Summer is in full swing, and for many parents, that comes along with kids and teens looking for suggestions on how to spend their time. The good news is that Washtenaw County is full of opportunities for youths to spend their vacations giving back to their community and having fun along the way.
Check out the list below to find a handful of organizations that welcome juvenile volunteers.
Leave it Better! Volunteer opportunities with Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation
Our very own parks and recreation department is looking for youth volunteers over the age of 10 to help keep our parks and natural spaces beautiful year round. Children between the ages of 11-15 must be accompanied by a parent, but teens ages 16-17 can volunteer solo, making this a great way to earn service hours required by certain student organizations like the National Honor Society. There are a variety of different activities that volunteers can help the Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation department with, including “Neighborhood Nature Restoration Days”, as well as “Get Hands-On in the Gardens,” which gives volunteers the chance to cultivate their green thumbs in a community garden setting.
Check the sign-up website to register for upcoming opportunities, and contact parks-volunteering@washtenaw.org with any questions.
Tiny Lions Cat Cafe & Adoption Center
Brought to you by the Humane Society of Huron Valley (more on other opportunities with them below), the Tiny Lions Cat Cafe & Adoption Center needs volunteers and welcomes children between the ages of 12-17 to lend a hand. At Tiny Lions, kids will work with adoptable cats, and will receive mentorship from staff on animal welfare-related topics. Additionally, volunteer hours at Tiny Lions will be tracked and documented so that children can use them toward any community service hours required by student organizations. All volunteers with Tiny Lions receive a tee shirt, nametag, and access to educational opportunities after paying a one-time $95 fee. However, scholarships are available to cover this fee if financial strain is an issue.
Visit the website to register and sign-up for training. Questions can be directed to volunteers@hshv.org.
Humane Society of Huron Valley
In addition to the opportunities available at Tiny Lions, the Humane Society of Huron Valley is in search of junior volunteers to serve at the main shelter. There, children ages 12-17 will work hands-on with adoptable animals and learn how to care for them while forging strong friendships with each other. The junior volunteer program at the humane society is robust and requires six training sessions before volunteers can sign up for shifts, but there are many opportunities to start the process in July and August. There is a one-time fee of $195 to help offset the costs of supplies and training, but this can be covered by scholarships if this presents a financial strain.
Visit the website to learn more and sign-up. Questions can be directed to volunteers@hshv.org.
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Peace Neighborhood Center
The Peace Neighborhood Center in Ann Arbor provides services for children, family and individuals facing poverty and economic inequality in our community. For the past 50 years, the center has worked to provide resources to empower and assist community members, and much of this work is done by volunteers. The center accepts volunteers in the ninth grade and older to work with kids in the Summer Day Camp program doing a variety of activities. One of the positions available is to work as a special interest club leader/assistant, in which the volunteer would be able to use their own talent for STEM, creative writing, dance or another activity to share that knowledge and passion with younger children. Another opportunity available is to work on the Academic Support team to provide tutoring, or as an Extended Care assistant to look after kids getting picked up after normal hours.
Visit the website to learn more. Questions can be directed to Anabel Cruz at acruz@peaceneighborhoodcenter.org or (734) 662-3564.
Food Gatherers
Food Gatherers, an organization serving the hungry in Ann Arbor, recognizes how important it is to engage the youth in our community in helping to fight childhood hunger. That’s why they accept youth volunteers’ help in a variety of ways and locations. At the warehouse on 1 Carrot Way, children ages 8 and up can volunteer with an adult, and children 14 and up can volunteer unaccompanied to help bag lunches for distribution. At the organization’s kitchen, located at 312 W. Huron, children 12 and up can volunteer with an adult, while those ages 14 and up can come alone.
Visit the website to learn more. Questions can be directed to volunteer@foodgatherers.org or (734)-761-2796.
