With more free time on students’ hands, summer can be a great opportunity to participate in volunteer activities. Volunteering gives teens something to do, while still enjoying the flexibility of the season. They provide real life experiences, help students explore passions, allow them to contribute to their community, and adds to students’ college applications
Marin Food Bank
Pop Up Pantries are a way to get involved in addressing food insecurity through the San Francisco-Marin Food Bank. Anyone 11 years and older can sign up to volunteer at pantries in San Francisco and Marin, individually or in a team. Originating as a response to COVID-19, volunteers set up tables with a variety of free food, ranging from vegetables to bags of chips, to give out to residents. Students can sign up to volunteer from 8:00 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. in San Rafael on Tuesdays by visiting their website.
RISE Scholars
SummerHawks is a five-week program for high school students to tutor Hamilton students in second through eighth grade to strengthen and retain their academic skills over the summer. There are multiple different programs that high schoolers can apply to. These programs are guided to help students succeed in high school and prepare them for future athletics and academic opportunities. RISE’s motive is to encourage Hamilton students to realize their full potential through positivity.
Ceres Community Project
Ceres Community Project’s main program, Healing Meals for Healthy Communities, focuses on providing low-cost and healthy meals, nutrition education, and support to people with severe
illnesses. High school volunteers commit two and a half to three hours per week for three months to cook meals for families in the Novato Community who need extra support. Students of all skill levels are encouraged to sign up on their website by filling out their form.
Mountain Play
The Mountain Play puts on plays each summer at Mt. Tam, taking around 80 volunteers. There are many options for people of all ages. This year, different types of jobs range from ushers to working the snow cone booth. Students can expect to arrive in the morning at Tamalpais High School to get shuttled up. They will work throughout the day, receive a free T-shirt, and get to watch their production of Kinky Boots for free.
