Youth Opportunities by Age Group

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A friendly reminder that anyone under the age of 18 participating in an event hosted by Volunteer Alexandria must have a parent or guardian sign for them. Either sign during event check-in, or email mail@volunteeralexandria.org for a copy of the waiver. 

All Ages:

Remove Trash and Invasives from Local Trails – Join Friends of the Mount Vernon Trail to improve natural areas on various dates. These are all-ages events.

• The Rosslyn Trailhead in Arlington on Saturday, May 30, and Saturday, June 13 
• At the Lyndon B. Johnson Memorial Grave in DC for National Trails Day on Saturday, June 6 
• At Four Mile Run South in Arlington on Saturday, June 21 

11 and older:

Youth Engaged in Service (YES) -- A chance for students in grades 6 through 12 to learn about the issues facing their community and take action. Participants will engage with nonprofits, city agencies, and people from all walks of life as they earn service hours and explore career paths. The summer program runs from Tuesday, June 16, to Thursday, June 18. This program is FREE for residents of the City of Alexandria.

12 and older:

Miracle League of Alexandria "Angels in the Outfield" Buddy Volunteers -- Be an Angel for a day and assist players by running for them or pushing wheelchairs. Multiple opportunities are available between April and May 2026.

13 and older:

Distribute Food to Families – Support UNCUT Youth, ALIVE!, and Capital Food Bank by sorting, packing, and distributing food, ensuring families receive the support they need on the third Saturday of every month.

Join a City Board -- The City of Alexandria is looking for high school and middle school students to fill board seats on the Commission on HIV/AIDs.

14 and older:

Support Disaster Preparedness Outreach – Staff a table to talk about Volunteer Alexandria's Volunteer Reception Center, which mobilizes during disasters, at the Old Town North Farmer’s Market. No experience is required.

Help Supply the Community with Food – Support everything from setup to bag-filling, boxing/unboxing, walking clients to their vehicles, and breakdown at the Harvest Food Ministry with Groveton Baptist Church.

Play Games with Families at Shelters – Volunteer for Community of Hope’s Fam Club by playing games and doing arts and crafts with families. Located in 3 DC neighborhoods: SE, SW & NW.

Support the TOTS Soccer Program – Check in and welcome families of 2 to 4-year-old soccer players for the Alexandria Soccer Association on May 30 and June 13.

Become a Bicycle Mechanic – Help refurbish donated bicycles with the Velocity Bicycle Cooperative! No experience is necessary.

Volunteer at The Harvest Food Ministry – Serve 100+ families by bag-filling, boxing/unboxing, walking clients to their vehicles, and breaking down materials. Choose from multiple days at Groveton Baptist Church.

15 and older:

Distribute Food for the Community – Once a month, join the Department of Community and Human Services at community centers to sort and hand out groceries!

Unload Furniture for ALIVE! – Help move furniture for delivery and donation to local families. Attendance with an adult is required.

16 and older:

Assist with the Wright to Read Summer Picnic – During the picnic, The Campagna Center celebrates the hard work of students, families, and tutor-mentors during the 2025-26 school year! There will be good food, fun games and activities, and book distribution. Volunteer on Saturday, June 6.

Set Up and Break Down Arts Fairs – Volunteer Alexandria is hosting its annual Arts Fair. Volunteers must be able to lift heavy items. Join us on Sundays, May 31 and June 28, in partnership with Made in ALX.

Volunteer for the Best of the West End Festival – Join Volunteer Alexandria and the West End Business Association (WEBA) on Saturday, June 6, to set up and break down the fair. Volunteers must be able to lift heavy items. 

Tutor Groups of Afghan Refugees – Tutor middle and high school students on various subjects for NOVA RAFT. Sessions take place on Tuesday and Thursday evenings and Saturdays from 11 am to 1 pm. 

Support for the 4 Mile Run Farmer’s Market – Set up the market, greet shoppers, assist with events, and close the market in 3-hour shifts on Sundays.

Do It Yourself Projects:

Support the Animal Shelter -- You can support the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria by completing projects at home. Support can include making portraits, cutting food, decorating bags, creating blankets, and more. Donations can be dropped off at the shelter. At-home projects are eligible for service hours.

Agencies that work with youth volunteers 16 and older: City of Alexandria Parks & Recreation | Fly Minds Youth Development Club | Girls on the Run NOVA | The Child & Family Network Centers | Wright to Read

 Community Events and Resources:

ALXBeyond Youth Programs List -- ALXBeyond maintains a list of youth programs in the City of Alexandria, along with helpful information such as cost, timing, and transportation.