4. Volunteers Voyagers Mexico (July 26-August 9, 2026) - Ages 13-18
Spend the first week serving in a local community near San Miguel de Allende, where we’ll create and lead an arts and music day camp for children from the campo. Teens will help with art projects, teach songs, play games, and share joy with kids who rarely have access to these opportunities. It’s a chance to practice Spanish, connect across cultures, and make a real difference.
Explore Valle de Bravo, famous for its sparkling lake and pine-covered mountains. Teens can boat across the water, paraglide over the forested hills, and hike to panoramic viewpoints.
Relax in the pine forests of Los Azufres, where bubbling hot springs and natural pools make the perfect spot to unwind after days of adventure.
Discover Pátzcuaro, one of Mexico’s most enchanting towns, filled with history, cobblestone streets, and traditions that inspired the movie Coco. We’ll boat out to Janitzio Island and experience the vibrant culture of this magical place.
Throughout the trip, teens will unplug from screens, immerse themselves in nature and culture, and grow through teamwork, service, and adventure.
Join Us
Don't let this incredible opportunity float away! Join us for Volunteer Voyagers and dive into an experience that'll change the way you see the world - and yourself. Let's unplug, reconnect, and change the world, one lake and forest at a time!
Hey lake lovers and forest explorers! Ready for an adventure that blends service, culture, and the great outdoors? Our Lakebound Forest Wanderers camp is calling your name! This isn’t just any summer camp—it’s a chance for teens ages 13–18 to dive into an unforgettable journey through the stunning lakes, forests, and historic towns of central Mexico. Along the way, you’ll discover more about yourself while giving back to a local community.
Overview
Join us for two weeks of adventure and connection in the heart of Mexico’s lake country! We’ll begin in San Miguel de Allende, where days 2–6 are devoted to a meaningful volunteer project in a nearby community. Together, our teens will create and lead an arts and music day camp for local children—teaching songs, making art, playing games, and sharing joy with kids who rarely have access to these kinds of opportunities. It’s a true cultural immersion, a chance to practice Spanish, and an experience that will leave a lasting impact on both sides.After our days of service, the journey continues to the picturesque Valle de Bravo, the pine forests of Los Azufres, and the enchanting town of Pátzcuaro. Get ready for adrenaline-pumping moments like paragliding through forests, boating to mysterious islands, and hiking to breathtaking viewpoints. We’ll soak in natural hot springs, wander cobblestone streets that inspired the movie Coco, and spend evenings connecting as a group.This isn’t just a trip—it’s a chance to unplug, serve others, push your limits, and create lifelong friendships.
APPLICATION PROCESS
There are 3 steps to apply:
1. Book a call with us to see if these camps are a good fit for you and to ask any questions you may have.
2. Fill out the registration form on the top right of this page.
3. Make your payment.
Your application and registration is not finished until you have completed all 3 steps. You may complete them in any order you wish. If you pay first and for some reason on our call we decide its not a good fit, you will be refunded everything but the processing fees. We are excited to have you join us!
Itinerary Snapshot
Day 1 – July 26
Arrival in San Miguel de Allende, welcome dinner, and orientation.
Days 2–6 – July 27–31
Volunteer Project in a local community near San Miguel. Teens will put on an arts and music day camp for elementary-age children, helping with art projects, teaching songs, playing games, and connecting across cultures. This week offers a meaningful chance to practice Spanish and share joy with kids who rarely have these opportunities.
Days 7–9 – August 1–3
Travel to Valle de Bravo, a picturesque town on a lake. Camp for three nights near the water, go boating and hiking, explore the mysterious Devil’s Cave, hike to La Peña for breathtaking views, visit waterfalls, and experience optional paragliding through the forest. Explore local markets and sample regional cuisine.
Days 10–11 – August 4–5
Journey to Los Azufres. Camp in the pine forest beside Laguna Larga. Enjoy boating on the lake and soak in natural hot springs surrounded by nature.
Days 12–13 – August 6–7
Explore Pátzcuaro, a magical town filled with history and culture. Take a boat to Janitzio Island, climb to the monument for 360° views, shop artisanal markets, and wander cobblestone streets that inspired the movie Coco.
Day 14 – August 8
Return to San Miguel de Allende. Celebrate with a farewell dinner and reflect on our incredible journey.
Day 15 – August 9
Departure day from San Miguel de Allende.
We've got your back from the moment you land! We provide shuttle services from MEX (Mexico City International Airport) the day before camp starts, as well as from BJX (Del Bajío International Airport) and QRO (Querétaro Intercontinental Airport) on arrival day to our meeting point in San Miguel de Allende.
