Volunteer work for teens - Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community

8 Ball · 03-01-2019, 09:57 PM

Summer seems so far away, however I’m looking for something my girls 14 and 16 to do worth while and productive this summer. Does anyone have any advice on non profit work they can perform? I’m thinking old folks homes, special needs..

Hevishot · 03-02-2019, 12:59 PM

Made by momma. Check it out!

RedHot25 · 03-02-2019, 01:06 PM

What are they interested in? A) just their own interests - animals or arts or sports or..? They might enjoy applying to something in their interest area. B) what type of work do they like to do - or I guess their personality. I.e. do they like people? Or do they like writing things on their own? Etc.

A lot to consider. You can check with propellus (formerly volunteer Calgary,) for help.

https://www.volunteerconnector.org/v...browse/page-1/

Weitz · 03-02-2019, 01:08 PM

If you don’t want them to resent the volunteer work I would include them in the discussion and have them doing something they appreciate.

FlamesAddiction · 03-02-2019, 01:09 PM

There are probably some local environmental stewardship groups that would love some volunteers. It's fun and you also learn a lot.

I used to volunteer for one and will probably get back into it again.

Dion · 03-02-2019, 01:14 PM

Most of the care facilities for seniors take on volunteers. As an adult I did this for 7 years in my spare time. It's very rewarding as a person gets to form a bond/friendship with the people they visit and help out. It can be one on one visitations or helping the recreation therapists with their programs for the residents. Just go to any facility and ask if your daughters could volunteer their time.

You could also contact Calgary Special Olympics as I know they are always looking for volunteers.

https://www.specialolympicscalgary.ca/

I did something similar with Foothills Special Olympics here in High River for 6 years and was a coach for various sports including softball and bowling. Working with kids and young adults with disabilities is very rewarding.

CaptainCrunch · 03-02-2019, 01:34 PM

I think its important to understand what they see as things that are valuable to volunteer for, then asking what groups focus on those things.

Just be careful with some volunteer groups because they promote you'll be working for X cause and the next thing you know they're in a call center doing fund raising calls.

para transit fellow · 03-02-2019, 03:28 PM

Calgary website to match charities and volunteers

https://vollyapp.com

bossy22 · 03-02-2019, 09:25 PM

I had my boys volunteer at Camp Horizon out at Bragg Creek. It was a good experience for them.

Scornfire · 03-03-2019, 09:34 AM

My Family used to do the Mustard Seed, they typically need hands. Drop-in center is an option, but I don't think they really accept volunteers these days. I wouldn't force them to do anything you're not willing to participate in yourself, if my parents had dropped me off somewhere to volunteer and then waved bye to me I'd probably have been livid. The Rotary club/Kinsmen Club et al would be more than happy to have a few more hands selling tickets on the grounds, this seems a happy medium for teenage girls... Free entry to the park, if they do day shifts they still have the night to hang out and the clubs treat their volunteers very well. I can look into any opportunities with the Kinsmen if your girls are interested.

SPCA doesn't really like seasonal volunteers, but if they're willing to give up a few hours every saturday throughout the year (Typically the least staffed day) they'd get a lot out of it, you'd have to apply basically right now to hear anything before summer though, the waiting lists are big in major cities

Dube · 03-03-2019, 12:28 PM

Can’t you get a legit job at 16? Why volunteer when you can make money!

Edit: to add to the thread. Working with animals? Shelters and such.

FlamesAddiction · 03-03-2019, 01:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dube

Can’t you get a legit job at 16? Why volunteer when you can make money!

Edit: to add to the thread. Working with animals? Shelters and such.

I guess people see value in volunteering.

In Ontario, public high school students need to log a certain number of volunteer community service hours to graduate.

troutman · 03-03-2019, 02:17 PM

community radio

https://cjsw.com/volunteer/

rbochan · 03-03-2019, 03:07 PM

I'd bet there are some older folks in the neighborhood who could use a hand with a few things.

FireGilbert · 03-03-2019, 04:19 PM

Is this thread a humble brag that you are so wealthy your teenage daughters don't need a part time job?

A friends daughter volunteers at the food bank and loves it. Volunteering is only a good idea if your a passionate about the cause though. It shouldn't be a chore or something to put on your resume.

My volunteer experience as a teenager involved reffing minor hockey week (which I hated) and reffing summer charity ball hockey tournaments (which I liked).

8 Ball · 03-03-2019, 05:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FireGilbert

Is this thread a humble brag that you are so wealthy your teenage daughters don't need a part time job?

A friends daughter volunteers at the food bank and loves it. Volunteering is only a good idea if your a passionate about the cause though. It shouldn't be a chore or something to put on your resume.

My volunteer experience as a teenager involved reffing minor hockey week (which I hated) and reffing summer charity ball hockey tournaments (which I liked).

Ya, I wish. My wife is hoping they can land a paying job this summer. I am less optimistic. If they can work like I did when I was a kid that would be fantastic, however if that falls through it would be nice for them to gain experience of some sort helping others. Hopefully it will look good on their resume, which in turn will be helpful in their future endeavours.

Dube · 03-04-2019, 11:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 8 Ball

Ya, I wish. My wife is hoping they can land a paying job this summer. I am less optimistic. If they can work like I did when I was a kid that would be fantastic, however if that falls through it would be nice for them to gain experience of some sort helping others. Hopefully it will look good on their resume, which in turn will be helpful in their future endeavours.

Less optimistic in what sense? There’s 100’s of places a 16 year old can find a job. Hit every store in the mall, grocery stores, cineplex, every fast food joint, book dtores etc. Have her go resume in hand to all the stores, no online application bs.

agulati · 03-04-2019, 12:03 PM

I enjoyed volunteering at a Senior's care facility and the food bank when I was in high school. I had a bunch of friends who would try to get a similar schedule, so it made it even more fun.

GrrlGoalie33 · 03-04-2019, 01:32 PM

If you have a boys and Girls Club close by, they might be able to help with summer camps.

Dion · 03-05-2019, 02:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dube

Less optimistic in what sense? There’s 100’s of places a 16 year old can find a job. Hit every store in the mall, grocery stores, cineplex, every fast food joint, book dtores etc. Have her go resume in hand to all the stores, no online application bs.

Very true!

I would add: Make them go back when they don't get a response from an employer. It's a way of showing the employer that your serious about the job.