4 Ways to Help Teens Connect to Community Over the Summer

Did you hear? Teen summer jobs are back. And right alongside them, a surge in teen community volunteerism. 

Maybe they’re born with it – maybe it was COVID. The years after the pandemic have been a long, strange trip, but this summer, Gen Z teenagers seem very ready to get out of the house. Which is great news, because community connection improves happiness and wellbeing, reduces stress, and raises self-confidence. Sounds like a win to us! 

If you’ve got a teenager who wants to impact their community in a positive way, how can you help them find a good fit? Here are four fun ideas. 

Kind Leadership

The Kindness Campaign’s teen leadership incubator is Kind Leadership, and teens can join anytime, from anywhere in the country. In addition to learning skills like communication, self-management, and thinking as a leader, Kind Leaders also choose a Passion Project that they develop throughout the year. Here’s a taste of last year’s Passion Projects, which touch on everything from the mental health of youth to the physical health of porters in Mount Kilimanjaro. 

These Passion Projects culminate in an exciting Kind Leadership Summit each year, where Kind Leaders present their ideas to a panel of judges! Check out this video from the 2024 Summit:

Kind Leadership enrollment is open now. The first meeting kicks off September 2024, but if they sign up this summer, teens can get access to resources that help them hone in on their big Passion Project idea. 

Sign Up For a Service Day

If your child is college-bound, volunteering is always helpful for college applications. But if they’re new to community service (or simply don’t know where to get involved), find your local community service directory where they can sign up for a service day.

Whether it’s doing grocery store runs for the elderly, cleaning a park, or offering tutoring services to underprivileged youth, service days are an excellent way for teenagers to discover the best way they can help. Because it’s only a day-long or half-day commitment, they can quickly get a feel for the work before committing in a bigger way. Once they find something they love, it can be their homebase for community connection. 

Mentor a Younger Child 

Here at The Kindness Campaign, we’re big fans of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. If your teenager enjoys working with younger children, it’s an amazing organization to make a personal connection one-on-one.

Head to the Get Involved // Become a Big page on BBBS’s website, type in your zip code, and find your local chapter. From there, you can submit information to become a “Big.” 

Volunteer at an Animal Shelter 

Another way to engage your teen? Having them volunteer at an animal shelter – they typically need even more support during summertime! 

Because summer spikes temperatures, animals need to stay extra hydrated and cool, and this requires more hands to help. The Humane Society has a national director of local chapters, where teens can find training and volunteer opportunities for animals in need. (They may also want to bring a new family member home…you’ve been warned.) 

What ways are your teens getting involved in their community this summer? Is your family interested in Kind Leadership? If so fill out the contact form below and we’ll get right back to you!