With the holiday season approaching, it’s important to cultivate a sense of community, compassion and empathy in our kids. Volunteering is not only a great way to teach these values, but a wonderful way to bond as a family as well. In our area, many organizations welcome the help of kids as volunteers. Here’s our guide to some of the many family-friendly Volunteer Opportunities for Kids in Dayton.
Boonshoft Museum of Discovery
2600 DeWeese Parkway, Dayton
(937) 275-7431, ext. 111
The mission of the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery is to be the premier regional provider of interactive science learning experiences. Youth ages 14-17 are needed as volunteers in many areas, and can gain valuable experience participating in a work environment and developing teamwork skills.
Carillon Historical Park
1000 Carillon Blvd., Dayton
(937) 293-2841
Kids ages 11-15 who are interested in history can train to be Junior Volunteers with Dayton History. This program is designed to be a fun, rewarding and interesting experience.
The Dayton Art Institute
456 Belmonte Park North, Dayton
(937) 512-0151
With less than 100 employees and nearly 500 volunteers, DAI volunteers are an essential resource to this organization. There are a variety of volunteer opportunities available; the minimum age to volunteer is 15.
Dayton Metro Library
215 E. Third Street, Dayton
(937) 463-2665
Volunteers are needed to help with an assortment of tasks, including light cleaning, straightening, shelving, gardening, events and book sales. Volunteers must be at least 14.
The Foodbank Dayton
56 Armor Place, Dayton (937) 461-0265
The mission of The Foodbank is to relieve hunger through the acquisition and distribution of food to hungry people throughout the Miami Valley. This nonprofit needs volunteers on Monday through Friday between 9:00 am and 4:00 pm. Because the Foodbank is a warehouse, volunteers must be at least 14, and all teens under 18 need to be accompanied by an adult.
Glen Helen
405 Corry Street, Yellow Springs, OH
(937) 769-1902
Glen Helen is a nearly 1,000-acre nature preserve and education center in Yellow Springs. Last year, volunteers at Glen Helen logged over 5,000 hours, doing everything from greeting visitors at the front desk to leading hikes deep into the Glen. Contact Ann Simonson ([email protected]) for family friendly opportunities.
Grace Hospice
3033 Kettering Blvd, Moraine, OH
(937) 293-1381
Hospice is designed to provide comfort care as well as spiritual and emotional support in the final phase of a terminal illness. Grace Hospice focuses on enhancing quality of life and volunteers pay a key role in that mission. Youth volunteers (ages 14-17) receive two hours of training prior to serving.
Greenstone Stables
7280 Dayton Germantown Pike, Germantown, OH
Love horses? Greeenstone Stables needs year-round help around the farm, so volunteers should come prepared to go to work! Children as young as six are welcome, but will need to be accompanied by an adult.
House of Bread
9 Orth Ave., Dayton
(937) 239-8859
The House of Bread was founded with the belief that no one deserves to go hungry. Staff and volunteers work together, primarily using donated food, to prepare meals 7 days a week. The minimum age for volunteering is 12 years old, and teens 17 and under must have an adult with them or be part of a youth group.
Humane Society of Greater Dayton
1661 Nicholas Rd., Dayton
(937) 268-7387
On average, the Humane Society of Greater Dayton (HSGD) cares for 4,500 animals each year. The HSGD also help rabbits, ferrets and other pets move from homelessness to becoming a loved member of the family. Volunteers must be at least 10 years old; any volunteer under the age of 16 must train and have a parent or guardian present during service.
Five Rivers MetroParks
Locations around Dayton
(937) 275-7275
Express your care and concern for the environment, learn new skills and meet people with similar interests as a volunteer for Five Rivers MetroParks. As a volunteer, you will provide a valuable contribution to the preservation and enjoyment of Dayton’s natural areas. Family friendly opportunities are available; check website for specific events.
Learning Tree Farm
3376 S Union Rd., Dayton
(937) 866-8650
Learning Tree Farm’s mission is to provide hands on learning experiences in a traditional farm setting. As such, Learning Tree Farm is a great location for groups to volunteer their time. There are always lots of volunteer opportunities that are great for families with kids of all ages!
Miami County Park District
2645 E. St. Rt. 41, Troy, OH
(937) 335-6273
Anyone who wants to help make a difference in Dayton can be a volunteer. The Park District offers training and a variety of volunteer opportunities to suit various interests and skill sets. Children under the age of 11 require a parent or guardian’s supervision.
Montgomery County Animal Resource Center
6790 Webster St., Dayton
(937) 264-3327
Each month, volunteers provide approximately 500 hours of service caring for the cats and dogs in the shelter. Children must be 12 years old to volunteer, and must be accompanied and supervised by a parent until the age of 15. Children from age 16-18 may volunteer without a parent after attending the orientation, training and trial period.
Ronald McDonald House of Dayton
555 Valley Street, Dayton
(937) 224-0047
Guest Services Volunteers are critical to helping support guest families while they attend to their critically ill or injured, hospitalized children. By completing various tasks such as cleaning and sanitizing our House, organizational or special House projects, volunteers can help guest families focus their attention on their children. Must be at least 16 to volunteer.
Victoria Theatre Association
138 N. Main St., Dayton
(937) 228-7591, x3032
Each season, nearly 700 volunteers donate more than 60,000 hours of their time to this organization. Teens ages 14-19 can apply to become a Teen Usher or Ambassador. Not only will your child have a unique volunteer experience, they’ll also have access to top-notch performances.
