How to Find Volunteer Work for Teens

Volunteers in stream cleanup

Anyone who has been around a teen knows that they do not like to be bored. Finding work for them at home is okay, but it is even better to get them out to volunteer for different agencies. When it is time for college or a new job, listing volunteer hours is very beneficial to their application process. With a little perseverance, your teen should be able to find something that she will enjoy doing.

Instructions

1. Call your local church that is active in the community. Pay attention to the place that seems to always have something happening. The church might be the local soup kitchen and anxious for more helping hands.

2. Check if your nearest hospital has volunteer positions available for the age of your teen. Working in the medical environment is a great learning tool for kids, especially if they are thinking of going into the health field as a career.

3. Ask at the Boys and Girls Club or YMCA to see which activities are available that a teen could volunteer for. Sometimes, these organizations need older teens to act as brothers and sisters to younger kids in after-school programs or to help coach youth sports teams.

4. If you are near the water, find environmental groups that seek volunteers to help with stream or bay water monitoring or cleanup. This helps kids get outside and alongside scientists who are helping make changes in our communities. The Coast Guard sometimes has volunteer opportunities listed on its website. For the older teen, maybe volunteering to work on a boat for a few weeks during the summer to learn the trade is a possibility.

5. Inquire at fire departments, another institution that often accepts teen volunteers to help with various activities around the station. It is great environment for a kid to see very giving and caring people. There are always people there, and it could be a great incentive to keep kids off the street.

Resources

• Boys and Girls Club
• YMCA
• U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary