Can’t find summer volunteer opportunities for rising senior

[Anonymous]

My DD has looked at so many websites of both specific organizations and volunteer list sites and can’t find anything. For instance, when she searched Fairfax County’s teen volunteer list, out of the 100+ listed, they all say “no opportunities at this time” except for the ones that require swimming skills. The hospitals and libraries all still say no volunteers because of Covid. The three food banks she contacted said donations are so low now they aren’t taking new volunteers.

Please don’t write back that colleges don’t want to see volunteering started so late. We know - we just want her to do something useful and meaningful. She started looking in February.

Any ideas?

[Anonymous]

It sounds like the food banks could use food. Could they put together a food drive of some sort?

[Anonymous]

Why isn't she looking for a job? That's useful and meaningful.

[Anonymous]

Maybe just get a job? Lots of hiring going on.

[Anonymous]

I’ve heard lots of teens are applying at businesses but not getting hired.

[Anonymous]

Anyone heard of local businesses hiring for part time summer work? Our 16 year old son and 17 year old daughter are just starting the process, any advice appreciated

[Anonymous]

Park cleanups. Just take a trash bag and go do it.

[Anonymous]

Share of McLean food bank is looking for teen volunteers.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Park cleanups. Just take a trash bag and go do it.

This. And go to less well to do places. Document. Take pictures, do some statistics. Recruit some friends.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Anyone heard of local businesses hiring for part time summer work? Our 16 year old son and 17 year old daughter are just starting the process, any advice appreciated

Start pounding the pavement, vs applying online. Look at retail, food service, amusement parks (if close by)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Park cleanups. Just take a trash bag and go do it.

This. And go to less well to do places. Document. Take pictures, do some statistics. Recruit some friends.

Yes. State parks, county parks, city parks... documentation is important. Sticking with several parks means accumulating more hours in the same place.

Hint: many people with less money will walk off path to flat areas and/or areas by water (lake/pond/creek). They eat and drink. Expect beer cans, etc. Also, think about water/wind flow - trash accumulates in certain spots predictably. I used to do park clean ups with groups of Girl Scouts. If you go to the right spots and have someone to talk to, it becomes a treasure hunt, and kids fill up huge garbage bags.

[Anonymous]

Contact your local girl scout council - they need more helpers for summer camp. Do not need to be a girl scout.

[Anonymous]

She is old enough to do reading ally.

I know a Wider Circle was taking volunteers.

Our church had a list of service needs and sign-ups. Maybe your church has a similar resource?

[Anonymous]

She didn't look hard enough - in the Spring, she could have coached for programs like Girls on the Run (running experience not critical). She can still volunteer for teams in the Fall (season starts in November).

GOTR may need some hands in the summer, it's worth reaching out.

[Anonymous]

There are so many opportunities. How can you not find something? Try taking classes or volunteering or a part time job? Our school had internship opportunities to apply for in the spring.