For someone who is hesitant about joining this program I would 100% recommend just going for it! I was nervous about making friends with the other volunteers but once I arrived I was soon at ease as everyone was in the same position. I have made friends that I’m still in contact with now and we were given the opportunity to travel outside of the program which was such a great experience.
Volunteer Summer Camp for Teens Project in the Philippines - Palawan
Purpose
Empowering youth to uplift communities
Start dates
Available during summer
Duration
Choose from 1-2 weeks
Volunteer hours
Up to 5 hours a day
Age
Volunteers aged 16 and 17
Accommodation
Volunteer house
Who is going?
Group video calls
Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.
This program is ideal for:
16 and 17 year old volunteers who want to learn more about the impact of volunteering, practice their Filipino, experience a different culture, and make new friends during the summer break!
Project details
Are you 16 or 17 and dreaming of volunteering abroad in the Philippines this summer? International Volunteer HQ’s Teen Volunteer Summer Camp is the perfect opportunity to spend part of your summer holidays supporting meaningful community projects while immersing yourself in Philippine culture. Over 1–2 weeks, you’ll take part in community volunteering, cultural experiences, sports, and tourism activities on this unique summer camp program.
What to expect and how you'll make an impact
The Teen Volunteer Summer Camp offers an exciting introduction to travel, service learning, and a range of community projects, designed specifically for solo volunteers aged 16 and 17, with full chaperone support provided throughout the program.
Volunteers will enjoy a variety of scheduled activities, including volunteering with local community projects, taking part in a Filipino cooking class, exploring cultural sites, and joining nature tours guided by experienced professionals and chaperones.
This program is exclusively available to 16 and 17-year-olds through IVHQ.
The Teen Volunteer Camp in 2026 has two start dates: June 22 and July 13, with options to join for either one or two weeks.
You can find a sample schedule under the “Schedule” heading, outlining the activities and volunteer work planned for 2026.
Why do Volunteer Summer Camp for Teens volunteering in Palawan with IVHQ?
When you volunteer as a teen in the Philippines, you’ll be adding value to the local community, while also developing personally and professionally by:
- Contributing to community-driven volunteer projects
- Developing your communication skills
- Immersing yourself in the Philippines’ culture, food, and history
- Connecting with local people in an authentic way
- Discovering the Philippines’ beautiful beaches, national parks, and cities
Volunteer requirements
Volunteers need to be 16 or 17 by the time they start the program.
Volunteers will need to provide two character reference letters.
All volunteers must speak English and have adequate volunteer travel insurance.
Volunteers aged 16 or 17 on their program start date are required to provide IVHQ with parental consent in order to participate in the program, and may be asked to provide additional documents to the local team.
Are you eligible to volunteer?
Submit a free application so we can confirm your eligibility and check availability for your preferred dates.
Not sure which program to join?
Get personalized recommendations >
Who is going?
Group video calls
Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.
Philippines photo gallery
Pottery making
Group visiting waterfalls
Preparing seedlings for the Environmental project
Volunteer teachers
Teaching Session
Island tour with swimming and snorkeling activities
Academic course credit
Academic course credit
Gain course credit from your college or university and meet your academic requirements when completing a volunteer abroad program with International Volunteer HQ!
Learn about course creditLocation
Location
Set in the western Pacific ocean, the Philippines is a collection of incredible islands that are home to nearly 110 million people known for their friendly smiles. With a multicultural population and a newly industrialized economy, cities in the Philippines have been making great strides towards reducing poverty. However, in the country’s more remote areas low-income communities still struggle to access basic necessities like healthcare and education. Volunteers are valued in these areas for the help they provide to local schools, community services and initiatives that aim to improve the quality of life for those outside the main centers.
IVHQ’s Philippines program is set in the Arborlan District on Palawan - an island often considered one of the most beautiful in the world. With turquoise waters lapping at the edges of white sandy beaches, breathtaking scenery, UNESCO World Heritage sites and world-class diving spots, it’s a coastal paradise to rival any place you could dream of. Volunteers will stay near the remote Tigman Village on the east coast of Palawan.
