Is your teen looking for something more to do this summer – something that will broaden their horizons, provide new experiences, maybe incite a passion, and definitely make them feel good? Have them consider volunteering! Volunteering is often flexible, which is perfect for adolescents who may not have a lot of spare time due to work, sports, or activities with friends; and it can provide teens with another opportunity to learn new skills and gain valuable work experience.
How does volunteering benefit a middle or high school student?
- Improves mental health: Research shows that volunteering increases self-esteem and self-confidence in teens by giving them a sense of purpose and accomplishment. Volunteering has also been shown to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression; and it diminishes feelings of isolation as young people work together toward a cause. Most importantly, volunteering increases feelings of gratitude and just makes people happy.
- Grows interpersonal skills: Teens who interact regularly with others who share their interests develop a sense of community. Working with a like-minded group, they develop empathy, respect for others, and an understanding of the importance of kindness.
- Encourages new skills: Teens who volunteer learn important “soft” skills like problem-solving, time management, teamwork, and leadership as they work with others in an organization. They may also learn technical skills related to their roles; and with increased responsibility, they learn accountability, especially if they are expected to complete certain tasks on time.
- Prepares for the Future: Volunteer experience adds depth to a college application and can assist in a job search by demonstrating skills to a future employer. Teen volunteers have been shown to do better in school, too, and often through their volunteer work, they find a passion that helps steer them into a future career.
For more information on teen volunteering please join us for our annual Volunteer Fair from 5 to 7PM on Tues., Sept. 17, at Fort Hill Activity Center, 20 Fort Hill Drive, Naperville, and visit kidsmatter2us.org.
