Volunteer suggestions for a 13 year old?

[jyyanks]

My 13 year old daughter is too old for the summer camps in the area but too young to get working papers. I would like her to volunteer for the summer so she doesn't sit around idle all day. However, most places do not accept 13 year olds due to liability issues. We called a bunch of local day cares and a few nursing homes and they were pretty adamant that they don't accept 13 year olds so I'm at a loss. All the day camps in the area have "counselors-in-training" but you have to be 15. Anyone have any suggestions on places that would be happy to have a responsible 13 year old volunteer for the summer?

Thanks in advance.

[shootingstar]

Have you tried the public library? I was thinking helping out in the children's dept. Public libraries also have policies on volunteers and many do screen them.

What does she like doing as hobbies?

[jyyanks]

Thank you for the suggestion! I haven't tried the library but that's a good thought. My only concern is that they will probably want someone with working papers since they are technically government-run but it's definitely worth a shot. Coincidentally, she loves to read which is why it would be perfect. She likes kids, cooking and swimming as well.

[CAL]

I have a 13 yr old son and there aren't many places available, but we did find a couple. Don't know if your area has Cat Matchers. Cat Matchers helps to find homes for cats in need of a home. The cats are kept at Petco stores and they need volunteers to keep the enclosures clean, change out the cats bedding, groom/brush the cats, and play with the cats. They can also help out on adoption days. One of the local zoos has volunteer positions available at age 13. They work with the barnyard/petting zoo animals.

[Owlie]

I'd have said "animal shelter", though that might be age-restricted. My public library was 16+.

[Antaresia]

The SPCA I volunteered at allowed kids, but they had to have a parent with them. I'm sure every place is different, but if the better known shelters don't allow it (the pound, SPCA) look at more specific, smaller rescues. Like reptile rescues

Come to think of it, there is also a reptile club I belong too. We do tend to collect younger members who aren't allowed reptiles in the house yet, they come out and help us with educational events. If your kid is interested in any kind of animal, there is probably a club for it.