How to Keep Your Child Off the Screen This Summer: Top Volunteering Opportunities to Engage Teens in los angeles
by Ricardo Perez
Summer is just around the corner, and many parents are looking for effective ways to keep their teens engaged while limiting screen time. Encouraging your child to volunteer is an excellent strategy that not only reduces screen exposure but also builds essential life skills, fosters community connection, and enhances mental well-being. In this post, we’ll explore proven tips to motivate your teen to volunteer this summer and highlight some of the best local programs, including the Children's Lifesaving Foundation’s (CLF) engaging opportunities.
Why Youth Volunteering Matters for Your Teen
Volunteering isn’t just a way to “keep busy”—it has significant benefits for youth development. Research shows that teens who volunteer regularly are 50% less likely to engage in risky behaviors such as substance abuse and early pregnancy (Young Volunteers: The benefits of Community Service/ Extension, n.d). Moreover, volunteering promotes improved mental and physical health, strengthening self-esteem and reducing depressive symptoms among adolescents (Jamie Ducharme, 2023). Engaging in community service nurtures leadership, patience, respect for others, and social skills that serve teens well throughout life.
Not only does volunteering support personal growth, but it also bolsters college and job applications by showcasing responsibility and commitment. Given these powerful benefits, summer volunteering becomes an ideal alternative to screen time for your child.
Top Volunteer Programs for Teens This Summer
Here are compelling youth volunteering options in Los Angeles and beyond that can inspire your teen to give back meaningfully:
Children’s Lifesaving Foundation (CLF) – Counselor-In-Training (CIT) Program
High school students aged 16 and above, CLF's Counselor-In-Training program is a unique opportunity to step into leadership roles as camp counselors. Teens assist the camp staff in running enriching summer camps for underserved, at-risk youth, gaining valuable life skills, earning significant community service hours, and building powerful experiences for college applications.The program combines fun, responsibility, and community impact while helping teens transform their summer into a meaningful adventure.
CLF Student Ambassador Program
The Student Ambassador Program empowers middle and high school students to lead fundraising efforts and raise awareness on behalf of CLF. Ambassadors organize campus and community events, creating leadership opportunities while making a tangible difference in supporting vital youth programs.It’s a wonderful avenue for teens to develop organizational and communication skills while advocating for a worthy cause.
This LA-wide program offers paid internships and jobs for young people ages 14 to 24. Participating teens gain work experience in public service, environmental roles, and more, developing professional skills and career readiness. The program also offers various pathways, including internships and-year-long placements, making it accessible for many youth.
For teens passionate about the environment, Heal the Bay offers beach cleanups, education, and summer camps focused on environmental stewardship. These activities combine community service with environmental awareness and scientific learning.
Boys & Girls Clubs Summer Programs
Boys & Girls Clubs serve youth across ages with affordable, safe, and fun summer programs emphasizing educational enrichment, fitness, arts, and leadership. Their teen programs include service projects and mentorship, empowering young people while ensuring they stay engaged and active during summer break.
Children’s Hospital Los Angeles High School Summer Volunteer Program
Students who have completed their freshman year and are aged 15-17 can volunteer at CHLA, assisting patients, families, and hospital staff through various supportive roles such as escorting patients and performing clerical work. The program requires a commitment of 15 hours per week and includes an in-depth application process. This program is perfect for high school students to get insight on the medical field.
UCLA Health Volunteer Summer Program
For students at least 16 years old, this program allows teens to assist in patient transport, wayfinding, and delivery services within the UCLA Medical Center. Volunteers must complete at least 50 service hours and can choose flexible schedules.
Los Angeles Public Library Teen Volunteer Program
Teens aged 14-17 can volunteer across 73 library locations to organize collections, assist with programs, and provide homework support. This opportunity helps teens develop organizational and community engagement skills while having fun in the library. Libraries are such important pillars of our communities and getting youth involved in supporting these third spaces will help keep them functioning.
Discovery Cube Teen Volunteer Program
Open to teens aged 15 and older, this program includes roles such as Exhibit Host, Team Spark demonstrating science concepts, and Team Celebration supporting special events. Volunteers commit to a minimum of 60 hours and complete an interview and orientation, This opportunity is perfect for any youth looking to learn more about STEM fields.
Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) Teen Program
High school juniors and seniors can apply to this paid year-long program to learn about contemporary art, collaborate with artists, and develop leadership skills by organizing events like Teen Night. If your teen is aesthete, they need to be plugged into this program.
Koreatown Youth + Community Center (KYCC) Volunteer Opportunities
High school students can volunteer in KYCC’s many programs serving low-income and immigrant communities. Volunteers engage in direct service or outreach projects and gain exposure to community organizing. Advocating for human rights is more important than ever and if your youth is passionate about civic engagement and justice this is a good program for them.
UrbanPromise Los Angeles StreetLeader Program
Trains local teens as leaders who run afterschool programs, Bible study, and enrichment classes in underserved neighborhoods. This faith-based program builds academic and social skills. If as a parent and youth you are both interested in a faith-based program this would be an amazing program to help your teen get involved.
Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens Volunteer Program
Teens interested in wildlife can volunteer as docents, animal care assistants, or guest services helpers, learning about conservation and public education at the Los Angeles Zoo.
Proven Tips to Encourage Your Teen to Volunteer
Motivating teens to volunteer can feel challenging, but these strategies make it easier:
Discuss Benefits Clearly: Share research about how volunteering boosts confidence and mental wellness while reducing harmful behaviors.
Match Interests: Find volunteer roles that align with your teen’s passions, from environmental causes to youth mentorship or healthcare.
Set Achievable Goals: Help them set goals like earning a specific number of service hours or learning particular skills.
Encourage Social Volunteering: Encouraging friends to volunteer together increases enjoyment and commitment.
Be a Role Model: Demonstrate your own commitment to giving back, sharing your experiences to inspire your teen.
Transform Your Teen’s Summer with Volunteering
Instead of letting your teen succumb to endless screen time, inspire them to engage in meaningful volunteer programs that support their growth and community. The Children’s Lifesaving Foundation’s Counselor-In-Training and Student Ambassador programs provide exciting leadership opportunities, while city-wide options like Hire LA’s Youth, environmental programs through Heal the Bay, hospital volunteering, and arts and culture internships offer diverse roles that fit many interests and ages.
Start by exploring these programs today and help your teen make this summer memorable and impactful. Visit the Children’s Lifesaving Foundation website and sign up for the CIT or Student Ambassador programs to get started in an impactful program today!
If you would like to support these vital youth development initiatives and help expand opportunities for teens to give back, please consider making a donation to the Children’s Lifesaving Foundation. Your generous contribution helps provide scholarships, camp experiences, and leadership programs for underserved youth, ensuring every teen has a chance to grow, serve, and thrive. Donate today to make a lasting impact on our community’s future.
Together, let’s encourage our youth to lead, serve, and grow beyond the screen this summer!