It’s hard to believe, but we’re more than halfway through the summer already. Though students are mere weeks from starting school again, summer boredom has already crept in for many of them. If this sounds like your children, I’d like to suggest something rewarding and worthwhile as an activity while they are still on their break – volunteering. But, you might be wondering why they should volunteer. Below are just a few of the benefits children will enjoy by giving of their time.
- They could make new friends and find mentors.
- They might make a real difference in the lives of others.
- They’ll learn about causes bigger than themselves, and know they were a part of it.
- There will be amazing opportunities to learn skills that could help them later in life. For example, they could gain experiences that they might use in future jobs. And, they will gain some insight into what they really want to be when they grow up.
- Volunteering helps children build confidence and self-esteem as they learn how to do things, and make a difference. The feeling of being needed and appreciated is also a massive boost to a child’s sense of self worth.
- It will certainly fight their boredom because there are so many things they can do.
- Your children could potentially get community service hours that could be used for scholarship opportunities for college.
We could go on and on, but hopefully these reasons have sparked the desire to have your children volunteer. In fact, you could do it with them as a bonding activity!
Once you decide that volunteering sounds like a good idea, where can you go to do it? You could reach out to community groups such as Habitat for Humanity, Meals on Wheels, local food shelters, Paint Your Heart Out, the Red Cross and others to inquire about student volunteer programs. Your children’s schools might even have some ideas for you, or your local girl and boy scout groups. You could begin in your church. Even animal shelters and thrift stores need volunteers. The possibilities are endless. However you choose to serve, we think you’ll find volunteering is a fabulous way to spend the rest of your summer days.