Volunteer suggestions for a 13 year old?

[Tri Girl]

Animal shelters. Maybe the city ones would require you to be 14, but what about private organizations (the no-kill animal sanctuaries)? Perhaps they would be more willing to accept a younger volunteer with letters of recommendation from teachers? I know many of them desperately need volunteers.

[limewave]

When I was thirteen I went around the neighborhood mowing lawns and washing cars for a summer job. I made a flyer and went door to door. I had about 10-12 customers. I was mowing lawns every day.

Volunteer ideas: if you attend a church or religious organization, there are probably things to help with weekly there. Cleaning, filing, etc. Local agencies like police/firefighters will sometimes take on young volunteers to help with inventory, washing vehicles, etc. We have a neighborhood garden you can volunteer working at . . .

[Grits]

Our library had a summer page program that accepted 13 year olds. it was only for an hour or two a week.

[lovelygamer]

I manage a volunteer center. Your best bet for youth that young are as some mentioned: libraries, churches, animal rescue groups. Another good bet is a museums or historical mansions. Historical programs are much more willing to work with youth than other programs. Lastly, try the naturalist or eco-friendly organizations in your town. Sometimes those groups are willing to have youth represent for them and/or help during special events (fairs/festivals).

You will mostly have a bad time placing a youth with any agency that deals with a vulnerable population.

Also, another tip many parents don't realize. More agencies will be willing to work with your young child if you can volunteer WITH them! Good luck!

[zoom-zoom]

What about babysitting? I started when I was about 12 and the summer when I was 13 I made a TON of money babysitting a few days/evenings per week. My grandpa worked for the local chamber of commerce where I grew up...it was a really touristy area, so couples on vacation who wanted a romantic dinner out would hire me to watch their kids for a few hours. Those folks generally paid REALLY well.

[jessmarimba]

I know I volunteered at a YMCA camp when I was about that age (I might've been 14, but my little sister worked there too). I wonder if there might be any information in a guidance counselor's office at her school or the local high schools? We were required to do community service every year to graduate from high school so programs that accepted younger students would usually contact our school to coordinate with volunteers.

[maillotpois]

I would have said animal shelter also.

Do you have any local animal parks or zoos? My daughter has been volunteering at the SF zoo since she was about 11 - so 5 years. They had a program where the kids work their way up handling, cleaning enclosures, etc., for different small animals in their rehab facility. She's worked her way up to hawks.