Volunteer-based vacations have become a popular option for today’s travelers, combining travel with community involvement, education and worthy causes. Some of the most common types of volunteering include disaster relief, wildlife conservation and humanitarian work. There are hundreds of opportunities for charity happening on Cape Cod. So jump in and give back!
We’ve highlighted twelve worthy ‘voluntourism’ opportunities below. Consider lending a helping hand to these organizations while planning your next trip to on Cape and you’ll help people and animals in need.
Originally Published: January 14, 2022
12 Helpful Volunteer Activities on Cape Cod
Animal Rescue League (Brewster)
Animal Rescue League offers the perfect opportunity to help animals in need. Donate your time and support animal enrichment, training and socialization, as well as, advocacy. There are also administration and customer service roles available to volunteer for throughout the organization.
Cape Cod Museum of Natural History (Brewster)
Joining this volunteer team will give you a fun and enriching experience centered around STEAM (Science, Technology, Art, Math). There are also many volunteer opportunities available in their aquarium, interactive science lab, beehive, Marshview Room (including our osprey cam, bird carving demonstrations, and various animals), admissions desk, Science Shop, Mud Kitchen, Butterfly House, and more. Weekly, monthly, seasonal, and special project volunteers are all welcome.
Chatham Marconi Maritime Center (Chatham)
In addition to assisting and guiding summer-season visitors to the Museum, opportunities for volunteers include improving and developing exhibits, restoring equipment and artifacts for display, researching the 100-year history, communicating via print and social media, arranging special events and group tours, and many other facets of the Center’s operations.
Cape Wildlife Center (Barnstable)
Volunteers are an important part of this organization to provide help to wildlife in need, teaching others about wildlife and wildlife issues, and encouraging humane stewardship of wildlife. Volunteers provide direct animal care, as well as, feeding and diet preparation, laundry and cage cleaning.
YMCA Cape Cod (West Barnstable)
Eventide Theater Company (Dennis)
There are lots of volunteer opportunities at this theater company. Including performers, technicians, house staff and administrative assistants. Volunteering here you will learn new skills, make new friends and have the chance to share the magic of bringing stories to life.
Volunteers help behind the scenes to prepare for shows, they staff the venue during a performance, they help in the box office, stuff envelopes during fund drives, post flyers, staff benefits, and help in many other ways to keep our organization running.
Falmouth Community Television (Falmouth)
FCTV manages three channels. Channel 13, the Public Access Channel; Channel 14 the Educational Access Channel and Channel 15, the Government Access Channel. Check their website for volunteer opportunities. They are almost always looking for some extra helping hands.
The Family Pantry of Cape Cod (Harwich)
The Family Pantry of Cape Cod is a non-profit, non-denominational activity dedicated to serving the needs of the less fortunate of Cape Cod. A volunteer experience here will be rewarding. They are always looking for extra help to make sure food and clothes are provided those who desperately need it.
Elder Services of Cape Cod & Islands (South Dennis)
There are multiple ways that you can give of your time and talents to help here. Opportunities include driving for Meals on Wheels or working at one of our Senior Dining Centers, assisting with Money Management, advocating for residents in nursing or rest homes, and providing office support. Make sure to check their website for a full list of options.
Barnstable Land Trust (Barnstable)
Barnstable Land Trust is committed to a volunteer and staff partnership that provides opportunities for volunteers to contribute their unique talents, skills, time and knowledge of our community. Volunteers enhance and expand the organization’s ability to protect the special places people love for present and future generations.
Wildcare (Eastham)
In their own words: Wild Care’s mission is to treat injured, ill and orphaned native wildlife for release, to prevent wildlife casualties through public education and live counseling, and to engage the community in conservation through volunteerism. If you are looking to help some animals in need make sure to check out their website for current opportunities.
Carrie A. Seaman Animal Shelter (Provincetown)
This special shelter is a no-kill animal shelter designed to support the wonderful animals of lower Cape Cod. They are staffed entirely by volunteers and all funding for the shelter is derived from donations and fundraising events.
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