Summer vacation is a great opportunity for students to engage in their communities and gain valuable experience through volunteer work. Volunteering not only helps others but also provides personal growth, skill development, and a sense of accomplishment. By making service a daily or weekly habit students can create a positive routine and develop strong connections with others. Here are some summer volunteer ideas for students who are looking for inspiration:
Bonus content: Check out our blog post about how students find belonging and purpose through service.
Local Nonprofit Organization
Nonprofit organizations are always in need of volunteers, especially during the summer months when many regular volunteers are on vacation. Volunteer at organizations that you are interested in such as animal shelters, food banks, or environmental organizations. This is a great way to give back to the community while also gaining experience in a specific field.
Summer Camps
Summer camps are a great way for students to gain experience working with children and develop leadership skills. Many summer camps rely on volunteers to help with activities, supervision, and general support. Look for summer camps that align with your interests, such as sports, arts, or nature camps.
Local Project
Many communities have ongoing service projects that require volunteers, such as park cleanups, community gardens, or building projects. Check with your local government or community organizations to see what service projects are available in your area.
Hospital/ Nursing Home
Volunteering at a hospital or nursing home can be a rewarding experience for students who want to make a difference in the lives of others. Students can help with activities, provide companionship, or assist with administrative tasks. When working in a nursing home or hospital, students are able to connect with different generations and learn from their wisdom.
Volunteer Abroad
For students who want to travel and make a difference, there are many volunteer abroad programs available. These programs offer the opportunity to volunteer in communities around the world, while also experiencing a new culture and gaining valuable experience. Serving in communities that are very different from their culture allows students to expand their worldview, understand different cultures, and have a greater sense of empathy and understanding.
Local Library
Libraries are a great resource for communities, and many libraries need volunteers to help with shelving books, assisting patrons, or organizing events. If you love books and learning, you can gain valuable experience while giving back to your community.
Sports Team
For students who love sports, volunteering with a local sports team or organization can be a great way to give back. Students can help with coaching, equipment management, or event organization.
Create Your Own Project
If you have other skills and talents that you would like to use to help your community, you can create your own service project! A great example would be if a student is good at language, they can tutor or translate for others. Think about how your skills can be used to help your community and make it happen!
By choosing a volunteer opportunity that aligns with their interests, students can make a difference while also developing personal and professional skills. Whether it's volunteering at a local nonprofit, participating in a community service project, or volunteering abroad, there are many ways for students to make a positive impact this summer.
If your students need a place to catalog their service hours and experiences from summer, x2VOL is here to support you by making it easy to track everything online.
