Idle time for teens is never a great idea. If you're like most parents, you may be wondering what your teen is doing during the day while you work and you hope it's something more productive than video games and social media. Volunteering in the community is a great way for teenagers to develop essential skills such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. Volunteering also helps teenagers build self-esteem and confidence as they make a positive impact to their communities. Studies show that volunteering can improve mental and physical health. In addition to creating a network of community members and organizations who can write letters of recommendations for future job and academic opportunities. There's no shortage of volunteer opportunities for teens in Roanoke, Virginia and we've rounded up our top picks here.
Help the Environment
Stenciling storm drain inlets is a fun way to make other community members aware of the link between the streets and our waterway's health. Roanoke County, Department of Development Services will provide a storm drain stenciling kit, which includes a Mylar stencil, non-toxic paint, a whisk broom, work gloves, safety vests, and trash bags. The County can also provide a map of the drainage system so that you can mark off which inlets you stencil. The county provides detailed instructions for this task in this download. More Info.
Clean Valley Council offers many ways for community members to help keep Roanoke environmentally friendly and teach sustainability practices. You can register for Anytime Cleanups, Community Cleanups, Fall Waterways, Clean Valley Day, Adopt-A-Street, or any other type of cleanups on their website.
Feed your Neighbors
The Feeding Southwest Virginia Food Bank always needs volunteers to help pack boxes and other needs around the warehouse. The Rescue Mission also has opportunities for minors to assist in preparing and serving meals for the homeless. Other local organizations that could use your help are Manna Ministries adn the Presbyterian Community Center. Lasagna Love is a newer concept for feeding our neighbors. Founded during the pandemic to show extra kindness to neighbors in need and provide connection, Lasagna Love offers a platform that connects neighbors for home-cooked meal delivery. Volunteers are needed to make lasagna in our area. Kids aged 16 and up can also volunteer to help with the RVSPCA food pantry.
Volunteer at the Habitat ReStore
The Habitat ReStore offers household supplies, furniture, and construction materials at 30-70% off. Sales from the store helps fund building projects for local families. Opportunities include customer service to merchandising to event planning. Volunteers 15 years or older may work independently at the ReStore
Volunteers 12-14 years old may work with a guardian adult who will work side-by-side with the youth volunteer. For more information, please email: volunteer@habitat-roanoke.org
Volunteer at a Local Sporting Event or Festival
Roanoke has a plethora of foot, cycling, and paddling races year round and they take a lot of volunteers to pull off. Volunteer opportunities at races include things like handing out packets to participants, braiding hair with RunAbout Sports, and handing out water and snacks at aid stations. It can be so fun to create a theme for your station, make signs, wear costumes, and be the smiling face they need to get through the race. Check out RunAbout Sports, Fleet Feet, Roanoke Outside foundation, and Active.com for local races and opportunities. Coming up soon is the 4 on the 4th benefitting the Boys and Girls Club.
Volunteer at Your Local Library
My son has been a lifelong avid reader. He couldn't get enough hours volunteering at the library. Library volunteers help patrons locate books, with technology questions, and help the library stock and organize shelves.
Help Move Science Forward!
Participating in research studies can expose teenagers to new ideas and concepts, as well as help them gain a better understanding of the scientific process and may spark an interest in furthering their academic studies. Participating in research studies also contributes to the development of new treatments and therapies for various health conditions. Participants are often paid money or with gifts/prizes for completing the study.
The Virginia Tech campus as well as the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC (Roanoke Campus) have ongoing studies, often with a need for child an teen participants. Dr. Volpe's lab is studying the relationship between caloric intake and physical activity and could really use more participants to finish the study. Learn More. In addition, The Child Study Center has a few studies currently open for tweens and teens.
Volunteer at a Local Museum
The Science Museum of Western Virginia has opportunities for minors aged 14 and up to assist with experiential learning, customer service, gardening, and assisting with summer camps and special events. Kids Square offered opportunities this summer for ages 14 and up to assist with cleaning and learning activities that were actually paid positions.
Help Your Family, Friends, and Neighbors
Do you have a neighbor who is a single parent or senior who may be a little less mobile than they used to be? Have your teen reach out to help.
A single parent, with children home all summer, could use a hand more than ever. Could your teen prepare a meal? Offer to help fold laundry or mow the grass once a week? Create a weekly play date where they play with and entertain the children. Not only will they be giving a reprieve to the mother/father, they'll be setting an example and positive role model to the kids.
Help a senior with lawn care, weeding, walking a pet or just anything they may need help with. I can remember when I used to do home health care in college, sometimes my client would ask me for something so simple, like helping them get boxes of photos off the top shelf in a closet so they can get them into albums or taking them shopping for gifts and cards to mail to grandchildren. Just keeping an isolated senior company once a week does so much to improve their health and it will bless your child with a forever friend, who shares their stories, and also loves them back. The Next Door app is a great place to offer to help neighbors. My sons were able to find very rewarding work helping with lawn care, leaf cleanup, gardening, and weeding. In addition, your teen can find volunteer opportunities at local nursing homes and retirement communities.
Love Animals?
There are several opportunities to support our furry friends in the Roanoke Valley. Teens aged 14 and up can be on the Kitty Crew for the Franklin County Humane Society, Assist at the Horse Rescue, and help stock the food and supply pantries at the RVSPCA. Other opportunities may be available for younger minors when accompanied by a minor.
Provide Supplies, Food, and Books to those in need.
The United Way of Roanoke Valley offers multiple ongoing ways to get involved with your community. From building birthday boxes for kids who may not get to celebrate otherwise, postpartum kits for new moms, and stocking local Little Free Pantries and Little Free Libraries. Learn more about UWRV Volunteer Opportunities.
Local Volunteering Links
Roanoke County (government) Volunteer Opportunities
Roanoke City (gov) Opportunities
Hands On Blue Ridge (we found many of the links to be outdated but it's a great way to sort by age to find organizations with volunteer needs)
More Enrichment for Teens:
Planned Parenthood Teen Connections Program
The Teen Connections program through Planned Parenthood is a FREE multi-day series for middle and high school age youth to learn age-appropriate information about puberty, relationships, consent, pregnancy and STI prevention, and more while gaining leadership skills to advocate for community health.
Rise540, Beacon's Reset, and Lifeguard Academy at the YMCA
Rise540 is a year round program offered at the Kirk YMCA. RISE 540 is a FREE opportunity for your teens to meet new friends, stay active and explore new activities in a safe, structured environment. Teens will be involved in sports, activities, projects, exercise, and more. Dinner is provided.
The Beacon Initiative is designed to build foundational skills and competencies that students need to graduate from high school, succeed in their chosen careers, and give back to the community. The Gainsboro and Kirk YMCA will host teens every Tuesday (Gainsboro) and Thursday (Kirk) for cooking classes, gardening, fitness, field trips and more! Dinner will be provided and all participants will receive a free YMCA membership for the entire summer!
Lifeguard Academy
The YMCA Lifeguard Academy program is designed for teens ages 14-18 who are interested in learning the ropes of becoming a lifeguard. Not a swimmer, but want to learn? Are you interested in taking a lifeguard course, but the price doesn't fit your budget? Then Lifeguard Academy is for YOU!
STEAM, Coding, Outdoor, Church, and Leadership Camps for Teens in Roanoke, Virginia
Find a great summer camp for teens in our Summer Camps and Programs Guide.
