Middle School Summer of Service
Discover Yourself!
“Where do I fit in?” This is the overwhelming question that many middle school students ask themselves during these exciting years of personal growth and change.
Involvement in the larger community through service offers middle school-aged children:
- opportunities to test skills and discover their strengths
- ways to take part in the “real world” in authentic and constructive ways
- a variety of adult role models who support their commitment to service and affirm their place in society
- accomplishments that benefit others that bolster their developing values system and sense of self.
Participation in the community can be a way for students to navigate the middle school years, to discover themselves and the power they have to make a difference in the world.
Ideas for Middle School-Age Kids
SEWING STUFFED ANIMALS--MORE THAN A HOBBY
Sixth graders Natasha and Camila love to sew and create little stuffed animals. Friends noticed their cute and cuddly creatures, which quickly gave the girls the idea to sew and sell their handmade items to help others. Their hard work paid off and they raised $250 to support the YWCA’s programs to support women and children who are survivors of domestic abuse.
Volunteering with a Not-for-Profit
Many community organizations have age-limits that preclude middle school age children from volunteering on their own. However, many not-for-profits are open to having 10-15 years olds volunteer with a parent or guardian. This can be a win-win situation for all: the organization gets two volunteers and the parent and child have a great time together serving in the community.
More than a “Lemonade Stand”
Make the most of your idea to raise money for an organization that you want to support. Instead of spending the entire day on your neighborhood corner hoping that someone will stop to buy your lemonade, throw a “Lemonade Stand Party” and invite friends in the neighborhood to come to your house/front lawn for an hour for your fundraiser (be sure to tell them to bring their wallets!). Prepare your lemonade, cookies and a great speech about your cause to share with those who come to your party. You’ll be thrilled with the results. When you’re done, write a letter to the organization and explain how you raised the donation and why you chose to support their work.
Pull a Weed for a Purpose
Does your family or do your neighbors have weeds that need pulling? Pull those weeds for a purpose by asking people to pay you for your time with a contribution to a local organization. Plan ahead and research an organization that you want to support so that when you approach a neighbor or family member, you can educate and reassure them that you are truly working for a good cause. Don’t set a “fee for your service” but let people decide for themselves–you’ll be amazed by how much more money you can raise. This is a win-win as you are helping people in your neighborhood with their yards and together you are supporting organizations in the community. (This idea can easily work with baby-sitting, window washing, etc.)
The “Green” Car Wash
Get together with a friend or two and have a green car wash. Using earth-friendly biodegradable products and turning off the hose between washing steps, you can have a lot of fun and use resources wisely. If you charge for your car wash, raise money to support an environmental organization. Another approach is to only clean the inside of cars. By dusting and vacuuming out the inside of cars, you’re still providing a service but not putting dirt and other contaminants into the water system.
More than Hamburgers
Did you know that McDonald’s serves more than hamburgers? Ronald McDonald Houses across the country provide temporary low-cost housing to families whose children are receiving medical care at hospitals far from home. The Salt Lake Ronald McDonald Houses (which receive about 10-12% of their funding from the restaurants of the same name) need help with creating small hygiene kits for visiting families to having quilts made for each guest. (Ronald McDonald House Ideas.pdf)
