Children’s Shelter

The Children's Shelter Foundation River Farm

Children's Aid Project for children and young people from North Thailand and the Hill Tribes

The Children’s Shelter is a private children’s home in a supportive, extended-family setting. Children and adolescents live with their teachers, educators, and caregivers in a loving, protected environment. They take part in age-appropriate daily tasks in the community and receive individualized schooling and vocational training. We aim to guide young people toward independent adulthood—and to keep the door open for life.

The Children’s Shelter currently cares for about 25 children, from kindergarten through university age. Most children are referred by the Provincial Office of Social Development and Human Security in Thailand. Volunteering in Chiang Mai with this project helps provide stable care, education, and life skills for vulnerable children.

The Program

Arrival – Friday

You’ll arrive in Chiang Mai on Friday and settle into your volunteer accommodation.

Orientation – Saturday & Sunday

Your weekend begins with a Pre-Service Volunteer Orientation, a Chiang Mai city tour, and a cultural activity. You’ll also get the chance to read Volunteer Reports written by past participants in this project—always a great way to see what to expect!

First Project Days – Monday & Tuesday

Volunteers start their service on Monday and Tuesday. Our Volunteer Coordinators will travel with you by local transport to the Children’s Shelter, introduce you to the staff, and walk you through your daily schedule, expectations, and upcoming special activities.

Days Off – Wednesday & Thursday

Mid-week is your chance to rest, explore Chiang Mai, or take short trips. Many volunteers enjoy temple visits, nature hikes, or cooking classes.

Back to the Project – Friday, Saturday & Sunday

Friday, you’ll return to the Children’s Shelter with support from our coordinators. On Saturday and Sunday, all the children are at the home, and volunteers spend the day (09:00–15:00) cooking, playing, and supporting activities.

From Week 2 Onwards

• Monday, Tuesday & Friday: Children attend school. Volunteers help in the afternoons/evenings (16:00–19:00).

• Saturday & Sunday: Full days at the Children’s Shelter (09:00–15:00).

The Food

During your stay, you’ll enjoy:

• Breakfast daily at the volunteer house.

• Lunch or dinner on working days, shared with the children and staff.

Meals are simple, tasty Thai food—great for cultural exchange and for trying home-cooked local flavors.

Criminal Background Check (Required for All Volunteers)

To ensure the safety of the children and communities we serve, all volunteers must provide a criminal background check showing a clear record before starting their project with Friends for Asia.

How to Get Your Background Check

• National government or police department: The most common way is through your home country’s police or national government office.

• Online services: If processing times are too long for your schedule, we can recommend approved online background check providers. Just reach out to the Friends for Asia team for guidance.

Costs

The cost of the background check must be covered by the volunteer.

Why It Matters

We understand this step can be time-consuming and sometimes costly. However, it’s an essential safeguard that allows us to welcome volunteers into programs with children at schools, homes, and community projects. Without a valid background check, Friends for Asia cannot confirm your placement.

By completing this important step, you help us ensure that volunteers in Thailand are safe, responsible, and a positive presence for the children and staff we support.

Volunteer Role

Weekdays:

Volunteers assist with daily tasks and support activities, including:

• Helping with cooking

• Playing educational games with the children

• Assisting with homework

• Cleaning

Note: On Friday evenings, children take part in in-house clubs such as Music, Storytelling, Cooking, and Baking. Groups rotate through different clubs each month.

Weekends:

Volunteers join the children in full-day activities, which may include:

• Cooking

• Farming (watering plants, composting, harvesting vegetables, fishing, etc.)

• Caring for animals at the center (fish, chickens, dogs, cats)

• Life skills activities to support children’s personal development

Note: On some Sundays during the winter season (November–February), children go on outings, and volunteers are welcome to join these trips.

Transportation

When you volunteer in Thailand with Friends for Asia, we try to make your arrival smooth and easy. Airport pick-up, a city tour, and transportation to and from the welcome cultural show and dinner are all included in your project fee.

If you ever need non-emergency medical help, our staff will accompany you to the clinic. Of course, in a real emergency, an ambulance will be called. Volunteers just need to cover their own costs if they have repeated doctor or dentist visits.

On your very first project day, our coordinators will take you directly to the Children’s Home. After that, you’ll be using local transportation (with our guidance) to get back and forth between your volunteer accommodation and the project site. Travel time is about an hour each way, and it’s part of the local experience!

Things to Bring from Home

The children never expect gifts, but if you’d like to share something from your home country, small and thoughtful items are always loved. Here are a few ideas:

• Picture books from home

• Photos of your family, pets, or hometown

• Fun little gifts like pencils, erasers, or stickers

• Candy or snacks from your country (avoid chocolate—it melts fast in Thailand!)

• Bright, simple storybooks

• Postcards from your hometown

• Chewable children’s vitamins (these aren’t easy to find here)

And honestly, the best thing you can bring is patience and flexibility. Life at the Children’s Home—and life in Thailand—can be unpredictable, but that’s what makes the experience special.

Health

Staying healthy is important for you and for the kids you’ll be working with. Follow common-sense health rules, like frequent hand-washing, and if you’re unsure, our team or other caregivers can share tips.

If you’ve never worked with children before, don’t worry—you’ll quickly learn from the staff and other volunteers.

Most importantly: if you’re sick with something contagious (like a cold or flu), please take a break from volunteering until you’re better. Protecting the health of the children always comes first.

Clothes, Appearance, and Code of Conduct

Thai culture values appearance, and since you’ll be around small children, modest clothing is best. Don’t worry—you don’t need to dress formally, just keep it casual and covered.

Good to wear:

• Long pants (jeans are fine if they’re neat)

• Longer shorts (to the knee) or capris

• Regular t-shirts

Avoid:

• Visible tattoos (especially for women—please cover them)

• Facial piercings (men are asked not to have any; women should limit to ears)

• Sleeveless tops or low-cut shirts

• Short skirts, shorts, or dresses above the knee

• See-through or very revealing clothing

A Few More Friendly Guidelines

We know many volunteers like tattoos or piercings, but in Thai culture—especially at schools and children’s homes—they can cause misunderstandings. That’s why we ask you to cover tattoos and remove facial piercings while volunteering.

Smoking and drinking are not allowed at the Children’s Home. While you’re with the kids (usually about four hours), we also ask that you refrain from smoking—even off the property.

And remember: this project is less structured than some of our others. That means you bring the energy! Want to teach English? Great! Want to play games, help with cooking, or organize something fun? Go for it. The children love it when volunteers take the initiative.