Join this 10-day summer service adventure in Greece where you'll combine meaningful marine conservation work with exploration of one of Europe's most beautiful destinations. Based on the island of Kefalonia in the Ionian Sea, you'll partner with Wildlife Sense Kefalonia, a local organization dedicated to protecting endangered sea turtles, to participate in hands-on conservation efforts that make a real difference. Your volunteer duties will include evening patrols to monitor nesting turtles on Lourdas and Ammes beaches, tagging turtles for scientific tracking, collecting behavioral data, and conducting community health and safety talks about sea turtle protection. You'll work with local experts and researchers who will introduce you to the complexities of marine conservation while you contribute to critical research that helps scientists understand how these animals thrive as they migrate across the ocean.

Kefalonia serves as the perfect home base for this experience. This rugged, dramatic island in Greece's Ionian Sea features white sandy beaches, colorful seaside towns, and limestone cliffs that create an idyllic backdrop for both your service work and adventure activities. Between your turtle patrols and research contributions, you'll kayak around the island's turquoise waters, snorkel in pristine coves, explore picturesque coastal towns, and visit local beaches and caves where the contrast of crystal-clear blue water and white pebble beaches creates unforgettable views. You'll also participate in an authentic Greek cooking lesson and savor traditional Mediterranean cuisine featuring fresh feta, plump tomatoes, and local seafood prepared by hand.

After seven days on Kefalonia, you'll travel to Athens to explore the birthplace of Western civilization. You'll stand atop the magnificent Acropolis and marvel at the architectural wonder of the Parthenon, wander through lively markets filled with fresh food and handmade goods, and walk through ancient sites like Delphi, considered in ancient times to be the center of the universe. Your final night in Athens will be celebrated with a special dinner on a rooftop terrace overlooking the city's glittering nighttime skyline.

Throughout the program, you'll stay in carefully selected small, family-run hotels in safe, centrally located areas—not large impersonal chains. In Kefalonia, your beachside accommodation provides easy access to your early morning and evening turtle patrols. In Athens, your hotel is just a five-minute walk from the city center near Syntagma Square. You'll have dedicated chaperones and guides throughout, and all breakfasts and dinners are included, allowing you to immerse yourself in authentic Greek culture and hospitality. This program is ideal for middle school students (finishing grades 7-8) who want to make a tangible impact on wildlife conservation while experiencing the natural beauty, ancient history, and warm culture of Greece.