Volunteer Opportunities for High School Students

Volunteering not only benefits the community at large, but also develops you as an individual. By volunteering in different programs, one meets different kinds of people, encounters various experiences in life; some encouraging, some disheartening, nevertheless all this builds and shapes one's character.

The benefits of volunteering are plenty, however, before jumping into them, it is important to take note of some important points, such as understanding one's reason for volunteering.

It's important to volunteer with a serving spirit, rather than with the intention of decorating one's academic profile. Moreover, one should know one's call. Do you like to work with the disabled, elderly, homeless, etc. Understanding these facts will help you choose the kind of volunteer work you want to do.

You can browse online for available volunteer opportunities. To help you with your search, here are some volunteer organizations which help different parts of the community. Depending on your calling and interests, choose one for yourself, to spend your summer vacation in a fruitful manner.

Young Life, the Christian organization is meant for all kids, whether they are in middle school, high school or college. It's an organization that works towards spreading the Gospel of Christ and provides opportunities for high school students to volunteer and help out to achieve their goal.

All one has to do is show up at any of their Young Life clubs and take part in their camps. Later, you can be part of the work crew and help run the camp. The mission of Young Life is to introduce adolescents to Jesus Christ and help their faith be rooted firmly in Christ.

Dorot's programs aim at addressing the basic needs of the elderly such as food, shelter, clothing and health. Dorot needs volunteers to bridge the gap between the older and younger generations. Its goal is to touch the lives of the elderly, by mobilizing the community to be an active part of their lives.

Friendly visits, shopping assistance, reading assistance for the visually impaired, etc. are different ongoing programs at Dorot. If you just have an hour every week or more time to give, Dorot has opportunities for all. Dorot is a great organization for those whose calling is to work with elderly.

There are different international volunteer opportunities that high school students can take up, such as those which send volunteers abroad for short periods of time. For those of you looking for such opportunities in developing countries, Project Abroad is the answer. This organization has ample projects in 20 destinations, for one to volunteer.

The projects provided are great ways to help the less fortunate and meet people of different cultures and understand their sorrows and joys. Projects Abroad has a two weeks high school, special program designed specially for high school students, available during both summer and winter vacation periods.

If your area does not have one, then try calling 211 for guidance regarding the different volunteering options. You could also seek assistance from your school's guidance counselor, who can guide you to the right place.

The mentioned volunteering opportunities are just a drop in the vast ocean of volunteering opportunities available today. Surf the Internet and look for volunteer opportunities meant for high school students. After thorough perusal, go ahead and enroll yourself. Remember to take your serving spirit along!