The long days of summer are approaching and parents everywhere are wondering, “What am I going to do with the kids this summer?” Most parents cringe at the thought of constantly hearing their kids say “I’m bored!” throughout the summer months and end up “wracking their brain” as to what to do to keep the kids occupied. Getting your kids to volunteer in their community will not only keep them busy and active, but can also result in an educational and rewarding experience. Through volunteering kids can learn important life skills such as responsibility, caring, independence and organization. Kids are also able to see “how the other half” live and “how good they may have it”, which can result in kids truly learning to appreciate what they have, and how important it is to help others.

To get kids interested in volunteering, it is important to find out what they enjoy doing. Getting kids to utilize their skills and/or talents can contribute to a positive volunteering experience for all involved. As a Youth Volunteer Initiatives Coordinator for the United Way of York County, we offer many volunteer opportunities where kids can utilize their skills to benefit others, such as singing, acting, caring for pets, visiting seniors and participating as Wii challengers, and teaching computer skills. Kids become very interested in volunteering opportunities when they realize that volunteering is not just about cleaning up parks or participating in food drives. Most kids I speak to basically think that these are the only type of volunteer opportunities available, specifically for their age group. When kids are made aware of these other type of opportunities, the excitement and interest in volunteering increases at each school we work with. According to the Institute for Volunteering Research, “Young people who do volunteer have a wider appreciation of its scope and potential, and are less likely to label volunteers according to traditional stereotypes.”*

Appealing to older kids can be a challenge, however, showing them that volunteer experience can be used as prior job experience always seems to peak their attention. When speaking to high school students most of them have made some sort of decision as to what they want to be when they graduate. I explain to them that any type of volunteer experience that is directly related to any future career endeavors can be used to further their success. I give them a hypothetical situation of applying for a job, fresh out of college, competing against others who have also acquired the same degree. It is most common for young college graduates to have the required education for a job, but lack job experience and this where volunteer experience can be of value to them. When they realize that volunteering can benefit them, career-wise, their interest in volunteering increases.

Do not think that volunteering only involves taking your kids to a dangerous or seedy part of town to work at a soup kitchen or homeless shelter. Suitable and age appropriate volunteer opportunities exists for all ages and personal interests. Getting children involved in volunteering is an exceptional way to make them aware of the world around them. Here are some ideas to help get your children interested and involved in volunteering:

Friendly Visitors: Many senior centers and retirement homes are in constant need of friendly visitors for their clients. Seniors can often be lonely due to a lack of family or friends nearby. Kids are often welcomed to senior centers to bring enthusiasm and excitement to their clients. Kids can brighten up someone’s day just by talking with them, talking a walk or reading to them. Some seniors can no longer read and need someone to read important documentation or letters to them, or just want to hear poems or stories from their favorite books.

Creating Care Packets: Creating care packets for homeless shelters is an easy activity that kids can do by themselves or with friends. This activity can be done outdoors, for example, at a local park with available picnic benches or tables. The care packets can contain toiletries, such as shampoo, soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, or they can contain snacks such as granola bars, crackers or juice boxes. Before creating the care packets, however, it is best to contact the homeless shelter you want to donate to and ask the director what is needed. It is important to only donate items that the homeless shelters need and can use. In addition to this activity, a donation drive for items needed can be done either inside or outside. Another option is to raise funds for donation items such as a car wash or bake sale. Adding a contest to see who can raise the most money, wash the most cars or bring in the most donation items can challenge and make the opportunity fun and exciting for the kids! This type of activity is also a good option for special-needs children to participate in. Kids can sit and fill bags as they talk and get to know each other.

Caring for Pets: Local humane societies and animal shelters are in need of volunteers due to the influx of family pets being put up for adoption. Kids can help by feeding, walking and playing with the pets. The whole family can also participate in this activity, which can result in families being able to spend more quality time with each other. Kids can also participate in donation drives for animal shelters by collecting pet food and supplies. Outdoor Clean-Up: Contact your local Parks and Recreation department to see if they need help on local trail or park clean-up. Kids can help create trails, plant flowers, and maintain park facilities. Kids can feel rewarded by the fact that they helped provide a safe and clean environment where other kids can play and have fun.

Outdoor Events: Kids can volunteer at local sporting events, such as walk-a-thons or outdoor events sponsored by the local YMCA. Summer brings a whole host of outdoor activities that are in need of volunteers. Kids can help participants sign in, direct them to where they need go to, sell concessions or distribute products. Entertainment: Kids who sing, dance or act can perform at local senior centers for retirement homes. These organizations welcome performers of all ages to entertain their clients. If this is a career your child wants to pursue, this is a great opportunity to acquire experience and exposure.

Volunteer Centers: Check to see if your community has a volunteer center. Most YMCA’s and local recreational organizations have volunteer opportunities. Churches and local fire stations are also a good place to check, as well as your local United Way office, which specializes in youth volunteering activities.

Yes, kids may prefer to spend their summers swimming, watching DVDs, playing video games and surfing the internet. However, getting your kids, and if possible the entire family to help others by volunteering can also end of being a fun and memorable event.

*Institute for Volunteering Research, VR, Generation V: Young people speak out on volunteering, http://www.ivr.org.uk/, 2009.