Summer Volunteer Opportunities for Teens

Summer is a great chance for high schoolers to get ahead on their community service hours for graduation or future college scholarship requirements. The City of Jacksonville and many other organizations offer various rewarding summer volunteer opportunities for teens. Don’t look at volunteering as a chore but rather as a chance to help give back to our community! Check out some of the available volunteer options below.

Animal Care and Protective Services

• Volunteer Kennel Assistant: Assist in the handling and care of adoption animals. Duties may include handling of adoption animals, exercising, bathing and grooming animals, providing food and water, and maintaining kennel facilities. Will also assist in placement of adoption animals. Work may be performed at a retail pet store or at various kennel sites.

• Pet-Friendly Emergency Shelter

Volunteer: The City of Jacksonville launched the Pet-Friendly Public Evacuation Shelter Program to meet the needs of the community during hurricane season, and these shelters need volunteers to function. Pet-friendly shelters are located at Chimney Lakes Elementary School, Landmark Middle School, Legends Community Center, Mandarin Middle School, and Atlantic Coast High School.

Parks, Recreation and Community Services

• Bird Stewards: Volunteer positions needed to assist with the conservation of shorebirds and seabirds at Huguenot Memorial Park. Stewards help carry out two important tasks: 1) minimizing disturbance to nests and 2) informing visitors about the need to protect beach-nesting birds and the site they depend upon. Work periods will begin in April and usually continues until mid-September. Ideally, volunteers will be scheduled for between five and 20 hours a week, including weekends.

Jacksonville Public Library

The Library welcomes teens aged 12-18 years who desire to make a difference in their community. All teen applicants must complete an interview, submit the required paperwork, and pass the background screening before signing up for an opportunity or volunteering. The paperwork includes a notarized juvenile records search authorization, two letters of recommendation, and a parental permission form. All forms will be provided to the applicant after the application has been reviewed.

Youth ages 12-15 years may only volunteer as a member of the Teen Advisory Board (TAB) and/or during the Summer. TAB is offered only in person at select branches. Youths between 16-18 years may participate in TAB and/or in different capacities.

To apply to the above opportunities or for more information, visit www.coj.net/volunteer or contact volunteer@coj.net for more information.

American Red Cross

Red Cross youth volunteers learn valuable lessons in how to work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds, mobilize communities, and create positive change. They hone their leadership skills, make new friends, and explore new interests, all in an age-appropriate environment with visible results. Visit volunteerconnection.redcross.org to find the volunteer opportunity that’s best for you and to apply.

HabiJax

– Habitat for Humanity Jacksonville

Whether you want to join in home construction or ReStore operations, Habitat for Humanity Jacksonville has many opportunities for you to explore. No experience is needed – they will teach you what you need to know to help families here on the First Coast.

All volunteers need to be age 16 or older. Minors (16-18) need an online Liability Waiver signed by a parent or guardian at the time of registration. Go to habijax.org to learn more.

Jewish Family & Community Services

The LJD Jewish Family & Community Services (JFCS) has been a vital part of the Jacksonville Community since 1917, lending a helping hand to people from all walks of life. With unique opportunities for youth volunteerism, JFCS can be a great place to give back to the community.

If you would like more information on a specific volunteer opportunity, fill out the form at jfcsjax.org or email info@jfcsjax.org.

Community Hospice & Palliative Care

Volunteers are vital members of the Community Hospice & Palliative Care team. Whether you offer companionship and a listening ear to patients and family members, help with clerical work at one of their locations, or assist at fundraising events, there’s a volunteer opportunity for everyone. Visit communityhospice.com for volunteer options. j coj.net redcross.org habijax.org jfcsjax.org communityhospice.com