9 Fun Ways to Get Your Teen Volunteering

Updated July 2024

As a parent, you fully understand the importance of volunteering, although it is often hard to motivate your teen to get involved with helping out in the community. Of course, your child should appreciate the meaning behind volunteering and helping those perhaps less fortunate; however, that doesn’t mean it can’t be enjoyed simultaneously!

If your teen is reluctant, uninspired, or just a tad lazy, why not come up with some suggestions and ideas that might seem more like fun and get your teen in the community spirit?

1. Write Away!

If your teen is a budding journalist, encourage him to make use of his talent by writing a community e-letter or newspaper, packed with news and relevant information about your neighborhood. Alternatively, why don’t they cheer up a deployed service member by dropping them a line?

2. Showcase a Talent

Perhaps your teen has a penchant for ballet, or can belt out a tune on the guitar? If so, get her to organize free performances in local nursing homes, or at a children’s hospital. She gets to do what she loves, and the community sees a fantastic show!

3. Take in a Service Puppy

So many organizations in the U.S. are looking for good homes to raise service puppies. There are many ways that dogs can be used to help others, such as guide-dogs for the blind, or company dogs for returning army heroes. Your teen will have fun fostering a puppy who will one day have a positive impact on the life of someone in need.

4. Happy Birthday Greetings

Having a special time on your birthday is something most teens take for granted. However, so many children are not so fortunate. Get your teens to participate in Birthday Mail, where they can get creative, have fun, and at the same time, help put a smile on someone else’s face.

5. Organize Sports Activities

Maybe your teen is passionate about sports or exercise. If so, get him to put this to good use by organizing events in the area, such as yoga sessions, walks, or basketball games. Your teen passes on their expertise, and the community get fit!

6. Get Scavenging

Get your teenager to do their bit for the environment, and give cleaning-up a new slant. Trash Scavenger Hunts are a great way for teams to challenge their friends, clean up, and enjoy themselves all at the same time.

7. Bake Up a Storm

Baking is an enjoyable pastime for many teens, so why not incorporate that into giving to others? Your teen can bake treats and deliver them to fire-stations, elderly residential homes, or anyone else that provides a service for the community.

8. Offer Mentoring

The opportunities for being a mentor are simply limitless. If your teen loves books, why not help a younger child learn how to read, especially if they are struggling? Or if they are a whizz where maths is concerned, your teen can offer their services at school or in the community.

9. Organize a Play Day

Small children need space to play, and ultimately learn. Your teen can encourage your community to be involved in this by organizing a Play Day. This provides fun activities, while at the same time, taking care of the community in a proactive way.

Search for more volunteer opportunities here!