Volunteering Ideas for Teens

Volunteering is a powerful way for teens to try something different that benefits them and their community. Whether it’s building a house, teaching a younger student, or cleaning up a local park, volunteering opens doors to new experiences and perspectives. This worthy endeavor isn’t just about helping others — it’s about growing as a person and feeling a sense of accomplishment. You’ll develop valuable life skills like empathy, teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. Most importantly, you connect with your communities and make a positive impact on the world around you while fostering your sense of social responsibility and even a lifelong passion for service.

Additionally, many schools require students to achieve a certain number of service hours. If your teen is looking for volunteering ideas, here are some great places to start.

Cultural Organizations

1. Boston Local Food Festival. Each year, this free, zero-waste event celebrates the diverse local and regional foods of New England. The festival brings together farmers, fisherfolk, food vendors, and chefs. Attendees can enjoy demonstrations, a seafood throwdown competition, a family fun zone, and more. Volunteers help with setup, breakdown, and more. No age restrictions were provided. Check the website for more information.

2. Cyrus Dallin Art Museum. This museum offers new insights into history and ideals by exploring the life, work, and values of sculptor Cyrus Dallin. Volunteers can work as tour guides and greeters, help with fundraising and social media, or with events. No age restrictions were provided. Check the website for more information.

3. Forbes House Museum. Inspired by the Forbes family’s entrepreneurial, philanthropic, and social action legacy, the Forbes House Museum promotes dialogue on civic engagement and cultural awareness. It offers volunteer opportunities based on individual interests and provides community service projects for students. Volunteer opportunities may include office helper, gallery helper, collections research, and event greeters. No age restrictions were provided. Check the website for more information.

Homelessness and Hunger

4. The Playspace Program. Run by Horizons for Children, the Playspace Program creates safe, nurturing play areas within family homeless shelters. The program relies on Playspace Activity Leaders (PALs) who engage with the children in play, fostering their development and giving parents time to focus on tasks like job hunting or attending support services. Volunteers can help by working in a shelter or the organization’s Early Education Center. No age restrictions were provided. Check the website for more information.

5. Rosie’s Place. Rosie’s place offers poor and homeless women a safe, supportive environment to maintain their dignity, pursue opportunities, and feel secure. High school students can join the organization’s Social Justice Institute to earn community service hours by serving meals and working in the food pantry while learning more about social justice issues. Check the website for more information.

6. Haley House. Since opening in 1966, Haley House has dedicated itself to helping others gain economic independence by breaking down barriers, empowering individuals, and strengthening neighborhoods. The organization offers housing, skills training, and food for the underemployed. Teens can organize food and clothing drives for those who depend on Haley House for support. Email volunteer@haleyhouse.org for more information. Check the website for more information.

Animals

7. Animal Rescue League Bostom (ARL). The ARL is Massachusetts’s first female-founded animal welfare organization and has helped over 20,000 animals each year since opening in 1899. Volunteers must be at least 16 years old and have at least six months of availability. The animal care & adoption centers, Spay Waggin’, and administrative offices need people to help with feeding and training shelter animals, caring for community cats, staffing special events, general office support, and more. Visit the website for more information.

8. Milton Animal League. This dedicated volunteer organization cares for animals, meeting their needs for food, shelter, and emotional support. All animals stay with them until they find their forever homes. Volunteers must be 18 years or older to work with the dogs and 15-17 years old to perform other tasks, including cleaning cages, restocking supplies, answering phones, or general cleaning. Visit the website for more information.

9. MSPCA at Northeast Animal Shelter. This shelter provides safe shelter, food, healthcare, and affordable spay/neuter services for thousands of animals each year. Committed to a no-kill philosophy, the shelter connects rescued animals with loving homes. Volunteers must be 16 years or older and are expected to spend a few hours weekly assisting at reception or with dog or cat care. Volunteer opportunities for teens under 16 are available at the MSPCA’s Humane Education Department at Nevins’ Farm. Visit the website for more information.

Allison Green
Boston Tutoring Services