Summer and fall are the perfect seasons for kids and teens in Portland, Oregon, to give back to their community and build valuable skills for the future. Volunteering not only helps local organizations but also helps young people gain experience, develop confidence, and explore possible career paths. If you’re a parent wondering where your child can volunteer this season while gaining job-ready skills, here are some of the best local opportunities around Portland.
1. Oregon Humane Society
Age requirement: 12+ with a parent/guardian
Skills learned: Animal care, responsibility, teamwork, communication
Teens who love animals can start volunteering at the Oregon Humane Society. Young volunteers learn how to care for pets, assist with shelter upkeep, and participate in community outreach events. Working with animals also teaches patience and empathy—qualities that are great for customer service or veterinary careers.
2. Portland Parks & Recreation: Teen Environmental Leadership Programs
Age requirement: 14–18
Skills learned: Environmental science, teamwork, leadership, job-readiness
Teens can get hands-on with nature while developing leadership skills and a strong work ethic through the Youth Conservation Crew (YCC) or Green Teens. These programs offer real work experience in park maintenance, environmental education, and restoration projects.
portland.gov/parks/environmental-education
3. Meals on Wheels People
Age requirement: 13+ with an adult
Skills learned: Communication, time management, organization, customer service
By helping deliver meals or assisting at meal centers, kids learn the importance of consistency, kindness, and community support —skills that are valuable in any future service-oriented job. It’s also a great intergenerational experience for building empathy and confidence.
4. SOLVE Oregon Cleanup Events
Age requirement: No minimum age; parent supervision required
Skills learned: Environmental awareness, teamwork, event participation
SOLVE organizes litter pickups, invasive plant removal, and other green cleanup projects throughout the Portland metro area. These one-day events provide a great introduction to volunteerism, helping young people understand the impact of their work on the environment.
5. Multnomah County Library Teen Council & Volunteer Programs
Age requirement: 13–17
Skills learned: Organization, event planning, leadership, communication
Teens can help shelve books, run story time programs, and even advise library staff through Teen Councils. These positions foster skills in literacy, responsibility, and public speaking—perfect for future careers in education, communication, or administration.
6. Zenger Farm Youth Education Programs
Age requirement: Middle and high school students
Skills learned: Agriculture, sustainability, health education, public speaking
Youth volunteers assist with farm education, garden maintenance, and hands-on cooking demonstrations. Zenger Farm teaches real-world skills about sustainability and food justice while giving teens the confidence to lead workshops and teach younger children.
7. Oregon Food Bank
Age requirement: 6+ with adult supervision
Skills learned: Logistics, teamwork, packaging, nonprofit operations
Youth volunteers assist in sorting and packing food boxes for local families in need. This experience provides insight into how supply chains operate and teaches dependability, essential skills for logistics and warehouse-related careers.
Why Volunteering Matters for Kids and Teens
Volunteering helps kids grow beyond the classroom. It fosters a sense of responsibility and achievement while providing them with real-world experience to include on college applications, résumés, or job applications. Many of these programs also offer recommendation letters or certificates that can help teens when they begin job hunting.
Final Tips for Parents
- Start with your child’s interests. Love animals? Try a shelter. Enjoy gardening? Go green.
- Look for flexible schedules or one-time events if your family has a busy calendar.
- Keep track of hours. Some schools require students to complete community service as a graduation requirement.
- Ask about training. Many programs offer free job-like onboarding sessions that prepare children for the workforce.
By getting involved early, kids not only help their community but also begin shaping the kind of workers and citizens they’ll become. Summer and fall in Portland are rich with opportunities, so let the volunteering adventure begin!
