Spend your summer making a difference! Join volunteer programs in the Amazon Rainforest focused on sustainability, health, and education. Teens work on projects like reforestation, clean water access, and youth mentorship, gaining hands-on experience while exploring Ecuador’s incredible landscape and culture. Perfect for adventurous teens eager to learn, make friends, and positively impact global communities!
Join Manna Project International in Ecuador’s Amazon Rainforest for an unforgettable summer of impact and adventure! Whether you're joining us for a short summer program or diving into a longer experience, Manna offers meaningful projects perfect for those seeking a purposeful break and a taste of life in the Amazon.
Who?
We’re looking for motivated young adults who are eager to learn, grow, and make a difference. You’ll be working in a collaborative environment alongside other volunteers, MPI fellows, and local community members. Our dedicated staff and fellows will provide mentorship, ensuring you gain professional skills while meaningfully engaging with the community.
What?
As a summer volunteer, you'll get involved in projects that promote sustainability, public health, education, and ecotourism. Each day is a new experience: you might be maintaining community trails, leading workshops on dental hygiene, teaching English, or supporting local entrepreneurs. Working closely with the indigenous community, you'll develop real connections while contributing to long-term change.
Curious about specific projects? Just ask about our summer initiatives in environmental sustainability, health, education, and social entrepreneurship!
Why?
This summer program is more than a volunteer experience—it’s an adventure in personal growth, cross-cultural exchange, and skill-building. You’ll gain hands-on experience, develop leadership skills, and learn Spanish and Kichwa. While you explore the Amazon’s unique environment, you'll also deepen your understanding of community development and create memories to last a lifetime.
Living and Learning
Volunteers live together in a welcoming community house with shared rooms, lots of natural light, a rooftop deck with breathtaking views of the Amazon, and a shared kitchen for group meals. If you’re looking for even deeper cultural immersion, you can opt for a 1-2 week homestay with a local family. Throughout your stay, you’ll have 24/7 support and weekly mentorship check-ins to guide and enhance your experience.
Cultural Activities and Adventures
Your summer with MPI goes beyond work projects. Embrace the Amazonian culture with hikes through the rainforest, refreshing dips in natural pools, and visits to thermal springs. Celebrate with the community at cultural festivals, dance to live Kichwa music, and experience an overnight excursion into the heart of the Amazon. For a more active break, join in on a pickup game of soccer or try Ecua Volley with your neighbors—perfect ways to connect and unwind.
Ready for an Impactful Summer?
Apply now to make the most of your summer by creating lasting change, building global friendships, and experiencing the Amazon in a unique, impactful way! Summer programs start at just 2 weeks and can last up to 10 weeks, depending on age and interests.
Cost and Finances
At MPI, we value the impact of immersive volunteer experiences. Our special two-week summer program in August is $3,000, covering all on-site essentials: housing, meals, 24/7 support, dedicated guide, overnight trip, and cultural activities like Kichwa classes, guided hikes, and workshops on art, music, and cuisine. You’ll also gain access to professional development sessions and one-on-one mentoring, making this experience as enriching as it is impactful. For those 17 and older, we also offer rolling admissions to our flexible 4+ week programs throughout the year. (Travel insurance and international flights not included.)
MPI is committed to making our programs accessible to young people of all backgrounds. We offer scholarships for students who identify as BIPOC and have demonstrated financial need, along with one-on-one fundraising guidance to help cover program costs.
Session Information
Our August two-week summer program offers a dynamic short-term opportunity, while rolling admissions for 4+ week programs allow you to join anytime. With flexible options, MPI provides teens and young adults a chance to make a lasting impact in the Amazon and grow as global citizens.