During summer break, your child has all the time in the world. At least, it feels that way when you’re a child. One great way to fill some of those long summer hours is by serving the community. There is no lack of charities in any given area, so the challenge is to pick just one. Here’s how you can help your child pick a community service project that will keep them engaged this summer.
Consider Their Passions
With so many charities that require assistance, it might be difficult to narrow it down. The first step to finding a summer service project is to find a cause to support. Does your child insist on petting every animal they see, even the slimy ones? Consider volunteering at an animal shelter. Is your child constantly worrying about the homeless people they see on the side of the road? Maybe you and your child could donate your time to a soup kitchen or homeless shelter. The more passionate they are about the cause, the more engaged they will be.
See Who Needs Donations
You may be able to combine summer donations with some late spring cleaning. Chances are, your child has toys, books or clothes they’ve outgrown. Help your child find a new home for these items, whether it’s a women’s shelter or an organization for local children in need. There are plenty of organizations that need the items your child would otherwise discard — or worse, keep forever. Giving items a second life is a great way to give back to the community.
Match Their Activity Level
Community service takes many shapes and can be done at any activity level. A child who loves reading books indoors may be interested in volunteering at the local library or writing cards for members of the military. Children who play sports throughout the year might enjoy a beach or park cleanup, even on an especially hot summer day. Keep your child’s activity level and personality in mind when helping them choose a summer service project.
Find Something You Both Enjoy
By participating in volunteer activities together, you can help your child stay engaged when they get distracted. If you find something your child is passionate about that you’ll enjoy doing by their side, that may be the best fit for your family. The more people your child knows who are involved in the activity, the more meaningful the memories will be.
We encourage all of our students to serve the community during the school year, and we hope they do so in the summer, as well. At North Tampa Christian Academy, a Tampa Christian school, thrive creatively, academically and spiritually in a project-based learning environment. Faculty and families work together to inspire leadership through Christian innovation. Contact us today to learn more.