Youth Opportunities by Age Group

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A friendly reminder that anyone under 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. For volunteer opportunities hosted by our partners, make sure to contact the opportunity coordinator listed on the post about waivers.

*Due to the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act, you must be 13 or older to sign up for an opportunity alone. Volunteers 12 and under can be added as a guest volunteer or be a part of the team under a parent/guardian's account.

*All Ages:

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

Rosslyn on August 22 and October 3
Belle Haven on August 29
Theodore Roosevelt Island on September 12
Riverside Park on September 19

*7 and older:

Help Dogs Get Adopted – Lucky Dog Animal Rescue is holding adoption events on Sundays:

Volunteers are needed to hold leashes and talk to potential adopters.

12 and older:

Support Athletes for Miracle League of Alexandria – Assist players by running for them or pushing wheelchairs this fall season.

13 and older:

Help with a Family Fun Day – Friends of Guest House is hosting a Friends and Family Day on Saturday, September 19. Help with set up, take down, and face painting.

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:

Prepare Medically Tailored Meals – Assist Food & Friends with food prep and packaging tasks, which may include chopping vegetables and assembling meal trays.

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. This will take place on Saturdays, September 19 and 26. No experience is required.

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.

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

15 and older:

Assistant Coach Girls Soccer Games – Help with simple drills, games, setup, and creating a fun, supportive environment for girls on Saturday mornings with 703 Warriors.

Set up for the Spooky Mad Science Expo – Be a behind-the-scenes hero for the Chrysalis Development Group and help with setup, planning, and event logistics. This takes place on Saturday, October 17.

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!

16 and older:

Classical Music Usher – Usher for concerts at the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra, then view the concert once they're seated.

Become an EcoAmbassador – This EcoAction Arlington is for protectors of the local environment. Training takes place on Monday, September 14.

Support a Community Block Party – United Community is hosting the ALX South Block Party on Saturday, August 22 and needs people to help run it.

Coach with Girls on the Run – This program for girls in 3rd through 8th grade creatively integrates physical movement. Coaches will get trained for the fall season.

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.

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