Summer Volunteer Programs
Summertime has finally arrived and you finally have some free time to volunteer. There are many volunteer efforts to choose from, but which will be the best for you this summer? From summer camps to tutoring, there are many fun volunteer options for those who want to spend the summer indoors or out.
Summer camps are a great place to volunteer. Many of these camps cannot afford to hire a full staff and would be very grateful for your efforts. The kids will benefit as well. When you volunteer at a summer camp, you have many options. You do not have to stay the whole summer if you cannot. Pick a week of camp that best fits your schedule and volunteer your skills and time to crafting, kitchen help, or as a special speaker.
You might also be interested in becoming a volunteer tutor. Many students will be spending their summer trying to catch up on their learning and some cannot afford to hire a tutor. Volunteer your time to a local student that needs help on their schoolwork. This is a very rewarding volunteer effort that also gives you a little academic practice during the lazy summer months.
Also consider some outdoor tasks for your volunteer hours. With increased activity in parks and public places, there is also an increase in trash. Clean-up efforts in the city need good volunteers to help in their mission to keep the city clean. There are also volunteer programs to help clean up along the highways. Try this outdoor project out and get involved: volunteer to pick up trash at a local park and keep it clean for summer visitors.
Nursing homes are another fantastic place to volunteer. Some of these older residents do not frequent the outdoors and would appreciate someone to accompany them outside. You can get your fun in the sun and share it with another older citizen. But make sure they put on some sunscreen!
Finally, don't forget to spend some time working with your local food pantry. Most food pantries are well stocked in the winter time when folks are thinking about the giving spirit of Christmas, but many pantries are forgotten when the sun comes out. Your local pantry will surely have opportunities for you to volunteer at shelters or soup kitchens. While you volunteer, you might decide to donate a few summertime essentials, like bug spray, bottled water, and sunscreen.
Volunteer work is harder in the summer heat, but it can be just as rewarding. Support your local volunteer programs by trying out a few locations. You may be surprised how much you enjoy summer volunteering.
