A new year means we get to put our best foot forward! This is the perfect time to start introducing children to volunteer work. Volunteering can be a fulfilling experience and a fantastic way for children to connect with their community. Through community outreach, charities, or helping around the neighborhood and school, there are limitless ways for your child to get involved. Here are six volunteer opportunities for kids that are fun and give back to their communities.

Join the Scouts

The Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts are nation-wide institutes that give children a foundation of growth and giving back. They teach kids life lessons and useful skills to use on the home front and in the wild. They are also known for their fundraising, community outreach, and team-building comradery. The lessons a child can learn in the scouts can last a lifetime by laying the groundwork for good deeds and achievements to come. You could even become a den parent or scout leader, helping your scouts along the way.

Junior Achievement, Inc of New Mexico

Currently operating programs in elementary, middle, and high schools, volunteer consultants mentor children to understand the world around them. Materials encourage children to be aware of their economic surroundings and push them to embrace a zeal for academic learning. They generally operate in highly populated communities of Hispanic and Native American children, but all are welcome. The lessons they impart connect children, showing the part they play in shaping their lives and those around them.

Talk to Your Daycare

Daycares often participate in volunteer work. Parents and children alike can get in on the fun! Talk to your current daycare about any outreach programs and get involved. Charity organizations and fundraisers enjoy working with school, daycares, local businesses, and religious institutions. You can learn more from your providers or by reaching out to your local contributors.

Set an Example

When you get involved in volunteer opportunities with kids, you are making an impression on your own children. If you are a nature-lover, see if there are any clean-up projects. If you love animals, see if there are any shelters accepting volunteer work. Take your love of your children to the next level by volunteering for nonprofits doing volunteer work for kids. If you love and have experience in the arts, you can volunteer as a mentor or teacher for after school programs.

Look No Further Than Home

Pay attention to volunteer opportunities within your children’s school or religious community. Churches, synagogues, mosques, and more are always looking for volunteer assistance. Programs like Child Evangelism Fellowship Inc. work with local pastors and congregations to further fellowship and charity outreach. Several parents of faith or that are active in their surrounding communities find inspiration for volunteer opportunities at every turn. Your children’s schools are also running fundraisers like bake sales or car washes to give back, so jump in!

Focus on Your Interests

Rising Martial Arts Wellness Club, New Mexico Young Actors, and the Albuquerque Youth Symphony Program all cater to children’s interests. They are just the tip of the iceberg that take cultural programs and elevate them with volunteer work. Any experience you have in these and other focuses proves invaluable! You get to work hands-on with children. If your children share your interests, they can also get involved.

Volunteering for kids and with kids can take your personal charity work and values to another level. Wonderschool stays aware of local organizations and charities that are perfect for volunteer work. Whether you are looking to get involved, or your children are ready to help others, there are always opportunities to give back.