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 to sign virtually. 

5 and older:

Clean Nature at Four Mile Run – Improve water quality, protect wildlife, and reduce pollution entering the Chesapeake Bay by removing litter and debris from the stream on Saturday, April 11. All supplies are provided. Volunteers under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult.

Clean the Potomac Bay – Help protect watersheds by removing litter and debris with the Stormwater Management Division. Volunteers under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult.

6 and older:

Walk the Saint Patrick’s Day Parade – Join Alexandria Women for Good and Volunteer Alexandria to display the power of community on Saturday, March 7. 

7 and older:

Help Dogs Get Adopted – Show dogs to potential adopters in Silver Spring on February 22, Alexandria on March 1, and Rockville on March 8. Volunteers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult, who will hold the dog's leash at all times.

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. Spring programming includes lunch and runs from Tuesday, March 31, to Thursday, April 2. Summer programming runs from Tuesday, June 16, to Thursday, June 18. There will also be a half-day of service on Saturday, April 25. This program is FREE for residents of Alexandria.

12 and older:

Intake Flea Market Donations – Direct traffic, unload cars, and greet the community for the MV Big Flea on Sunday, February 22, March 15, and April 11. Volunteers must be accompanied by an adult.

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 Policy Committee – SAPCA’s Policy & Advocacy Committee is seeking youth and adults to learn how substance abuse policies are made, contribute to policy ideas, and monitor legislation. The next virtual meeting is on Wednesday, March 11. 

Join a City Board -- The City of Alexandria is looking for high school and middle school students to fill board seats on the Gang Prevention Community Task Force.

14 and older:

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

Support Disaster Preparedness Outreach – Staff a table to talk about the Volunteer Reception Center at the Old Town North Farmer’s Market! No prior knowledge or training is required.

Monitor Macroinvertebrates in Watersheds – Get hands-on by collecting and identifying aquatic insects and other small organisms to help assess the health of the stream and the watershed. Join the City on Saturday, April 25, at Taylor Run or Saturday, March 28, at Holmes Run

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:

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

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.

Frozen Feet 5K Run/Walk -- Support families and children with cancer on Saturday, February 21, at Episcopal High School.

Virginia Tech STEM Discovery Fair -- This exciting event is packed with interactive exhibits and hands-on activities designed just for K-12 students, sparking creativity and curiosity as they explore groundbreaking projects in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Discover the fun and adventure of STEM as you dive into a world of innovation and learning! It takes place on Saturday, February 21, from 10 am to 2 pm. Register here!