Frustrated with being told your child to "too young" to volunteer. Through Project Stella Resources I help parents and educators find the perfect opportunities and transform their homes, schools, and communities with kids who Radiate Outrageous Compassion & Kindness (R.O.C.K.). We do this daily through our Schools that R.O.C.K. program providing curriculum for schools and organizations. www.projectstellaresources.com
3. Step #1 to finding Volunteer Opportunities for Kids: Check with A
Community Agency
There are many community organizations that have projects going on and would love to have children
there.
● Nursing Home or Senior Center – children can hand out prizes at a Bingo Game
● Library – children can stuff bags for an upcoming event or make encouraging bookmarks to give out
● Parks & Recreation – children could hand out bottles of water to participants in an event
● Nonprofit agency – children could fill Luminary bags for a special service
4. Step #2 to finding Volunteer Opportunities for Kids:
Talk to your School
There are a lot of goals that your school has that could be an opportunity for your child to serve. Start the
conversation with them by asking, “what is a wishlist item?”. Your answer might be there.
● Create cards to give out to teachers, staff, and administration to show appreciation.
● Collect extra school supplies or books that can go in a resource closet for teachers to use.
● Help with a project in the school library.
● Paint picnic tables for a reading center outside.
6. Step #3 to finding Volunteer Opportunities for Kids: Ask your Child
Many times the easiest solution to solving your problem and getting an idea to involve your child in service
is to ask him or her yourself.
● For a young child – “What makes you sad or mad?” Follow up with, “What do you think we can do
about it?”
● For an older child – “What is one way that you think you can make a difference in your community?”
Follow up with, “What do you need to make it happen?”
The solution will often present itself in their answer. They could start with a small action or by simply
making posters about the issue to create awareness
8. Step #4 to finding Volunteer Opportunities for Kids: Go Outside
Going outside is great for any age child and is perfect for the younger child with a short attention span.
● Go to your local park and pick up trash. Have the goal to fill one bag and make it a game.
● Find a community garden that may need help pulling weeds to volunteer weekly/monthly to be part
of the watering rotation
● Find rocks that you can paint encouraging messages on and then place them outside in well
traveled areas (see Kindness Rocks)
9. Step #5 to finding Volunteer Opportunities for Kids:
Look at Youth Service America
Youth Service America is a wonderful organization that not only provides information and ideas but also
has funding opportunities for projects that involve volunteers between 5-25 years old.
It was through Youth Service America that we received a grant to have our own service project for Global
Youth Service Day. Children of all ages and their families came to bag sweet potatoes that fed families all
over our community