Arrival and orientation
Arrival and departure for this project will depend on the start date and duration you select:
Start date #1: June 22nd, 2026
- 1 week: Arrive - Sunday, 21st June and Depart - Saturday, 27th June 2026
- 2 weeks: Arrive - Sunday, 21st June and Depart - Saturday, 4th July 2026
Start date #2: July 13th, 2026
- 1 week: Arrive - Sunday, 12th July and Depart - Saturday, 18th July 2026
- 2 weeks: Arrive - Sunday, 12th July and Depart - Saturday, 25th July 2026
After you have registered for the program, please book your flights to arrive at Puerto Princesa International Airport (PPS) on the Sunday before your chosen start date between 10: 00 AM and 5:00 PM. When you arrive, you will be greeted at the airport by a member of the Local Team and transferred to the volunteer accommodation in Tigman Village, which will take approximately 2 hours. This is included in your Program Fee.
We recommend that participants travel with a notarized letter from their parents to support their documentation.
Once you arrive at the accommodation, the Local Team will take you through the health and safety orientation. Orientation covers everything you need to know for your volunteer program in Tigman Village.
Volunteer schedule example
Two start dates for 1 or 2 weeks:
- June 22, 2026
- July 13, 2026
1 Week Schedule:
| Day 1 - Sunday: | Arrive and travel to Tigman Village, enjoy lunch, join an orientation and walking tour, then finish the day with a welcome dinner. |
| Day 2 - Monday: | Take part in a beach cleanup and create eco-bricks, followed by an educational workshop on coral gardening and a cultural dance performance. |
| Day 3 - Tuesday: | Learn traditional tribal weaving and make your own coconut pot, take part in a hands-on pottery workshop, explore Aborlan Town, and finish the day with a Filipino cooking class. |
| Day 4 - Wednesday: | Explore Narra Falls, take part in a nature-themed photography walk, and end the day with a campfire and storytelling session. |
| Day 5 - Thursday: | Volunteer in local schools by supporting English lessons and leading fun games with the kids, then unwind in the evening with a fun karaoke night. |
| Day 6 - Friday: | Explore Puerto Princesa with a city tour including the Crocodile Centre and Palawan Heritage Museum, followed by dinner and a relaxing visit to the scenic Baywalk. Overnight at Puerto Princesa accommodation. |
| Day 7 - Saturday: | Enjoy an island-hopping adventure in Puerto Princesa with swimming and snorkeling, then wind down with a group reflection night to share highlights from the week. Overnight at Puerto Princesa accommodation. |
| Day 8 - Sunday: | Packing up, final reflections on your volunteer journey, and airport transfers to conclude your Palawan experience. |
2 Week Schedule:
| Day 1 - Sunday: | Arrive and travel to Tigman Village, enjoy lunch, join an orientation and walking tour, then finish the day with a welcome dinner. |
| Day 2 - Monday: | Take part in a beach cleanup and create eco-bricks, followed by an educational workshop on coral gardening and enjoy a cultural dance performance to finish the day. |
| Day 3 - Tuesday: | Learn traditional tribal weaving and make your own coconut pot, take part in a hands-on pottery workshop, explore Aborlan Town, and finish the day with a Filipino cooking class. |
| Day 4 - Wednesday: | Explore Narra Falls, take part in a nature-themed photography walk, and end the day with a campfire and storytelling session. |
| Day 5 - Thursday: | Volunteer in local schools by supporting English lessons and leading fun games with the kids, then unwind in the evening with a lively karaoke night. |
| Day 6 - Friday: | Explore Puerto Princesa with a city tour including the Crocodile Centre and Palawan Heritage Museum, followed by dinner and a relaxing visit to the scenic Baywalk. Overnight at Puerto Princesa accommodation. |
| Day 7 - Saturday: | Enjoy an island-hopping adventure in Puerto Princesa with swimming and snorkeling, then wind down with a group reflection night to share highlights from the week. Overnight at Puerto Princesa accommodation. |
| Day 8 - Sunday: | Mall visit followed by transfer to Tigman Village. |
| Day 9 - Monday: | Take part in volunteering activities such as Mangrove Reforestation, Waste Art Workshop, Poster Making, and a variety show in the evening, where volunteers and locals can gather and showcase their talents and culture. |
| Day 10 - Tuesday: | School visit with exchange games, interactive music and art workshop, followed by movie night. |
| Day 11 - Wednesday: | Refresh classroom lessons, participate in sports camp featuring football, volleyball, and basketball, followed by a social night and certificate awarding. |
| Day 12 - Thursday: | Explore the Underground River (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), enjoy ziplining and a mangrove eco-tour, and finish with firefly watching. Overnight at Puerto Princesa accommodation. |
| Day 13 - Friday: | Enjoy a free morning with an optional visit to the local market and souvenir shops, then join the farewell dinner. Stay overnight at Puerto Princesa accommodation. |
| Day 14 - Saturday: | Packing and final reflections, followed by airport transfers. |
Please note that the schedule may occasionally change due to weather, public or school holidays, or other unforeseen events that could affect your placement. We recommend checking in advance whether your intended travel dates coincide with any public or school holidays.
