Hey NoVa teens (and future changemakers everywhere)—want to do something that actually matters? Want to grow your skills, meet amazing people, and boost your college app, all while having fun? Volunteering in your community is a one-way ticket to all that and more.
Parents, are you looking for ways to get your teenager involved in the community — or searching for meaningful service hours? These organizations are particularly well-suited for young volunteers, offering hands-on experiences that are engaging, age-appropriate, and genuinely impactful.
- Kids Give Back (Fairfax) — Specifically designed to inspire the next generation of volunteer leaders, providing volunteer opportunities for children ages 6–12. Older teens can help lead and mentor younger participants..
- 4 Paws Rescue Team (Fairfax) — Animal-loving teens can help with fostering, adoption events, and outreach. Working with cats and kittens is as rewarding as it sounds.
- Animal Welfare League of Arlington (Arlington) — Offers a range of volunteer roles suitable for teens, from animal care to community events.
- McLean Trees Foundation (McLean) — Tree planting and stewardship events are perfect for teens who want to get outside and do something tangible for their environment.
- Arlington Outdoor Education Association (Arlington) — Engages young people with nature and science in an outdoor classroom setting, and welcomes older teen volunteers to support programs.
- A Bright Spot (Ashburn) — Writing cards and notes for people who need encouragement is something teens can do anywhere, anytime. A simple, powerful act of kindness.
- Sunrise Day Camp Greater Washington (Fairfax) — Teen volunteers and counselors-in-training can help bring joy to children with cancer through this remarkable free camp program.
- Bull Run Mountains Conservancy (Broad Run) — Offers educational programs and stewardship activities in nature that are ideal for environmentally minded teens.
- Heart House Inclusive Productions (Woodbridge) — Teen theater lovers can get involved in a community theater that also advances inclusion and accessibility for performers with disabilities.
- Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy (Leesburg) — Citizen science and habitat restoration projects are a great fit for teens interested in biology, ecology, or environmental science.
Creating an Impactful Unique Project
In addition to finding specific volunteer opportunities at organizations, you can also collaborate with local nonprofits and explore ways to match your interests and skills to their needs. This free Samaritan Scout guide provides step-by-step support for pursuing this approach and you can find inspiration from these teen projects.
Find opportunities and organizations through Samaritan Scout today and join the effort in building a better tomorrow!
