Voluntourism - Get Involved During Your Stay

Relaxing during your vacation is a must. But why not add a sense of accomplishment by giving something back while you're at it? 

Mount Desert Island is fortunate to be home to dozens of nonprofit organizations. Many of these groups operate on shoestring budgets and rely on volunteers to achieve their goals. Check out the list of volunteer opportunities below and reach out to see how you can make a difference during your stay!

ArtWaves MDI

ArtWaves provides residents and visitors of every age and skill level with an accessible, affordable, and dynamic art and movement curriculum. We ask volunteers to sort and organize art supplies, assemble art "kits," and assist instructors with classes. Volunteers earn credits toward taking classes. Opportunities are available year-round. 

For more information, contact Barbara McLeod at barbara@artwavesmdi.org or 207-664-3289 (email preferred).

Friends of Acadia

Our Drop-in Stewardship Volunteer Program is open! The 2023 Drop-In Program runs from 8:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from June into October.

For more details, visit https://friendsofacadia.org/get-involved/volunteer/stewardship-volunteers/

Island Connections

Volunteer and Explore with Island Connections!

Visiting Maine? Make your trip memorable by joining Island Connections. Our volunteer drivers, a mix of locals and seasonal visitors, provide free rides to seniors and those with disabilities on Mount Desert Island and the surrounding islands. Be a part-time local hero, offering your time on your terms - explore the sights and make a difference. Drive through the stunning landscapes, delivering more than rides; deliver smiles and independence. Join Island Connections for a uniquely Maine adventure - where volunteering meets vacationing!

Please contact Sydnie White at 207-288-4457 or sydnie@islconnections.org. Volunteer Registration forms can be submitted online at http://islconnections.org/apply-to-volunteer/

Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry

Loaves & Fishes relies on our cadre of 200+ intrepid volunteers to keep the pantry running and the community fed. Whether you’re looking to volunteer regularly or prefer to help when time allows, we have something for you! Volunteers drive the van to local supermarkets, sort and cull donated food and stock shelves, greet/register new clients, handle the phones, and more. You can also work from home to provide support for mailings, work on technology projects and help with fundraising, development and grant writing.

Join us – we’re fun and fearless!
https://www.loavesandfishesellsworth.org/volunteer-application

Don't forget to share your volunteer experience on social media and be sure to tag the organization you're helping as well as @visitbarharbor! #visitbarharbor