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What are some good programs or volunteer oppotunities?

I'm currently in 9th grade and have been volunteering since the summer before 6th grade. I want to work with children in the future so my volunteer work is mainly centered around that. I have done workshops and other things where I get certificates at the end and more. Though this I feel as if most of the workshops aren't really centered around the field I want to go into. Because they are not really centered around my field it seems they are unimportant. Overall what are some good opportunities for workshops, volunteering etc that can help me work towards the field I want to go into.

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Lynda’s Answer

Greetings Kathy,
Volunteering is a fantastic way to enhance your skillset and meet people. Working with Special Olympics and Give Kids the World will enrich your life beyond measure. I have also seen a lot of youth working in local food pantries and the YMCA. Your local Parks and Recreation Department may have summer programs you can work in as well.
I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
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Joseph’s Answer

First it depends on your interest. To volunteer you should be interested in the subject. Your school will be able to help you with community volunteer services. There are organizations that would love for your help during summer months such as:

American Red Cross
Meals on Wheels
Homeless Shelters
Cradles to Crayons
Food Banks


Here is also a great link to some programs:

https://www.youthlinc.org/?utm_source=google&utm_campaign=21891469848&utm_content=167571889902&utm_term=summer%20volunteer%20programs%20for%20high%20school%20students&utm_medium=727239881904&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiAvvO7BhC-ARIsAGFyToV4QjR5A444ien_FspaRyyULXnH_rfeSnsRc96H0dhB75CpH3LmalAaAqaEEALw_wcB
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Karen’s Answer

Good for you to be volunteering and learning as much as you can about your chosen field. Since working with children is your current choice, ask at various schools if you can volunteer to assist teachers and/or students with reading, math or areas where improvement is needed. Try to get as many varied opportunities as you can, working with various ages, cultures, etc. Try helping special needs kids who might be struggling in school.

There are also programs to help kids dealing with grief, difficult home situations, homeless, etc. Keep checking online and locally for volunteer opportunities.

My guess is you will be successful wherever you end up!

With every good wish and many blessings,
Karen
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Laura’s Answer

Hi Kathy! Consider these volunteer opportunities to make a positive impact. For community service, join Habitat for Humanity or help at local food banks. In environmental conservation, volunteer with the Sierra Club or at national parks. Education opportunities include mentoring with Big Brothers Big Sisters or tutoring at schools. In healthcare, assist at Red Cross events or hospitals. Help at animal shelters for animal welfare or participate in wildlife conservation. These roles help you gain skills while contributing to the community.
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Angel’s Answer

Hi! Since you’re interested in working with children, consider volunteering at local schools, libraries, or childcare centers. Programs like Big Brothers Big Sisters, tutoring services, or community youth sports leagues are excellent. Look into workshops on child psychology, teaching, or mentoring to gain relevant experience and deepen your understanding of this field.
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Nija’s Answer

Hi Kathy,

It’s so exciting to hear that you’re looking for volunteer opportunities to work with children! This is such a great step toward gaining hands-on experience and building skills that will look amazing on your resume. For summer, there are plenty of ways to make an impact while working with kids. Volunteering at local daycares or summer camps is a wonderful option. You can help with fun activities like arts and crafts, sports, or group games, and many camps even offer junior counselor roles just for teens.

Another idea is to check out your local library’s summer reading programs. You could read to younger children or help with creative activities that make learning fun. Museums are also a great place to consider, as many have summer programs where you can assist with kids’ workshops, interactive exhibits, or guided tours designed for younger visitors.

Organizations like the Boys and Girls Clubs, Special Olympics, or other nonprofits that support children are also great places to volunteer. These organizations often need help running events, programs, or activities that inspire and support kids of all ages. If you’re interested in healthcare, some hospitals or pediatric clinics have summer programs where you can assist staff and help brighten the day for young patients.

No matter which opportunity you choose, these experiences will let you work closely with children, build confidence, and learn valuable skills that will help you reach your future career goals.

