Day in the life

What do you do as a volunteer?

As an OSSO volunteer, your main service is to provide love and care to children and youth living in orphanages. These children have their basic needs met by the orphanages where they live (food, shelter, clothing, etc.), and we love the orphanage workers who do so much to care for them! However, there simply aren’t enough caring adults to go around, and this is where YOU come in!

These kids often miss out on all the interesting conversations, activities, and games that happen in typical families, and OSSO volunteers are perfectly placed to give this sort of extra love and attention to help these kids truly thrive. While this might seem like a big task, remember that the smallest actions often have the greatest impact on a child’s life - such as a smile, a hug, or even just remembering their name. 

Moreover, OSSO volunteers have tons of support! We provide training for each new volunteer about what to focus on in order to make the biggest impact. Volunteers are also given ideas and new activities to do with the kids every week. This helps you be prepared with activities that will be fun for the kids and allows you to better connect with them!

What does a volunteer's day

typically look like?

Every day as an OSSO volunteer is an opportunity to make a lasting difference in a child’s life—and to have an unforgettable experience yourself. You’ll spend your days at local orphanages, bringing joy, connection, and creativity to children and youth who deeply need it.

Each morning and afternoon, you’ll visit different orphanages, playing games, reading stories, doing hands-on crafts, singing songs, and building real friendships. Whether you're painting planets with toddlers, creating papier mâché art with elementary kids, or helping a child with disabilities complete a puzzle, your small acts of love leave a big impact.

You’re never alone in your service—our team provides weekly themed activities and hands-on training to help you feel confident and prepared. From teaching a few English words to teenagers to joining a card game or soccer match, every interaction is a chance to show up with love, laughter, and care.

And it's not all work—you’ll enjoy regular excursions to explore Ecuador, bond with fellow volunteers, and take time to recharge. Whether you're visiting a national park, browsing a local market, or sharing a game night, there’s a vibrant community here to support you.

By the end of your service, you won’t just have memories—you’ll have lifelong friendships and the knowledge that your time made a meaningful difference.

Weekly Excursions

Every Wednesday, you’ll have the entire day off for an OSSO-organized group activity. We take care of planning all weekly activities - meaning you can just sit back, relax, and soak up every experience!

Some of the weekly adventures you go on may* include:

  • Play in enormous waterfalls in Girón

  • Soar above the forest on ziplines and ropes courses

  • Explore Incan Ruins at Ingapirca

  • Spend the day relaxing in natural hot springs

  • Hike through the Andes Mountains

  • Go horseback riding through the highlands

  • Swing over the city at Turi Adventure Park

  • Befriend llamas at Cuenca’s high-altitude zoo

  • Stand in two hemispheres at the same time at Mitad del Mundo - the equator!

  • Explore the Basílica del Voto Nacional cathedral - the largest neo-Gothic basilica in South America!

  • Ride the TelefériQo gondola for a spectacular view of the city (it’s one of the highest lifts in the world)!

  • Explore the Mindo Cloud Forest - a unique ecosystem in Ecuador that’s known for its incredible biodiversity and bird-watching!

* Participation in weekly excursions is a voluntary aspect of the program and is not guaranteed. Activities are determined by a group vote at the beginning of each program term and are subject to availability, logistics, and local conditions. Only one activity is planned per week, and individual volunteers may not request alternative excursions. Activity offerings vary by location, and volunteers are not able to choose or change their assigned location. Participation in any given activity is contingent upon the volunteer’s presence at the designated location and time.

OSSO is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization aligned with the principles, teachings, and values of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; however, OSSO is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Church. While primarily a member-created organization, volunteer opportunities are open to people of all faiths who are willing to follow OSSO's code of conduct.

Photos on this website are used with permission and follow Ecuador’s privacy policies for children in orphanages.

OSSO is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization aligned with the principles, teachings, and values of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; however, OSSO is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Church. While primarily a member-created organization, volunteer opportunities are open to people of all faiths who are willing to follow OSSO's code of conduct.

Photos on this website are used with permission and follow Ecuador’s privacy policies for children in orphanages.