Volunteering over the summer months is a great learning experience for children of all ages. In addition, children are eager to help. As children volunteer, it enriches their lives and prepares them for the future.
Why Volunteer
Volunteering provides children with purpose. Also, it furnishes support to causes and people that give meaning to society. Therefore, children make a positive difference in the world when they provide volunteer services.
As children give their free time, it exposes them to various situations they would not normally experience. Also, as they spend time in various situations, they begin to understand their interests or disinterests. Hence, they get to explore their talents and gain insight to something larger than themselves.
Volunteering teaches young children morals and empathy toward others. Also, older teens do better in school through volunteering services. Furthermore, they tend to avoid risky behaviors. Plus, teen-aged children are able to use volunteer experiences on a resume.
Places to Volunteer
Volunteering with children is a great way to bond and to model good habits. There are many ways teachers can encourage parents to volunteer with children.
• Food pantries always need help. A few hours per week helps to teach children and provide them with an experience to help the less fortunate.
• Nursing home residents always like visitors and volunteers. Children learn to place value on the elderly.
• Communities need people that pick up litter. Take a walk in a park, beach, playground or around a local community to pick up litter. Help build a cleaner environment.
• Homebound neighbors need meals. Deliver hot food, sandwiches or snacks to a neighbor that has a difficult time getting out of the house.
• Help at a local animal shelter. Cleaning cages and caring for abandoned animals builds empathy towards animals.
These are simply a few ways to volunteer with children. The start of summer vacation gives more free time for children. Therefore, it’s time to introduce them to giving back to the community and giving them additional learning experiences.