Accommodation and WiFi
You’ll primarily stay at our Tigman Village accommodation, with some nights spent at our Puerto Princesa location. Rooms are assigned at random, and we’re unable to take specific requests. However, volunteers traveling as a group will be housed together.
Each house provides dormitory-style living with air-conditioned rooms, shared by up to eight people of the same gender. Bathrooms are shared and equipped with western toilets and cold-water showers - perfect for cooling off in the tropical heat. You’ll also have access to a fridge for storing personal snacks and a designated area for hand-washing laundry.
WiFi is available in both houses for volunteers to use throughout their stay.
Meals
Volunteers are served breakfast, lunch, and dinner 7 days a week. Breakfast consists of bread and spreads with tea or coffee, while lunch and dinner are local Filipino cuisine. Rice is a staple in the Philippines and most meals will include a portion of rice, accompanied by two or more dishes which will be a combination of vegetables, meat or seafood cooked in local spices and sauces.
Accommodation Bathroom - Puerto Princesa
Accommodation Bedroom - Puerto Princesa
Volunteer House - Puerto Princesa
Dining Area - Tigman Village
Outside Seating - Tigman Village
Accommodation Bedroom - Tigman Village
IVHQ volunteer accommodation - Tigman Village
IVHQ volunteer social area - Tigman Village
IVHQ volunteer social area - Tigman Village
IVHQ volunteer social area - Tigman Village
IVHQ volunteer social area - Tigman Village
IVHQ volunteer accommodation - Tigman Village
IVHQ volunteer typical bedroom - Tigman Village
IVHQ volunteer accommodation - Tigman Village
IVHQ volunteer typical bathroom - Tigman Village
Private room upgrade - Tigman Village
Private room upgrade - Tigman Village
IVHQ Private self contained cabin - Tigman Village
Typical volunteer bathroom - Tigman Village
Typical volunteer bathroom - Tigman Village
Typical volunteer living room - Tigman Village
Typical volunteer kitchen - Tigman Village
Typical volunteer breakfast - Tigman Village
Typical volunteer breakfast - Tigman Village
Typical volunteer lunch - Tigman Village
Typical volunteer dinner - Tigman Village
Typical volunteer dinner - Tigman Village
Pricing
Secure your place for just US$329 (approximately $329), pay your Program Fee later.
Spots are limited. For a Registration Fee of just US$329 (approximately $329) you secure your spot and unlock all our preparation and training tools.
You don't need to worry about paying your Program Fee until you get closer to your start date.
|
Duration
|
Program Fee
Due 30 days before you start, or within 48 hours if you register inside of 30 days. Covers the cost of hosting you.
|
|---|---|
| 1 week | $1,210 Equivalent to $173/day |
| 2 weeks | $2,072 Equivalent to $148/day |
- All programs attract a Registration Fee of US$329 (approximately $329) in addition to the Program Fee. This covers all pre-departure support services.
- A 5% international banking fee is added at point of payment.
- Airport Drop Off
- Meals
- Accommodation
- 24/7 in-country emergency support
- In-country program orientation
- Pre-departure support from your Program Manager
- Personalized preparation tools, guides and check lists
- Access to IVHQ’s preferred insurance and flights partners
- Comprehensive in-country day to day support and guidance
- Discounts on travel and tour add-ons
- Certificate of International Volunteer Service
Learn more about what's included in your IVHQ Registration Fee and Program Fee.
