECT FOR YOUNG PEOPLE?
Although all Freepackers projects have an educational aspect, our offer caters to all profiles and preferences: humanitarian projects with a strong social commitment, scientific expeditions, or even language and sports stays – all ensuring a rich and impactful international experience.
However, it is important to distinguish between summer camps, which are specifically designed and supervised for children and teenagers, and autonomous youth projects, which are humanitarian projects accepting young people from the age of 16.
It is never too early to embark on a youth humanitarian trip and become interested in social or environmental causes. Using school holidays to discover a country and undertake a first solidarity trip has become common. Freepackers offers projects for high school students and teenagers (12-17 years old) in Latin America, Africa, as well as in Asia and Europe. If you wish to travel in a group, contact us to find out about group trips for minors under 18.
HOW DOES A YOUTH HUMANITARIAN TRIP WORK?
DAY 1
Upon your arrival at the airport, our local team will welcome you and transfer you to the hostel. Once you arrive at the project site, the local teams will guide you in settling in and introduce you to the rest of the group.
On your arrival day, you will attend an orientation session with explanations about the organization’s work, as well as a presentation on the country’s culture and history and the project context. For some projects, you will also take part in a guided tour of the area on the same day, along with information on health and safety measures.
DURING THE PROJECT
In the following days, depending on the project, you will receive training on the different tools and materials you will use. Depending on the project, you may also receive language lessons if necessary. For marine conservation projects, volunteers will also follow a PADI training course to obtain their scuba diving certification. Finally, volunteer teams will be trained before starting the youth humanitarian journey.
The missions will be adapted based on the project and the needs of local communities. Schedules depend on activities, but generally, workdays last between 4 to 6 hours per day, and weekends are always free during a youth humanitarian trip.
WEEKENDS AND FREE TIME
Enjoy weekends and free time to explore and learn more about the culture! Some projects organize a week of excursions and adventures to help you discover different aspects of the country. Excursions to must-see places, surf lessons, beaches, hiking, sleeping under the stars, visits to national parks, mountain trekking – the discovery options are endless!
END OF THE PROJECT
Group debriefing to reflect on the experience and what it has brought you. Transfer to the airport – everyone leaves with unforgettable memories, valuable learning, and the potential to become a future ambassador for sustainable development projects.
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN A YOUTH HUMANITARIAN TRIP
– 24/7 emergency phone assistance
– Round-trip airport transfers
– All necessary equipment and materials for the project
– Experienced staff and specific supervision for minors
– All meals during the project
– All local transport with a local guide or project coordinator
– Shared, secure accommodation supervised by a local coordinator, with an evening curfew and non-mixed room arrangements
Conditions to Participate in a Youth Humanitarian Trip
• Minimum age: 10 years old
• Required language level: depending on the project
• Criminal record extract
• Parental authorization form
• Travel and repatriation insurance
Participants must be available for at least two weeks. They must demonstrate a genuine motivation to participate in an international volunteer project, an ability to adapt to a new environment, and a respectful attitude toward the host organization.
All our partner NGOs are certified by national and international authorities in their respective countries. The contact details and passports of the project managers will be sent to parents or legal guardians of minors traveling on a youth humanitarian trip.