Volunteer Projects

Choose Your Community Service Project in Santa Barbara

We believe in meaningful, hands-on service experiences that allow our participants to make a lasting impact on the community while gaining valuable skills, insight, and personal growth. Each participant will select ONE of the following rewarding service projects to dedicate their time to during their stay in Santa Barbara:

Volunteer with Children

Working with children

Summer community Service Project performed in conjunction with various non-profit organizations located throughout Santa Barbara

Make a difference in a child’s life!

Through partnerships with trusted non-profit organizations, this rewarding service opportunity allows volunteers to positively impact the lives of children by providing guidance, encouragement, and support.

Each day, you’ll engage with children in a fun, nurturing environment, participating in activities that promote leadership, creativity, and social skills. Get ready to lead games, assist with arts & crafts, introduce healthy habits, and encourage fitness through interactive sports and recreational activities. Your daily interactions will help foster friendships, build self-confidence, and create a positive, lasting impact on the kids you work with.

By dedicating your time to these children, you’ll not only help shape their summer, but you’ll also walk away with incredible memories, new perspectives, and a deeper understanding of what it means to make a difference.

Important Note: Per California law, volunteers working with children in a preschool setting must provide proof of vaccinations for Influenza, COVID-19, Pertussis, and Measles. Each participant must also submit a negative TB test dated within the last calendar year.


Environmental Restoration & Education

Protect the Environment

Protect the Environment & Preserve Santa Barbara’s Natural Beauty!

If you’re passionate about nature, conservation, and the great outdoors, this project is the perfect way to give back while immersing yourself in California’s stunning natural landscapes.

Through hands-on conservation efforts, you’ll help restore native plant life, remove invasive species, and assist with land surveys and ecological studies that are crucial to protecting Santa Barbara’s unique ecosystems. You’ll spend time working in areas like the San Marcos Foothills, helping to maintain natural habitats and restore environmental balance.

Beyond the hands-on work, this experience also includes educational opportunities where you’ll learn from naturalists about local wildlife, sustainability efforts, and the environmental significance of the breathtaking Channel Islands.

By combining hands-on conservation with education, this project provides an incredible opportunity to be part of a real-world environmental effort while gaining a deeper appreciation for the natural world.

Note: Participants will split their time between volunteer work and guided educational activities, ensuring a well-rounded experience.


No matter which project you choose, Project California guarantees an incredible, eye-opening experience that will leave a lasting impact on you and the community you serve. Get ready to give back, challenge yourself, and be part of something truly special!