By the end of the school year, most of us are long overdue for a break from grueling AP tests and stressful finals. With schoolwork out of the way and more excess free time, summer break can be a time to keep busy in your community. Volunteering is an important opportunity for students, so here are some fun options to try near Orange County.
Friendship OC helps children and adults with physical and developmental disabilities. Their mission is to provide special needs individuals with social and recreational opportunities; Basketball Buddies, Soccer Stars, and tennis classes let volunteers help out in a sport of choice. Those over fifteen can attend Hangin’ With Friends events that cater to young adult entertainment. Applicants can attend standalone or recurring events if over thirteen years old.
The Westminster Adoption Group and Services (WAGS) has a program for teens who enjoy caring for animals. WAGS is a popular animal adoption center that finds new homes for lost or ill animals. Applicants must be fifteen or older, and duties vary based on age group. For those between fifteen and eighteen, responsibilities include cleaning the premises, assembling home adoption kits, and rabbit care. If you’re over eighteen, you can participate in cat and dog cleaning, training, play, and walking. The program requires an hour-per-week commitment for six months, so you’ll volunteer a few months into the school year as well.
With thrifting on the rise, volunteering at a thrift shop is an interesting venture that may also net you some new clothes. Charity’s Closet Thrift Shop in Placentia offers volunteer positions to teens looking to lend a helping hand. The store’s hours are convenient for summer, being open Thursday through Sunday from twelve to three. High school volunteers facilitate transactions and accept clothes donations. The shop is run completely by volunteer work and helps support the Homelessness Intervention Services of OC, so volunteers can make a huge difference to many parts of their community at this thrift shop.
The Aquarium of the Pacific is a tourist destination that also needs volunteers. They offer a variety of different programs, but as of now, the education volunteer is the only program available. Education volunteers oversee touch pools, information carts, and galleries to give information to guests. Their main job is to educate visitors on marine life and programs in the aquarium. Shifts are designated as morning, from 8:30 am to 1:30 pm, and evening, from 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm. The program lasts for three months and volunteers attend shifts on a twice-weekly basis. If you’re interested in marine life, the education volunteer opportunity is a great choice.
There are many volunteer and internship opportunities in OC, and each one needs your help to support the local community. Be sure to relax this summer and take time to yourself, but also give some of your free time to important causes in our community.
