Where do Lenape students volunteer? Volunteer Opportunities for High Schoolers
Volunteering at places outside of school is a common activity many high schoolers enjoy doing. It gives them a chance to give back to the community and to help others in various ways. The experience gained from these acts of service, can help with personal growth and add to your college application. I interviewed many Lenape students about where they volunteer outside of school. Here’s what they had to say:
Mount Laurel Library
The Mount Laurel Library is a popular place for many students to volunteer. In addition to unlimited free resources (if you have a card) and discounts, they offer lots of different opportunities for teenagers, which you can find on their website.
The two most common activities people volunteer for are the “Adopt a Shelf” and “Summer Reading Desk.” I interviewed freshman Grace Charles about her experience with the “Adopt a Shelf” program.
In this program, teenagers have to organize and clean bookshelves and make sure everything is in order. You have two shelves to be responsible for a fiction and a non-fiction section. The requirement is to pass a test on organizing books by call numbers.
“I do recommend this volunteering opportunity because it is not very time-consuming and it is a pretty simple job,” says Grace, ‘28.
GMP (Global Music Partnership)
The Global Music Partnership Volunteering program is an organization where people who play instruments can tutor others, do
performances, fundraisers, outreaches, and more. To be in this, an application must be filled out, which you can find on their website.
“We help spread music to communities who are both underserved and local groups,” says Noah Hyun, ‘25. “My experience has been collecting instruments for those who don’t have them and also performing at nursing homes.”
The GMP National President’s Volunteer Service Award Program is a way where anyone can earn awards by volunteering with them.
“I would recommend this experience, I found it very valuable and rewarding.” Noah reflects.
Majoda Stables
The Majoda Stables is where you can commit some time to help horses and around the stables, where the horses stay. It is located in Moorestown and has a nice open area for the horses. If you are interested and good with horses, this might be the place for you. Even if you are not, there are still many opportunities you can have.
“It was my first time with animals, so they had me sweep the stables, fill their hay, and fill water,” says Abigail, ‘28.
Besides horses, there are also many animals, like donkeys and chickens.
Cradles to Crayons Philadelphia
Cradles to Crayons is an organization that helps children facing poverty and gives them the necessities they need. They have an area for teenagers to help out the community.
“I am part of the teen leadership team,” says Zach Mathew, ‘27. “We sort clothes and donate them to the tri-state area”
The main item that they provide for children is clothing. To be able to volunteer, there is a yearly application and training that needs to be completed. More information is found on the Cradles to Crayons website.
Level Legislative
Level Legislative is a worldwide organization where volunteers around the world edit articles about world news happening globally.
“These articles are about current topics, events, policies, and laws,” says Meghna, ‘25.
You can write and edit articles virtually which can be a convenient and effective way to earn hours for volunteering.
Nitya Ravula (2027) Cooper Hospital Volunteering
At Cooper Hospital, high schoolers can assist nurses and caretakers with patients. With the earning volunteer hours, the added benefit is gaining experience with patients.
“I help out [the nurses] with cleaning beds, taking patients downstairs, and more.” Nitya Ravula, ‘27 says. Nitya volunteers at the Cooper Hospital Same Day Surgical Care Unit.
Many Lenape students who volunteer at hospitals usually are interested in the medical field and they recommend doing hospital volunteer work. But anyone can apply to be a volunteer at any hospital by checking out their website and calling them.
Local Dance Studio/Company Teacher
If you are a skilled dancer, one way you can volunteer is by teaching young children how to dance. Many studios are looking for volunteers who can spend time instructing and choreographing dance moves.
Malia Marchlik has danced ballet for quite some time. Malia explained that this experience was very enjoyable as she was able to teach young dancers ballet at her company.
To be able to do this, reaching out to local dance studios and mentioning your dance experience can be helpful.
Gleaning at farms
Gleaning is when there are leftover crops at farms, volunteers pick them up to give to the less fortunate. Gleaning can be a time-consuming job for just farmers to do alone, so many groups of people go out and pick up the crops.
“There is a lot of food that goes to waste because farmers just can’t pick all of the leftover crops,” says Malia Marchalik, ‘27
These crops are usually picked up at the end of the farming season. They are then donated to homeless shelters.
Religious/Ethnic Groups
Many Lenape students volunteer at their religious/ethnic groups. They teach and help young children at local churches, temples, mosques, and more.
Riya Kansagara, class of 2027, is a Student Leader at her temple’s Balvihar program.
“Balvihar is a great way to teach young children about their culture and appreciate it,” says Riya. “While in this program, you can develop leadership skills, time management, how to handle small children and public speaking skills.”
To be able to volunteer, an applicant must be filled out on the India Temple Association website.
“I look after young children at a daycare at my local church,” says Michael Beradinelli, ‘28.
Local churches have many opportunities for high schoolers to volunteer. Whether there is a food drive or taking care of young kids.
SEWA is an organization that does volunteer work based on Hindu religious values. They have many chapters around the world.
“We make PB&J sandwiches for the homeless and donates, clothing drives, and food drives,” says Ananya Reddy, ‘28.
To volunteer at SEWA, please visit their website, SEWA International.
Plenty of religious communities try to engage younger children in fun activities. Loujain Shnewer volunteers at the GCLEA summer camp. They do many activities with the campers like water balloons, cooking, and more.
“You get to hang out with the kids and it is a fun experience.” Loujain, class of ‘28, says.
Anhadh Gill, 2026, volunteers at her local temple. She cooks food for them and helps little kids learn about their culture.
Conclusion
There are many opportunities outside of school that students can volunteer at. Whether it’s at a library or a local religious group, there is a place for everyone.