Summer will be here before you know it. The kids will be out of school, and you need to figure out how to entertain them and keep them busy. Even if your kids are in school year-round, you can easily incorporate community service into their curriculum. I am always looking for ways to get my girls more involved in the community, and I enjoy watching them become good, productive citizens.

There are plenty of ways to get kids of all ages more active in the community. Many volunteer opportunities don’t even require leaving your home. You can even turn volunteering into just another fun summer activity. Who knows? Your kids may even develop a new passion for something!

Make it a point to fill up some of your family’s free time this summer with an opportunity to help others. Children are more likely to continue helping others when they get older if it is an important part of their childhood. Here is a list of volunteer opportunities you can fit into your family’s summer routine.

Volunteer Ideas for Younger Kids

These opportunities are great for kids of all ages or to do together as a family. 

Community Garden
If you have the space to start a garden, this is a great way to spend some quality time together while growing food to share with the neighbors.

Trash Pick-Up
Choose a neighborhood, local park, or street to beautify by picking up litter. Check with your local public works office to see if they can provide supplies like trash bags and gloves.

Neighborly Love
If you know of an elderly or sick person who can’t leave their home, your family can make it a point to visit once a week to keep them company. Use this time to chat with them, read to them, eat with them, and help with house chores or yardwork. Some great friendships will be formed along the way.

Hospitals
Call the local hospitals to see if they have any in-person opportunities right now. Covid-19 restrictions may still be in place. Regardless, an easy way to spread love and cheer at hospitals is to make generic get well cards for patients, especially children. You can also put together goodie bags for children with longer hospital stays.  Call the volunteer specialist to verify what is acceptable to be written and donated.

Homeless Shelter
Check with your local homeless shelters for immediate needs. Many of them may need help sorting donations or serving meals. Ask about hosting an activity for homeless children. You can also hold a community drive to collect supplies to put together hygiene kits and/or activity kits for kids. Be sure to check with your local shelter about which items can be accepted.

Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity encourages volunteers as young as 5 years old. There are special youth programs designed to encourage kids to begin volunteering at a young age. Search for your local Habitat to see how you and your family can help. Read More→