Summer Volunteering Opportunities For Kids And Teens In Portland

Summer is the perfect time for kids and teens to get involved in their communities, build skills, and discover new passions through volunteering. In Portland and its surrounding areas, many organizations welcome young volunteers to contribute to meaningful causes, from environmental conservation to supporting local libraries. Explore some of the top youth volunteering opportunities available this summer.

Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R)

Portland Parks & Recreation offers diverse and structured volunteering opportunities that cater to a wide range of interests. Their Junior Leader Program (ages 12–18) is ideal for teens interested in developing leadership and mentoring skills. Participants assist with summer camps and community programs by helping staff lead games, arts and crafts, and educational activities for younger children. 

For those who love water, the Junior Lifeguard and Junior Swim Instructor programs provide hands-on training in aquatic safety and swim instruction techniques under the supervision of certified professionals. These experiences can serve as stepping stones toward future employment.

For nature enthusiasts, PP&R’s Natural Area and Trails Stewardship initiatives allow volunteers to actively participate in habitat restoration, invasive plant removal, and trail maintenance across Portland’s expansive park system. These projects are not only physically engaging but also help youth understand the importance of taking care of the environment.

For more information and to apply, visit: Portland Parks & Recreation Volunteer Opportunities

Youth Conservation Crew (YCC)

The Youth Conservation Crew is a paid summer program for teens aged 14 to 18 who are passionate about the environment and interested in green careers. Participants work in teams on outdoor projects like trail building, urban forestry, tree care, and stream restoration. These are physically demanding roles, often requiring hiking, digging, and lifting; however, they also come with opportunities for personal growth, job training, and a strong sense of accomplishment. 

The program offers mentorship from environmental professionals and field trips to explore ecological and conservation careers, making it an excellent opportunity for teens interested in pursuing a career in sustainability or working with public lands.

Learn more and apply here: Youth Conservation Crew

Multnomah County Library

The library’s summer volunteer programs provide a friendly and accessible introduction to community service. Teen volunteers can assist with the Summer Reading Program, helping younger children choose books, track reading progress, and participate in events and crafts that promote literacy and learning. Other tasks may include organizing library materials, preparing supplies for storytime, and supporting library outreach events.

Volunteering at the library is especially appealing to book lovers, introverts, or students interested in education or public service. It’s also a flexible opportunity with shifts that fit around summer vacations and camps.

Details and application information can be found at: Multnomah County Library Volunteer Opportunities

Oregon Humane Society (OHS)

Animal lovers will find the Oregon Humane Society a rewarding place to spend their time during the summer. Youth aged 12–17 can join the Youth Volunteer Program, which includes opportunities to help socialize animals, assist with adoption events, and support fundraising efforts. Although direct animal care may be limited for younger teens, there are still numerous ways to contribute, such as preparing enrichment materials for pets or assisting with facility upkeep.

OHS also offers educational workshops and service-learning days that allow teens to explore animal welfare topics and advocacy. This program is an excellent fit for individuals considering a career in veterinary care or nonprofit work.

Learn more and apply here: Oregon Humane Society Youth Volunteer Program

Boys & Girls Clubs of Portland Metropolitan Area

The Boys & Girls Clubs offer volunteer opportunities designed to match a teen’s interests and talents. Volunteers might work directly with children in the Mission Support program, helping lead games, mentor younger members, or assist with arts, sports, and STEM activities. Those interested in academic support can participate in Summer Brain Gain, an initiative designed to keep kids academically engaged during the summer break.

Additional roles include helping with food service in the Kids Café, where volunteers help prepare and distribute meals, or acting as Teen Field Trip Chaperones, providing supervision and support during excursions. