Summer is a fun time to hang out with friends, soak up the sun and sleep late. Many teens however, while enjoying these activities, feel the need – and want the opportunity – to connect with others and provide a service that adds value to their community. In addition, more and more schools and club participation are requiring community service hours to help teens recognize the importance of volunteering their time and engaging in activities that improve community conditions.
The United Way of Berks County has compiled a list of various youth volunteer opportunities that we hope will add value, build skills, meet needs, encourage teamwork and provide opportunities for youth leadership. This list is by no means inclusive of all the opportunities available for youth in Berks County. If you do not find something here, consider calling your school, church and local service organizations. You also may want to check our website: www.uwberks.org/volunteer.
2019 Summer Youth Volunteer Reference Guide
Explore These General Volunteer Ideas:
1. Work in a concession stand to raise money for a good cause.
2. Volunteer as a counselor at a local summer camp.
3. Volunteer to lead a youth club.
4. Make birthday cards for the elderly.
5. Run or walk in a charity race with friends.
6. Surprise your parent(s) or neighbors and offer to babysit a sibling, relative or friend.
7. Check on an elderly person after school or over the summer.
8. Read a book to a blind person or an older neighbor.
9. Celebrate a birthday by asking friends to donate items for causes instead of gifts.
10. Become pen pals to a younger person or someone from another country.
11. Knit or crochet baby blankets.
12. Collect unused make-up, perfume and other cosmetics for a shelter.
13. Donate old eyeglasses to an organization or place that recycles them for those in need.
14. Gather clothing from your neighbors and donate it to a local shelter.
15. Organize a local blood drive with the American Red Cross or Miller Keystone Blood Center.
16. Mow the lawns and care for the plants of neighbors who are away on vacation.
17. Rake leaves or wash windows for a senior citizen.
18. Teach a senior friend how to use a computer, the internet or a smartphone.
19. Offer to read to people in a nursing home.
20. Care for a neighbor’s pet.
