SAT tests, AP course homework, sports games, club meetings- yes, we know how busy students are at this time of the year. However, there’s still time for community service! Whether you need to fulfill required service hours or simply want to pitch in around town, there are plenty of opportunities. And we promise that they won’t take away from your study time or game schedule!
We’ve collected some of Northern Virginia’s most fun and interesting volunteer opportunities for teens this fall.
Join the Teen Advisory Board
Flex your leadership skills at the Great Falls Library. Applications are now open for the Teen Advisory Board: a group of high school students who help to improve library services in the local community.
Location: Great Falls Library. Great Falls, VA
Dates: Meetings are held the first Monday of each month at 7pm
Notes: Open to students ages 13-18. Must apply by October 8.
To apply, email shelley.levinson@fairfaxcounty.gov
Play all day
Do you want to spend a gorgeous fall day playing games? If so, check out McLean Harvest Happening. They are looking for volunteers to run games and craft stations for children ages 2-5. High energy and creativity are a must!
Location: McLean, VA
Date: September 24, 11am-2pm
Notes: Must be 16 years or older
Design a Halloween town
This the perfect opportunity for Halloween lovers. Help Burke Lake Park with their newest event: Ghost Town. Multiple volunteer shifts are available for those who want to help transform the park into a ghoulish sight.
Location: Burke Lake Park. Fairfax Station, VA
Dates: Multiple days throughout the month of October
Notes: Must be 16 years or older
Clean up the community
Join the Oakton Park Authority’s watershed clean-up this fall. Volunteers will have the chance to spend the day outside beautifying the area. We can’t think of a better way to take advantage of the fall weather!
Location: Oakton, VA
Date: October 1
Notes: Bring your own work gloves!
Work at the library
Dolley Madison Library has openings for teen volunteers this fall. This is a great role for anyone who enjoys organizing and helping people find information. You must be able to attend the library orientation session on October 11, 5-6pm, and commit to a two-hour shift each week.
Location: Dolley Madison library. McLean, VA
Dates: Orientation: October 11, 5-6pm. Various shifts are available throughout the fall.
Notes: Must be 14 or older
Welcome a new community center
There’s a new community center in Lorton, VA, and you’re invited to celebrate the opening! Volunteers are needed to help set up and break down the event, as well as direct traffic and guests.
Location: Lorton Community Center. Lorton, VA
Date: October 15
Notes: Must be 13 or older
Run a game booth
Calling all camp counselors, babysitters, and coaches! Share your talents with the Reston community by volunteering to run games and activities at this event.
Location: Reston, VA
Date: October 15
Notes: Must be 16 or older
Celebrate northern Virginia’s cutest pets
Attention all pet lovers! Why not spend the day working with northern Virginia’s most adorable pets? Sign up to volunteer at McLean’s Pet Fest. The event promises to include an array of animals!
Location: McLean Community Center
Date: October 16, 11am-4pm
Notes: Must be 16 or older
Cheer on Tour De Mt. Vernon
Even if you’re not interested in biking 20 miles, you can still support the Tour De Mt. Vernon. Volunteers are needed to assemble packets, mark the course, and act as ambassadors and ride marshalls during the race. Lance Armstrong isn’t attending, but hundreds of cycling enthusiasts will be there.
Location: Workhouse Arts Center. Lorton, VA
Dates: October 21 and 22
Notes: Must be 16 or older
coach swimming
Put your swimming skills to good use by becoming a coach this fall. Reston Community Center is looking for swim instructors to give lessons to children and adults with disabilities. Volunteers must be available on Saturday mornings and commit to at least one 6-week session.
Location: Reston Community Center. Reston, VA
Dates: October 29-December 10
Notes: Must be 13 or older
Show your thanks on Thanksgiving
If your family will be in town for Thanksgiving, consider gathering everyone for this volunteer opportunity. Reston Community Center is looking for people to sort and pack food donations Thanksgiving morning. Children and adults are welcome, as well as some teenage muscle!
Location: Reston, VA
Date: November 24, 10am-1pm
Notes: Children ages 5 and up are welcome. Children under 14 must be accompanied by parents
For more information, click here
Virtual Opportunities
For those who don’t live in northern Virginia or may have a tight schedule, don’t worry! There are several virtual, flexible opportunities available. Here are some of our favorites.
Conduct research for the Smithsonian Institution
The Smithsonian Institution has a variety of projects in progress, and they need your support! Visit their website to learn more about how you can help solve garden mysteries, contribute to the Encyclopedia of Life, or transcribe historical documents-all from the comfort of your own living room.
Make new friends from home
Best Buddies is an organization dedicated to creating social inclusion for students with disabilities. Many high schools and universities have local chapters, and now there’s a virtual chapter as well. If you are interested in mentoring other students and making connections remotely, join now.
Adopt a grandparent
The past few years have been especially isolating for senior citizens. To combat loneliness, Bright Horizons has created a platform of virtual friendships and events. Volunteers can sign up to perform in online music shows, participate in a senior citizen book club, play games, or chat one-on-one with an elderly member in need of a friend. Click here to learn more and register for volunteer training.