Best type of service work?

WaitingMom
Sun, 24 Apr 2005 12:20:43 +0000

Encourage your son to look at www.congressionalaward.org it is another nice way to get recognition for all of your hard work in academics, physical fitness, community service and exploration of the world around you. Both of my Ds have done this program (one received her medal in DC last year and the other will receive hers next year).
Look at what your community needs are there are several sites like http://www.volunteermatch.org/ which list opportunities for service in your community.

Since your son is into Karate he might think about contacting local Girls Scouts, Cub Scouts etc. about doing demonstrations on Karate and self-defense for them. This could probably be done with his karate school who could benefit by increasing awareness of his school while teaching safety to the community.

Ongoing service is important however time constraints for students often finds them groaning as they go off to volunteer. You might have your son look at organizations that need help 3-4 times a year at events/fundraisers that require short term intensive help. Like the Susan B Kolman foundation, Special Olympics etc… As a Girl Scout Leader for teens I’ve found that the girls who want to volunteer their time are usually the busiest group of kids around so time constraints are important to consider. My 9th grade girls often find themselves over-committed as they adjust to high school and joining band, debate, drama, math olympiad etc. so short term projects with the same organization seem to work the best for them.