Voluntourism programs on the rise

PHOENIX — Traveling to volunteer, commonly referred to as “voluntourism,” is on the rise nationwide.

“We all know that volunteering is good for the community but we also know that it is good for the individual,” said Samantha Jo Warfield, spokesperson for the Corporation for National and Community Service. “It’s a great way for families to find something to do together.”

Here in the Valley, Warfield said a good way to take a volunteer vacation is to drive outside of town to help clean up hiking trails.

Of course, if you and your family wish to go further, there are opportunities all over the world and the volunteer work varies from cleaning up a disaster site to working on environmental issues with leading scientists.