+ Will I need a passport to attend?
Yes, you will need a current passport in order to attend! PLEASE NOTE - If you do not already have your passport, please start your passport process now. Most of our volunteers have been waiting 4-5 months to recieve a passport, or 2-3 months when expedited.
Passports for all accepted teen volunteers will be required by February 1st. If you do not have your passport by then, you will be dropped and someone from the waiting list will be moved into your spot.
+ Will the COVID-19 vaccine be required?
No, the COVID-19 vaccine is no longer required to volunteer. That being said, a few of the orphanages we serve still like volunteers to wear masks.
We do recommend that you are up to date on any standard immunizations, although they are not required.
+ Will I need a visa?
Nope! Ecuador does not require a visa unless you will be staying for longer than 90 days. You will, however, need your passport and we recommend getting that as soon as possible.
+ Can parents come?
Due to limited spots, we will not be taking any parents with our Teen Service Adventures groups. However, if you are a parent and would like to volunteer together with your child, you can apply to volunteer as a family (separately from the Teen Service Adventures groups).
+ What if I apply and the spots are already filled? Will there be a waiting list?
Program spots are first-come, first-serve. Once all spots have been filled, we will begin our waiting list. If a spot opens up, we will contact those on the waiting list. If not, anyone on the waiting list will be given priority for Summer 2025.
+ Can I volunteer with a friend, sibling, or cousin?
Yes! Please apply separately, but there will be a place on the application where you can list the names of your friends or family that you’d like to volunteer with. Please remember that spots are first-come, first-serve, so we recommend applying as soon as possible if you’d like to serve together.
+ What is the refund policy if I have to cancel my trip after being accepted?
Once accepted, any payments that you have made towards your trip are nonrefundable but can be credited towards a future volunteer trip or made as a donation to OSSO. Feel free to contact our office at kailan@orphanagesupport.org with any further questions on our refund policy.
+ What if I turn 14 halfway through the trip? Can I still go?
You must be 14 by the first day of the trip in order to attend.
+ What if I turn 18 halfway through the trip? Can I still go?
If your 18th birthday occurs after the first day of the trip, you may still attend. Otherwise, we highly recommend you look into serving as an individual volunteers!
+ What do I need to bring?
Once accepted to the program, we will provide you with a packing list. Please note - all teen participants will be limited to one carry-on suitcase and one personal item (i.e. backpack or purse). Due to limited space on our travel vans in Ecuador, we are not allowing any checked bags for this trip, so please pack lightly. Washers and dryers will be available at our volunteer housing.
+ I attended last year, can I still apply for this year?
Yes! Former Teen Service Adventures volunteers are more than welcome to apply again for this year.