Airport Options:
- Mexico City International Airport (MEX) - Day before camp
- Del Bajío International Airport (BJX) - Arrival day
- Querétaro Intercontinental Airport (QRO) - Arrival day
Arrival Date: July 26
Our awesome team will be at the airport to greet you as soon as you arrive. Just look for the Teen Connect Adventures sign!
Don't forget to send us your flight details when you register so we can make sure we're there to scoop you up.
Questions? Last-minute changes? No worries! Contact our camp coordinator, Kirsten, via WhatsApp: 1-469-595-6422.
As our adventure wraps up, we'll make sure you get back to the airport safe and sound. Our shuttle services will take you from San Miguel de Allende to either BJX, QRO or MEX airports.
Departure Date: Aug 9
We'll make sure you've got plenty of time to catch your flight. Our team will be with you every step of the way, helping with check-in and making sure you're all set for takeoff.
Remember to confirm your departure details with us before the big day!
Pack light, pack right! Here's what you'll need:
Clothing:
- Lightweight, quick-dry shirts and pants
- At least 1 long sleeve shirt (it can get chilly up there!)
- Sturdy hiking boots or sneakers
- Water shoes for splashing around (no flip-flops!)
- 2 swimsuits (you'll be in the water a lot, and this gives them time to dry)
- Hat or cap for sun protection
- Light jacket for cool evenings
- Warm jacket for high elevations (we'll be above 7,000 ft at times!)
- Rain jacket or poncho (just in case)
- Warm layers for chilly nights
Gear:
- Backpack or daypack for daily adventures
- Sleeping bag
- Headlamp or flashlight (with extra batteries)
- Reusable water bottle
- Sunscreen and lip balm
- Insect repellent
- Toiletries
- Towel
- Camera (waterproof if possible)
Don't Forget:
- Passport
- Any necessary medications
- Notebook and pen for journaling
- Portable charger (we won't always have electricity)
Do not bring: Cel Phones! (or if you bring, you can let the staff care for your phone, so you can enjoy the unplugged experience with the rest of the campers)
Remember, you'll be carrying your own gear, so pack only what you can handle! Make sure all your belongings are in a bag that you can carry all by yourself, up and down a flight of stairs and around one city block.
We've got you covered:
- All transportation during the camp
- Three delicious meals a day (snacks too!)
- All scheduled activities, tours, and entrance fees
- Camping gear (tents, sleeping pads)
- Experienced guides and camp leaders
- First aid and safety equipment
You'll need to handle:
- Flights to and from Mexico
- Personal expenses and souvenirs
- Optional activities not in the itinerary
- Travel insurance (required)
- Any travel or shuttles if you come early or stay after camp is over
Ready to kick off the adventure? Here's what to expect when you arrive:
- Our team will greet you and help you get settled
- We'll run through some paperwork (boring but necessary!)
- Then it's time to meet your fellow adventurers and start the fun
- You'll get the lowdown on camp rules and safety guidelines
- Time for a quick orientation to answer all your burning questions
- Let the Adventure Begin!
What else do you need to know?
- Passport: You'll need a valid passport that doesn't expire for at least six months after the camp ends.
- Family Tag-Along: Parents, why not plan your own getaway to San Miguel de Allende while your teen is with us? We'd be happy to help with recommendations!
- Safety First: We've got first aid kits and trained staff, but your safety is our top priority. We'll brief you on all safety protocols at the start of camp.
- Registration: Fill out our online form, sign the waiver, and chat with our camp leaders to make sure this is the right fit for you.
- Questions? Shoot us a message on WhatsApp: 1-469-595-6422. We're here to help!
APPLICATION PROCESS
There are 3 steps to apply:
1. Book a call with us to see if these camps are a good fit for you and to ask any questions you may have.
2. Fill out the registration form on the top right of this page.
3. Make your payment.
Your application and registration is not finished until you have completed all 3 steps. You may complete them in any order you wish. If you pay first and for some reason on our call we decide its not a good fit, you will be refunded everything but the processing fees. We are excited to have you join us!
We get it, plans change. But as a small operation, we've got to have some guidelines:
- Cancel 3+ weeks before camp: 50% refund
- Cancel less than 3 weeks before camp: Sorry, no refunds
- If we have to cancel due to unforeseen circumstances, we'll offer alternative dates or credit for future camps
By signing up, you're agreeing to these terms. Let's make this adventure happen!
