New Jersey Teen Volunteer Guide:

Make a Difference, Build Skills, and Shine for College

Hey New Jersey 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.

While this article highlights organizations in Central New Jersey — specifically Union, Essex, and Morris Counties—that welcome teen volunteers — these opportunities can serve as example types for teens everywhere to seek similar options in their own communities.

Here are four BIG reasons to get involved:

1. Make a Real Impact (Seriously)

Forget the “just for credit” mindset. When you volunteer, you make a real difference in your community. You get to:

  • Help kids learn, grow, and play
  • Restore forests, trails, and ecosystems
  • Support veterans who served the country
  • Empower people with special needs

Your time matters—and the organizations below prove it.

2. Build Real-World Skills (No Desk Required)

Think hands-on. Think resume-worthy. Think about learning by doing:

  • Communication & teamwork
  • Leadership & responsibility
  • Event planning & logistics
  • Science, nature, and tech know-how

3. Get Those Volunteer Hours (and Then Some)

Need 10, 20, or 50 hours for school? These spots have got you covered. Plus, they’re way more interesting than you think.

4. Stand Out on College Apps (Big Time)

Colleges love to see commitment, initiative, and community involvement. When you volunteer:

  • You show you care about something bigger than yourself
  • You gain stories and leadership experience to write about
  • You stand out in a sea of applicants

🔍 Where to Volunteer: Local Favorites in NJ

1. Love the outdoors and helping kids? Find an arboretum like the Cora Hartshorn Arboretum (Short Hills)

Nature Discovery Camp Volunteer

  • Be a mentor and helper for kids during summer camp
  • Support environmental educators with set-up, clean-up, and camp activities
  • Bonus: Spend your days outdoors in a beautiful 16-acre historic woodland garden
  • Open to rising 9th graders and up, 2-week minimum commitment
  • Deadline to apply: May 11. Training: May 26

High School Volunteer Days (School Year)

  • Forest restoration, trail maintenance, and more
  • Monthly Saturday meetups + occasional weekdays off from school
  • No experience needed — full training provided!

For more information, visit the Cora Hartshorn Arboretum Volunteer Page.

2. Want to make a new friend and change a life? LifeTown (Livingston)

  • Get paired with a kid with special needs who just wants someone to hang with
  • Play games, draw, listen to music — do what you already love doing
  • Help out at sports programs or social events
  • Or customize your volunteer role based on your own talents

✨ You’ll build empathy, gain experience, and maybe even find your future career path

Learn more at LifeTown Teen Volunteer.

3. Want to support veterans and brighten someone’s day? Veterans Memorial Home (Edison)

  • Summer program for teens ages 14–17
  • Assist in social activities, special events, and more
  • Work under the guidance of the Rec Director and team
  • You’ll be giving back to those who served — and learning a lot while doing it

Details available at NJ Veterans Memorial Home Volunteer Program.

4. Into events, history, nature, or science? Morris County Park Commission has a spot for you.

Youth Event Assistants (Ages 12–17)

  • Support horticulture staff at public programs and camps
  • Help run events, pass out materials, and interact with guests

Cooper Gristmill (Chester)

  • Miller’s Assistant: Help run a working 19th-century mill
  • Craft Demonstrator: Share old-school skills or help others learn them
  • S.T.E.A.M. Camp Counselor: Assist with camp full of science and fun

Historic Speedwell (Morristown)

  • Events Volunteer: Help with science/history crafts + tours
  • Eureka! Camp Counselor: Support kids in tech-focused summer camp

For more information, visit the Morris County Parks Volunteer Page.

5. Want to protect the planet and get your hands dirty? South Mountain Reservation Conservancy

For teens ages 12+

  • Forest Regeneration Corps: Remove invasive plants + replant natives
  • Citizen Science: Help scientists collect meaningful climate and wildlife data
  • Trash Tacklers / Plogging: Clean up trails and picnic areas
  • Trail Crew: Help build or fix trails using real tools

✅ Bring water, gloves, and boots. Meet people who care about the planet just like you.

Note: Ages 12–14 require adult supervision; ages 15–17 need a signed waiver.

More details at South Mountain Conservancy.

6. Want flexible hours and park-based volunteering? Union County Parks

  • Help maintain trails and natural spaces across 36 local parks
  • Choose between Adopt-a-Park, Adopt-a-Trail, or specialized crews
  • Opportunities in Elizabeth, Westfield, Mountainside, Rahway, and more

Explore opportunities at Union County Parks Volunteer Page.

7. Want to support grieving kids and families? Imagine (Mountainside)

  • Join a powerful team of teen and adult volunteers
  • Help with grief support groups as a facilitator, greeter, or setup/cleanup team
  • Or pitch in with events and fundraisers that keep Imagine’s mission alive

💬 “One of the most amazing groups you’ll ever meet” — that’s how they describe their volunteers

Find out more at Imagine Volunteer Opportunities.

So… Why Volunteer?

Let’s be real:

  • It feels good to do good.
  • You’ll gain skills that employers and colleges actually care about: teamwork, responsibility, leadership, time management
  • You’ll meet new people, explore interests, and maybe discover a new passion or career path
  • And yes — you’ll stand out on college apps for doing something meaningful and hands-on

Not in Central NJ?

No problem. You can:

  • Search your town’s parks department, arboretum, or conservation center
  • Reach out to assisted living centers or veterans’ services
  • Ask at your local library, museum, historical society or rec center
  • Or use tools like Samaritan Scout to find volunteer opportunities near you that don’t ask for donations

Just get started. You don’t have to wait to make a difference.

Teens: Your impact starts now.

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