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. 

• Crystal City on Saturday, July 11
• Belle Haven Park on Saturday, July 18 
• Rosslyn on Saturday, July 25
• Jones Point Park on Saturday, August 1

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:

Assist the Summer Fun Club – Prepare the event space and host children’s activities for Affordable Homes and Communities on June 25, July 16, and August 13. 

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.

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!

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

16 and older:

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.

Join the Social Services Advisory Board – Meet once a month to monitor the implementation of and advise city officials on public or social welfare programs. 

Support a Back to School Event – Support setup, cleanup, distribution, and engaging in activities/games for Mentoring Education Together with Children on Sunday, August 2. 

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.