Summer Volunteer Opportunities and How to Get Involved

Summer volunteering is a great way to contribute to your community, gain valuable experience, and make a positive impact in your community and beyond. When getting involved, regardless of where you want to volunteer, it’s important to consider many different factors, such as availability, the skills you have, and the causes you’re passionate about. Be prepared for the occasional training or background screenings depending on the nature of the role and what your job is. Remember that regardless of whether you volunteer just for the last few weeks of summer or continue to volunteer for months beyond, any contribution regardless of size will make a significant difference in the lives of others in your community.

NONPROFITS

Many nonprofit organizations always seek out volunteers, regardless of what time of year it is. They know that particularly in the summer many people have more downtime, and they welcome additional volunteers with open arms. Start by identifying different causes or issues in your community that you care about and want to devote some time to helping. Search for related organizations and nonprofits in your area that cater to these specific causes. Visit their websites or call them to set up times on how to volunteer and what the steps are to do so. Many places like this might even have specific sessions or events for the summertime that you can sign up for.

ANIMAL SHELTERS

Animal shelters and rescue centers usually welcome volunteers during all times of the year. Volunteers can help care for animals, assist with setting up adoption events, and even provide overall administrative support for these rescue shelters. Contact your local animal shelters or rescue centers to ask about whatever volunteering opportunities they have. Just beware: a lot of animal centers require rigorous training or have specific age requirements to work directly with animals. Be sure to ask about these restrictions or regulations before applying!

LOCAL COMMUNITY CENTERS

Community centers in your area may organize different events such as summer camps, sports leagues, or other educational activities for kids in the summer.. Reach out to local community centers or recreation departments to ask about volunteering at these programs. Oftentimes, because there are so many different initiatives and events going on, you can choose to volunteer based on whatever you are most interested in. People setting up these events will likely need help in organizing or planning out different activities, supervising the children, and just providing overall support in set-up and cleaning on a daily basis.

HOSPITALS AND HEALTHCARE

For those who are focused on the medical route in school, a lot of different hospitals will offer volunteer programs! They allow different individuals to assist families, medical staff, and patients in the hospital. You might be in charge of providing companionship to sick patients, assisting the hospital staff with administrative tasks, or supporting different events from fundraisers to parties. Contact hospitals or healthcare facilities in the area to inquire about volunteer opportunities suitable for different age ranges and education levels!