8 Summer Volunteer Ideas for Students

Summer is here! Students who want to get ahead of their service hours for next year - make the most of your free time and serve your communities! Not sure where to start? Here is a list of service opportunities for inspiration:

1. Summer Camp

Are you passionate about a certain sport or hobby? You can find summer camps in your state for specific interests, and apply to be a camp counselor, volunteer, etc. Find a summer camp that matches your interests and hobbies like:

• Sports Camps
• Band Camps
• Theatre Camps
• Art Camps
  
  

2. Serve the Elderly

You may have a few elderly neighbors that live in your neighborhood! Offer to help them out this summer by taking care of their yard for them, taking their trash out, watering the flowers, and pulling weeds for them so they can avoid the hot summer heat!

3. Serve Your Church

Check out your local church for volunteer opportunities!Churches offer many opportunities year-round such as serving as a greeter, helping with office duties, setting up for events, etc. Reach out to your local church and ask them how you can help!

4. Volunteer for Your Future

If you have a career path in mind, look for volunteer opportunities that align with your goals! A few example of this would be:

• Volunteering at a hospital (for future healthcare professionals)
• Volunteering at an animal shelter (for aspiring veterinarians or zoologists)
• Volunteering at the library (for those interested in education or public service)
• Volunteering at a STEM camp (perfect for those pursing science or tech careers) 
• Supporting a local nonprofit by creating social media graphics or handling office duties (for students interested in business, graphic design and marketing)
  
  

5. Local Community Center

Serve directly for your family and friends by serving at your local community center! They host many events and activities for adults and children all year long! You can teach children's art classes, perform administrative tasks, help with fundraising, etc.

6. Back to School Fundraiser

Over the summer, start a fundraiser for families who might need help with purchasing school supplies! Back to school shopping can often be a big challenge for families who might not be able to afford everything on the list. Donations can include: 

• Books
• Clothes
• Sports Gear
• Backpacks
• School Supplies
  
  

7. Local Clean Up Projects 

While you're spending more time outdoors during the summer, keep your community beautiful by taking part in local clean up projects. Cleaning parks, planting trees, and picking up trash are just a few examples of ways you can make a difference in your community.

8. Create Your Own Project

Get creative! If you have an idea or something that you are passionate about that can go together with service, take charge by organizing the project!

• Identify the issue
• Do your research
• Make sure to receive approval's where it's needed
  
  

Summer offers students a great opportunity to fulfill their service hours because of the additional free time available when school is not in session. If you are planning on serving this summer, encourage your friends and family to join you! Volunteering together with your loved ones is not only a great way to bond, but it also allows for you to work together to make a difference in your communities!

Don't Forget to Reflect!

Once you are finished serving, make sure to write a reflection in your x2VOL account! Reflection plays a huge role in your development as a student. You can learn a lot about yourself and other while serving. Write about what you did, how it made you feel and what you learned about your community or the people you served!

Are You a Service Leader at Your School?

If you are a service leader or admin at your school and you'd like to bring x2VOL to your school or district view our one-minute demo or request pricing and our team will reach out to you.