By Hali Moore
Staff Writer
The Bohol Coconuts Baseball & Softball Club is more than just a sports organization—it’s a bridge between cultures, built on a shared love for the game and a desire to make a difference.
This connection has never been clearer than in the overwhelming response to our 2026 Volunteer Abroad Program. Following a recent website article, we received 137 heartfelt inquiries from across the globe—81 from the United States, 44 from Europe, and 12 from Asia. At the heart of this international interest are female softball players, eager to share their expertise with young Filipino girls while experiencing the breathtaking beauty of Bohol Island.
For these athletes, the opportunity is twofold: to grow the game they love and to immerse themselves in a tropical paradise. The program offers a flexible schedule, allowing volunteers to spend their mornings coaching fundamentals to enthusiastic local girls and their afternoons exploring Bohol’s pristine beaches, iconic Chocolate Hills, and vibrant marine life. It’s a unique blend of purposeful service and personal adventure.
“This program is a beautiful exchange,” says Lerma Moore, General Manager of the Bohol Coconuts and a Cambanac Barangay Councilmember. “Our local girls gain incredible role models and softball mentors, while our international volunteers receive a genuine, heartfelt welcome into our community and a chance to see Bohol through the eyes of its residents.”
The applicants’ motivations are as inspiring as they are diverse. When asked “Why do you want to volunteer with the Bohol Coconuts Baseball and Softball Club?” their answers highlighted a powerful mix of passion for sport and cultural curiosity.
Jenna, 22, from the United States, shared: “I’ve played softball my whole life and believe in its power to build confidence. The chance to help introduce and grow the game for girls in the Philippines, where opportunities might be limited, is exactly the kind of impact I want to make.”
Fellow American Bailey, 20, echoed this sentiment: “Softball has given me so much. Volunteering with the Coconuts will let me pay it forward overseas and be part of starting something special. Plus, doing it from a tropical island is a dream!”
From Andrea, 25, in Europe, the call of adventure and escape was clear: “The idea of leaving the European winter for two weeks in a paradise like Bohol, while actually contributing to a community project, is the perfect combination.”
Meanwhile, Natsumi, 33, from Japan, focused on legacy: “I want to help build a strong foundation for young female athletes. I want to be part of that dream.”
The program is designed for accessibility and deep immersion. For just $499, volunteers receive a comprehensive two-week experience including accommodation at the Coconuts Center, daily meals, a club uniform, and guided local tours.
For those wishing to extend their impact, a 4-week volunteer mission is available for a reduced rate of $799. Volunteers are responsible for their international airfare, visa, and personal travel insurance, with our club providing assistance through the visa application process.
“We don’t want our volunteers to just visit; we want them to live alongside us,” adds Lerma. “They’ll shop at our local markets, share meals with families, and experience the true spirit of Filipino hospitality. It’s a cultural exchange you can’t get from a hotel resort.”
This embedded experience offers chances for unforgettable encounters with Bohol’s unique wildlife, from the tiny Tarsier to majestic Whale Sharks, creating memories that last far beyond the final inning.
“The excitement from these young women—both to teach and to learn—energizes our entire community,” concludes Moore. “They’re not just building athletes; they’re building friendships and global connections that uplift everyone involved.”
The club will also welcome members of the Friends of Bohol Coconuts, our international fan club, to Coconuts Center (club headquarters) for stays between 1-8 weeks. Our international fan club members will visit to vacation on the island and teach seminars and night classes to our youth and adult club members.
