Education
and passion for successful efforts. There are countless stories of school-aged children raising money for charity, writing get-well let- ters to hospitalized service men and woman, and organizing community drives of books, toys, coats, shoes and school supplies for the disadvantaged worldwide. Many kids do so without much encouragement from an adult, and often defl ect the praise received for their efforts, which they may fi nd fun. The activity of volunteering meets their typical develop- mental milestones of being industrious and successful in working with peers indepen- dently toward a common goal.
Carry Through If kids participate in neighborhood or com- munity activities, by the time they mature into adolescence, volunteering efforts may be commonplace. Those who have not had the opportunity to serve may fi nd volunteering intimidating or frightening. Often, novice adoles- cent volunteers need support from a peer who has experience, or is willing to try volunteering for the fi rst time as well. Adolescents recruit one another as effectively — if not better than — a parent or other adult. However, many teens benefi t from encouragement to seek volunteer opportunities from trusted school mentors, coaches, teachers or counselors. While some school systems in America require high school students to complete several hours of volunteering before graduation, adults promot- ing the value of volunteering and suggesting opportunities that interest teens have the most response. Best strategies for parents are fi nding ways to gently promote and motivate adolescents and their peers, encouraging them
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to take volunteering action before applying for jobs or applying to colleges. This meets the adolescent’s developmental goal of establish- ing relationships with peers, while becoming independent from caregivers. Many volunteer activities and opportuni-
ties for young people — especially on school holidays and during the summer — are avail- able at: local faith-based organizations, libraries, hospitals, food banks and soup kitchens for the homeless, Boys and Girls clubs, summer camps, retirement communities, environmen- tal groups and animal rescue centers. Many businesses and organizations recruit volunteer
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