- Flights
- Visa (if required), travel insurance (mandatory), vaccinations, criminal background check.
- Personal spending money for snacks, laundry, public transportation, drinks and leisure activities during your free time
- Flights
- Visa (if required), travel insurance (mandatory), vaccinations, criminal background check.
- Personal spending money for snacks, laundry, public transportation, drinks and leisure activities during your free time.
Popular add-ons & experiences in Palawan
Take your volunteer experience to the next level with these popular add-ons and experiences. Explore your options below and learn how to book them once you've been accepted onto the IVHQ Palawan program.
Airport Drop-off
Enjoy a stress free ride from the accommodation back to Puerto Princesa International Airport arranged by our local team.
$72
El Nido Dive, Explore & Unwind - 6 night excursion
Discover the natural beauty and vibrant culture of El Nido, Palawan, one of the world’s top travel destinations.
$365
Popular
Philippine Culture Week
This week-long add-on in Palawan offers a hands-on experience of the island’s vibrant culture, language, and traditions.
$367
Check what's required to visit the Philippines
Entry requirements can change at any time, so it's important you monitor this right up until you depart for your trip.
Safety and support
Safety and support
IVHQ follows best practice and industry-leading health and safety procedures, which are regularly reviewed and optimized as part of the B Corporation recertification.
- All volunteers encouraged to complete our interactive pre-departure training.
- All local teams trained on best practice volunteer management & First Aid.
- All IVHQ programs are required to adhere to IVHQ's Risk Management Policy.
- All volunteers have access to 24/7 in-country support from our local team.
Essential country information
Essential country information
| Capital | Manila |
| Population | 116 million |
| Languages | Filipino, English |
| Currency | Philippine Peso (PHP) |
| Time zone | UTC+08:00 |
Weather and climate: The Philippines has a hot and humid tropical climate year-round, with average temperatures ranging between 25°C and 32°C (77°F to 90°F). The hottest months are April and May, when temperatures often exceed 30°C (86°F).
The country experiences two main seasons:
- Dry season: January to June (with the hottest period from March to May)
- Wet season: July to December (bringing increased rainfall and humidity)
What recent volunteers said about their IVHQ experience
AS
Amelie Steen
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SP
Steph Pedersen
IVHQ was fantastic at organising the trip and making the preparation process smooth and well-managed. Their guidance from start to finish gave me real confidence when travelling abroad. The Local Team were absolutely brilliant - they ensured everyone was treated with care, respect, and a strong focus on safety. Even though it was a short experience, it left me feeling inspired and eager to participate in more of the IVHQ programs.
This program was life-changing and offered so much more than I expected. I genuinely believe that the effort you put in directly shapes what you get out of it. Everything about the experience was exceptional - especially for a young female solo traveler. The program not only opened my eyes to new cultures but also gave me a deeper appreciation for everything I have. Even if your time is short, you do make a difference. The team welcomed us with open arms and always made safety a top priority. I couldn’t recommend IVHQ more highly.
...
CM
Cammie Marine
Genuinely, my experience in the Philippines volunteering, will forever be one of my most treasured times. The amazing people I met have changed me for the better. I went there alone, very nervous, but ready to help in any way I can. I left a more confident version of myself, someone who now has people I can count on in all corners of the world, and I have witnessed firsthand how beautiful life can be when you step out of your comfort zone for a little. I’m now planning to volunteer every summer through IVHQ, and continue to be my best self.
...
IZ
Ivan Zhang
I've met so many new friends from all over the world. It's been amazing talking with them and seeing how different countries approach things differently, but how there's still a common goal that we all share: to make a positive impact for those who need it most. It's been so much fun doing all the activities as well, most of which I would never have expected to participate in elsewhere. The past week of volunteering has been one that I'll never forget, I've met so many wonderful people and I've lived so many once-in-a-lifetime experiences. For those hesitant to join the program, I was as well initially. But after the first day you meet everyone else who's also feeling the same way and it helps bond the group together more. Everyone is going into the program fresh and you are all part of the journey together, and it's the most amazing journey you'll ever participate in.
...
To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.
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