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!

Bar Harbor/MDI Rotary

On the 4th of July, the Annual Pancake Breakfast and Seafood Festival begins at 6:00 a.m. with a pancake breakfast, which lasts until after 10:00 am. At about 11:00 a.m., we begin to serve lunch until about 2:00 p.m. Come on out and enjoy the day with us. Volunteers are welcome to work any portion of the event.

To learn more, call Lisa Horsch Clark at 207-669-2152 or email lisahorsch@friendsofacadia.org.

Summer Festival of the Arts (SFOA)

We are a three-week summer day camp focused on arts education for ages 6-16, held at MDI High School. Classes include everything from poetry to origami to show choir. We would love help with both set up and break down of camp, as well as assisting with lunchtime and classes during camp.

Move in: Friday, July 1st; Camp dates: July 5 - 22 (weekdays); Move out/Clean up: Saturday July 23 and Sunday July 24. Lunch help is needed between 11am - 12pm during camp.

To learn more, email campdirector@sfoamaine.org or call 207-244-3855.

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).

Island Connections

Island Connections Volunteer Drivers deliver meals to seniors and those living with disability in partnership with the local Meals on Wheels program. We are always looking for fill-in drivers to cover regular drivers' absences due to vacations, sickness, and seasonal transitions. Please inquire for specific dates since availability varies. This is geared for a longer-term visitor, though other opportunities are also available for seasonal and year-round residents.

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

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