I like to involve my kids in volunteer work and service projects whenever possible. I also feel that service is important to Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, and other youth organizations. Not only is it good for kids to help others, but it’s also good for them to develop a connection with others in their community. It can be difficult to find opportunities for kids to volunteer but don’t let that stop you. Many community days of action invite kids to be part of the event.
In addition to various service projects my Girl Scouts troop has done – making blankets for Project Linus, making cat toys for a local rescue, and assembling blessing bags for the unhoused – my kiddos have participated in helping with a kids’ build day for Habitat for Humanity and a recent United Way Day of Action event where we helped assemble outreach bags for the unhoused and bracelets for those in domestic violence shelters.
Not only do community service and volunteering give kids a sense of accomplishment and connection to their communities, but they also help them grow into stewards of their communities. I feel like one of the side effects of social media is that it’s made us more connected with the world around us but far less connected with our neighbors and the communities we live in. Volunteering gives us a tangible way to see the needs of our community.
Do you have your children volunteer? Post in the comments.
