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Service Projects for Teens to Inspire Compassion and Responsibility

Inspire Responsibility

Service projects for teens inspire compassion and civic responsibility. Many schools require them for high school graduation because of their lasting impact. In addition to enriching life experiences for teens, service projects also open college doors. When your student finds a meaningful one, the impact will stick with them long after the cap and gown are packed away.

Service projects teach our children the value of helping others without compensation. The experience is the reward. Our children become productive members of society with a sense of social responsibility and have the opportunity to impact the world with Christ’s love.

Young People “Do Something” Campaigns

DoSomething.org has terrific ideas on how to call teens to action. From collecting a million pairs of blue jeans for needy families to hosting a bake sale for the hungry, any teen can find a project to feel passionate about. And for those who take the time to cook with an elderly person, there is a chance to win a $10,000 scholarship.
Talk with your teens to find out what service niche is most appealing to them. Simple skills they might take for granted like loving animals or planting flowers can be the very things that boost them forward!

Here are some service project ideas to help get them started:

  • Volunteer at a local animal shelter or zoo.
  • Support U.S. troops with collecting, packing or sending items overseas. Write letters or cards or host a party and ask others to help donate to the packages.
  • Organize an environmental cleanup in local neighborhoods, beaches or running tails. Check your county website for where to help.
  • Help paint, clean up parks or plant flowers
  • Start a neighborhood garden and donate the produce to your local food pantry.
  • Volunteer at a charity fundraiser walk by helping with registrations or passing out water bottles.
  • Be a tutor at a local school or library who offers after school homework help.
  • Be a summer camp counselor at a local Christian Camp or YMCA.
  • Offer people you know help with an elderly parent or special needs child.
  • Volunteer at a local nursing home. Use your talents to brighten someone’s day. Teach email skills to the elderly so they can stay connected with their loved ones. Walk or read an inspiring book to them!
  • Babysit for free for a family in need-check with your church for names.
  • Be a big brother or sister and teach your skills to someone by teaching sports, music, academics or games.
  • Organize a community needs day. Paint, clean, shop or whatever people in your community need. This can be a great church outreach!
  • Make homemade blankets for missions or a local hospital’s neonatal unit.
  • Plan a year-long monthly food drive with your local food bank-enlist friends and neighbors!

This article was originally published on our Homeschool Launch Blog.

 

For more ways to serve, read this related article on the “Ways to Serve Military Families“, for more information on volunteering.

And sign up for the Teach Them Diligently newsletter for more articles on discipleship, academics, family, encouragement and much more!

 

Rethink Home Education

To further your reading, we have a special ebook that we would like to send to you. It’s entitled “RETHINK EDUCATION, Turning Scary Questions About Home Education Into Exciting Possibilities.” It was written after countless conversations with moms who are either considering homeschooling or struggling with doubt. My heart in writing it is to offer hopeful answers to some of the questions moms tend to be asking… and you might be surprised at which ones didn’t make the list. I would love for it to become a resource you could share with your friends who are considering home education, or who are wondering if they’ll keep going. So, grab your copy today! – Leslie Nunnery