Hello,
We have schools as well as scout groups who require volunteer hours. We also have to have a parent or guardian come with anyone under 16 and our shelter is small and not set up with meeting/work space for groups. For older kids (high school) , I wrote up an outline for how to do a donation drive for things that we need at the shelter. I formalized it by asking them to come up with a "marketing strategy" which they would send to me for approval and get "x" amount of credit. They also get credit for making donation boxes for collecting the items. I included a tracking chart where they could track their hours. We also do the drop off/tour the shelter thing and I offer to provide a letter verifying their hours.
For younger kids, our solution was to print out instructions (with lots of pictures) on how to make cat toys from toilet paper/paper towel tubes that they can make from home or as a class project for volunteer credit. Again, they can drop off and pass some out to the cats and get a tour. The last idea we came up with, was a recipe book for safe dog and cat treats that they could make. Some required baking, but most required just freezing or putting on lick mats. This has been our solution for parents who can't re-arrange their schedules and to avoid having to "babysit" at the shelter while allowing kids to learn about community service and earn required hours.
------------------------------
Monica Meredith
Volunteer Coordinator
Lincoln County Animal Services
NC
------------------------------
Original Message:
Sent: 12-09-2025 10:16 AM
From: Anastasia Peterson
Subject: Opportunities for school children who want to volunteer?
Hello all,
I recently started a new role at a municipal shelter that allows volunteers under 16, but only if a parent is actively supervising and participating. We often get inquiries from school-aged children who want to help the shelter but are either too young to volunteer independently or can only commit to a short period of time.
When they come in groups, I can have them and their parents sign a one-day volunteer waiver and lead a group project, such as making enrichment items. I also encourage students to organize school fundraisers and then offer them a tour when they come in to deliver the donations.
However, I'd like to expand the range of options I can suggest. I'm especially unsure what to offer individual children who can't volunteer with a parent or classmates. Because I'm required to directly supervise them at all times, I can't have them do on-site tasks unless it's part of a larger group activity.
What options do you offer for children volunteers, off-site ways to help the shelter, or for single-day volunteer opportunities?
#PeopleManagement(includingVolunteerIntegration)
------------------------------
Anastasia Peterson
Volunteer Coordinator
Hayward Animal Services
CA
------------------------------