Kids can volunteer at the local animal shelter in Sacramento.
Finding a volunteer opportunity suitable for children can be challenging, although the City of Sacramento hosts a number of volunteer youth opportunities. Children, excepting some older teens, typically require active and constant supervision. Some volunteer opportunities require that a parent or adult guardian accompany children to volunteer events and training sessions. Other volunteer programs provide at-home or in-school opportunities for youth volunteers.
City of Sacremento: Division of Parks and Recreation
The City of Sacramento: Department of Parks and Recreation promotes active stewardship volunteer opportunities for youth volunteers at least 12 years of age. Children must be accompanied by parents or adult supervisors, whether they are volunteering within a family unit or youth group. Children can help regularly maintain a playground, garden or trail or may remove weeds from gardens, remove invasive plants or pick up litter. The City of Sacramento Department of Parks and Recreation provides all tools, safety equipment and training for its stewardship programs.
Global Youth Service/Earth Day
Global Youth Service Day and Earth Day are both international, annual days of service and stewardship. The City of Sacramento offers a joint Global Youth Service/Earth Day event in April that focuses on cleaning up the city's Sacramento Northern Bike Trail, a 14-mile trail system. Children under the age of 14 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian, while volunteers between the age of 14 to 18 must bring a signed Short-Term Volunteer Information Agreement. Volunteers may assist with pruning, weeding and mulching or removing invasive plants and litter.
City of Sacramento's Animal Shelter
The City of Sacramento's Animal Shelter offers a trio of teen-friendly volunteer programs. The Shelter Team accepts youth volunteers between the ages of 13 and 18. Children must be accompanied by a parent or adult. Both the child and the adult must attend the training program, be willing to give at least 20 hours of volunteer service and be interested in and comfortable handling animals.
Limited to 10 active students at a time, the Shelter Partners program provides a volunteer opportunity for students ready to serve at least 15 hours. Children must call and reserve a spot if they plan to attend the Saturday afternoon program. Volunteers will help put together adoption packets, assist with laundry and perform other tasks, as needed.
The Animal Shelter provides a Shelter Friends program for children who desire a commitment of fewer than 10 hours. Children can complete projects that benefit the Animal Shelter at home or at school.
Tags: City Sacramento, Animal Shelter, Children must, Global Youth, Global Youth Service, must accompanied