Voluntourism: Love It Like A Local!
Part of what makes the Outer Banks special is the large number of non-profits (over 100!) and the fine work these organizations do to protect and preserve our community of just 37,000 year-round residents. It’s a testament to the generosity of the locals and an expression of how much we care for this special place. If you love the Outer Banks, love it like a local and get involved with a non-profit and turn a great vacation into a life-changing experience. It’s a great way to learn more about the culture, history and natural environment and get closer to the beating heart of this community by working with locals who are lending a hand to others in need.
Whether your interests are sea turtles and shelter animals, or shorelines and surfing, you’re sure to find like-minded people dedicating their time and energy to the cause. Come on down and pitch in on a beach clean-up. Work a couple of hours at the local food bank or a non-profit historic attraction. Help out at a local event, which are often fundraisers that allow the non-profit to continue its work throughout the year. These are just a few examples of “voluntourism” and we hope to share more of these opportunities here and through the links below.
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"The Voluntourism Experience" Video Series
As we continue the work of connecting visitors with the amazing nonprofit organizations in the Outer Banks community, you're invited to join host Caleb Owolabi as he explores how visitors can volunteer and turn a great vacation into a life-changing experience.
Voluntourism Spotlights
'Promise for the Park' Beach Cleanup
June 3, 2025 (rescheduled from May 28)
Join the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau and local community partners for the first of several annual beach cleanups as part of our participation in the National Park Service Adopt-a-Beach Program. In the spirit of The Outer Banks Promise – a destination pledge designed to inspire visitors and residents to help protect the area through more responsible behavior and enhanced stewardship – the Bureau has adopted Cape Hatteras National Seashore Beach Access Ramp 1, which covers the pedestrian access ramp immediately south of the homes in South Nags Head and then extends down to cover approximately a one-mile stretch of beach to Ramp 2 at Coquina Beach. Click here for complete details.
Jockey's Ridge State Park - 50th Anniversary
June 5-8, 2025
As Jockey's Ridge State Park prepares for its 50th Anniversary Celebration from June 5-8, 2025, Friends of Jockey's Ridge is seeking volunteers to help with the exciting four-day celebration. Whether you live here or will be visiting in early June, what better way to enjoy the festivities than truly being a part of the event?! Click here to complete the volunteer form and choose which date(s) you're available and what types of volunteering you would prefer to do.
Outer Banks Voluntourism 'In the News'
- Best Places to Travel in 2025 (BBC - May 2025)
- Reshaping Tourism and Travel in North Carolina (Business NC - May 2025)
- Working Vacay? (Outer Banks Milepost - Issue 13.2, April 2024)
- Volunteering While Vacationing (King Air Magazine - March 2024)
Group Voluntourism Guide
