The summer months offer a unique window of opportunity for students to engage with their communities in meaningful ways. 

While many kids look forward to a break from academics, summer volunteer opportunities can provide valuable real-world experiences that foster growth, responsibility, and compassion. Far from just being feel-good activities, volunteering helps students build character, develop essential life skills, and even prepare for future academic and career paths.

Whether your child is in elementary school or preparing for college, summer volunteer programs offer a chance to make a difference while gaining experiences that textbooks simply can’t provide. From short-term commitments of just a few days to immersive programs lasting the entire summer break, there’s an option to fit every family’s schedule. 

Let’s explore how giving back during summer break can benefit your student and your family.

The Benefits of Volunteering for Kids and Teens

Volunteering provides numerous advantages that contribute to a student’s holistic development:

Emotional Growth

When students volunteer, they develop empathy by experiencing different perspectives. Whether serving meals at a local shelter or assisting elderly community members, these interactions help them understand challenges others face. This exposure builds compassion and a sense of purpose that extends far beyond the summer program.

Character Development

Summer volunteer opportunities instill responsibility as students commit to showing up consistently and completing assigned tasks. Whether it’s a one-week program or a summer-long commitment, the experience teaches accountability and follow-through.

Many volunteer programs require attendance at training sessions and regular shifts, helping teens understand the importance of reliability. This responsibility often translates to improved academic performance when school resumes.

Social & Communication Skills

Working alongside a volunteer services team helps students build valuable communication skills. They learn to collaborate with diverse team members, from fellow high school students to adult supervisors.

Many volunteers make new friends while participating in service projects. These connections often extend beyond the summer program, creating lasting relationships built on shared values and experiences.

Real-World Experience

For high school and college students, volunteer programs provide insights into potential career paths. A student interested in medicine might choose to assist in a hospital setting, while someone considering education might want to volunteer with younger children.

Experiences like these strengthen college applications and résumés, demonstrating initiative and community engagement. Many colleges specifically look for service hours when evaluating prospective students.

Age-Appropriate Volunteer Ideas for All Interests

Finding the right match between a student’s age, interests, and available opportunities creates a more meaningful experience:

Young Children (Ages 5-9)

Even younger children can participate in age-appropriate service:

• Help plant flowers or vegetables in a community garden
• Create greeting cards for hospital patients
• Sort donations with family members
• Participate in neighborhood clean-up projects

For this age group, parental participation is usually necessary, making for perfect family service projects.

Preteens (Ages 10-13)

As students gain independence, they can take on more responsibility:

• Join organized park or beach clean-ups
• Help with animal care at local shelters (walking dogs, stocking supplies)
• Assist with summer reading programs at libraries
• Participate in food collection drives

Many community organizations offer structured summer volunteer programs specifically designed for this age group.

Teens (Ages 14+)

High school students can engage in more substantial volunteer opportunities:

• Join a Red Cross Club at school or the local chapter
• Volunteer at hospitals (many have specific teen volunteer programs)
• Tutor younger students in subjects they excel in
• Assist at summer camps for children
• Support local food banks or meal delivery services
• Explore international perspectives through UNICEF’s volunteer programs, which offer both virtual and in-person opportunities for teens

These experiences provide valuable skills and can help determine potential college majors or career paths.

Simple Ways to Volunteer Together as a Family

Volunteering as a family strengthens bonds while demonstrating the importance of service:

• Participate in environmental clean-ups at parks or beaches
• Prepare and deliver meals to elderly neighbors or through organized programs
• Join community beautification projects
• Volunteer at animal shelters (many welcome families with older children)
• Support summer program activities at local organizations

Family service allows parents to model values while creating meaningful shared experiences. Even just one week of volunteering together can leave lasting impressions and open conversations about compassion and responsibility.

Time commitments can vary widely to accommodate different family schedules. Create the Good offers options ranging from one-time events lasting just a few hours to recurring opportunities that span several weeks. This flexibility allows families to find the right balance between service and other summer activities.

How to Find Local Summer Volunteer Opportunities

With so many organizations seeking help, finding the right opportunity is easier than you might think:

1. Check local community centers and libraries: These locations often post current openings for volunteers of all ages.
2. Contact hospitals directly: Many have structured summer volunteer programs for teens with training provided in June.
3. Use volunteer matching websites: Organizations like VolunteerMatch.org can connect you with opportunities based on location, interests, and age requirements.
4. Explore religious organizations: Churches, synagogues, and mosques frequently organize service projects and welcome volunteers.
5. Contact the American Red Cross: Local chapters offer numerous ways for teens and families to contribute.
6. Reach out to schools: Even during summer, school offices can provide information about approved service opportunities.
7. Consider global organizations: United Planet offers both online and in-person volunteering options, allowing teens to contribute to international causes at home or abroad.

Before committing, confirm age requirements, necessary training, and the anticipated time commitment. Some programs require volunteers to attend orientation sessions or commit to a minimum number of hours per week. Time commitments can range from single-day service events to structured programs requiring several hours a week throughout the summer. Many organizations like VolunteerHQ offer flexible scheduling options to accommodate family vacations and other summer activities.

Turning Summer Service into Lifelong Values

Summer volunteer opportunities do more than just fill time, they help shape who students become. When young people engage with their communities, they discover their talents and how to use them to support others. They learn that they can make a genuine difference, regardless of their age.

The skills acquired through volunteering—teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and empathy—serve students well throughout their lives. Whether they’re helping at a hospital, participating in environmental conservation, or assisting with community programs, these experiences foster growth that extends far beyond summer.

By encouraging your student to volunteer this summer, you’re providing opportunities for personal development while helping them contribute to something larger than themselves. It’s a powerful way to combine learning with purpose during the summer months.

Looking for ways to encourage civic responsibility in your children? Read our blog post: Empowering Students with Civic Engagement.