Volunteer Opportunities for Kids and Teens in Bloomington, Indiana

As a parent, I'm constantly looking for activities to keep my kids busy during the summer. While days spent at the pool or park are great ways to pass the time, the ideal summer activity combats boredom while obtaining a valuable learning experience in the process. One simple way to achieve this objective is to volunteer. Not just for adults, volunteering provides positive character building and other important skills that will help kids become compassionate adults and valuable citizens of their community. Bloomington, Indiana is packed with volunteering opportunities for kids and teens during the summer months.

Gleaning Program: This is one of the best volunteer programs I've seen. Sponsored by the Hoosier Hills Food Bank, it allows teens (ages 13-17) and adults to help harvest produce from local farms. It's then distributed to those who need food assistance in the community, as well as throughout all of south central Indiana. Because crops are ready for harvest at different times during the summer, most of the harvesting is scheduled around the requests of local farmers, but you can count on most of it happening May through September. The volunteer days are announced through the Gleaning Program's email list, Google calendar or by phone. This program is great even if your teen has never gardened before. They provide training during the sessions, so experience isn't necessary. You never know...it may inspire you and your teen to start a garden of your own! If you are interested in this volunteer opportunity for your teen, call 812-334-8374.

WonderLab Museum of Science, Health and Technology: This is another fantastic volunteering opportunity for teens (ages 13-17). WonderLab, located at 308 W. 4th Street in Bloomington, is a hands-on science museum that encourages exploration of science through fun exhibits and programs. Volunteers must fill out an application and attend a training session prior to volunteering. No prior experience is necessary. For more information, call the Volunteer Coordinator at 812-337-1337.

WildCare, Inc.: This organization provides care to wildlife that are sick or have been injured or orphaned. Their main goal is to return the wildlife back to the wild after they are healed or old enough to survive on their own. They don't receive any federal money, but instead rely solely on support from the community. Volunteers are needed from May through August seven days a week. Kids 12-14 are considered "Junior Volunteers" and may help (with a parent present) in areas that don't involve direct animal care. When my daughter volunteered, she helped to prepare food and sometimes cleaned cages. Teens 15 and up can train to be involved in the direct care of the animals. Your child must complete an application, pay a $25 training fee and attend orientation. This is a great program for volunteering, since most kids love animals. However, they ask that you commit to one two-hour shift per week, so if you're looking for a short-term, one-time deal, this probably isn't for you. For more information, call 812-323-1313.