Best of luck, I know you’ll do amazing!
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Dr’s Answer

Hey Kathy! First of all, huge props for starting your volunteer work so early—you're already on an amazing path! 🌟 Working with children is such a rewarding field, and your experience is going to give you a head start.

Now, I totally get what you mean about wanting your volunteer opportunities to be more tailored to your future goals. Here are a few ideas to help you focus your efforts while still having fun!

1. Workshops & Programs Focused on Child Development:

Look for workshops or programs that focus on child development, psychology, or education. These will give you the tools and knowledge that are super relevant to your career goals. Some programs even let you work directly with kids in schools or community centers. Bonus points if you can find a program with a certification—it’ll look great on your resume!

2. Mentorship Programs:

Seek out mentorship opportunities where you can either mentor younger kids or learn from professionals who work with children (like teachers, counselors, or child psychologists). It’s a great way to gain experience, and you’ll learn a lot by seeing firsthand what these roles look like in action.

3. After-School Programs or Summer Camps:

Volunteer at after-school programs or summer camps that focus on children’s education, play, or creative activities. These are perfect for gaining hands-on experience, and you’ll be doing meaningful work that directly helps kids.

4. Child Advocacy or Nonprofit Organizations:

Volunteer with child advocacy organizations that focus on children’s rights, mental health, or wellbeing. It’s a great way to make a real difference while gaining insight into the challenges children face and the services that help them. You might even get to assist with events or campaigns that raise awareness for child-related issues.

5. Speech Therapy or Special Education:

If you’re interested in supporting children with special needs or learning difficulties, consider volunteering with speech therapy clinics, special education programs, or autism support groups. It’s a very rewarding area of work and gives you a chance to learn more about child psychology and education.

6. Internships (Even Early On!):

It may sound early, but some places offer internships for high school students in psychology, child development, or education. These can be really valuable and might help you narrow down the specific career path you want.

Fun Tip: Shadowing Professionals:

Reach out to child psychologists, social workers, or teachers to shadow them for a day. Watching them in action gives you a true “behind-the-scenes” look at the field, and it’ll give you a solid understanding of what a career in working with children actually looks like.


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Kathy, you’re already ahead of the game with all your volunteering, and there are so many awesome opportunities out there to keep building your skills and knowledge! Keep having fun with your journey, and remember that every little experience adds up to big things in the future. You’re on the right track—keep rocking it! 🌈💪
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Natalie’s Answer

It’s amazing that you’ve been volunteering since such a young age, and that you already know you want to work with children in the future! Volunteering is a great way to gain experience and develop skills that will help you later on.

You might consider looking for opportunities that focus on children’s education, child development, or even areas like pediatric healthcare if you're interested in that. Here are some ideas:

- Volunteer at local schools or after-school programs – Helping with tutoring, mentoring, or assisting teachers will give you hands-on experience working with kids in an educational setting.
- Youth Mentorship Programs – Organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters provide opportunities to mentor children and make a direct impact.
- Children’s Hospitals or Pediatric Clinics – If you’re interested in healthcare, look for volunteer opportunities in pediatric settings.
- Summer Camps – Working as a camp counselor can give you experience working with a variety of kids in a fun, structured environment.
- Workshops on Child Development or Education – Consider workshops or courses that focus on child psychology, education strategies, or first aid/CPR certification, which can be valuable in many child-focused careers.

Ultimately, try to find experiences that directly connect to the work you want to do. You’re already doing amazing work by volunteering, so keep building on those experiences—everything you do will help you grow and get closer to your goal!
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Zoheb’s Answer

Hello Kathy,

My biggest recommendation would be to connect with local Non-Profits. Whats great about these opportunities is that most small to medium Non-Profits can afford to hire for help with anyone number of roles. Volunteering for positions, like data entry, office administration tasks, or even help support their initiative like volunteering for any events is always a big win. Not only will you gain really great work experience but also life experience. Treat each interaction like a job interview and begin to create connections. If an opportunity currently they can always keep you in mind for any future opportunities that may arise.

Hope this helps!

Good luck on the journey ahead!

-Z
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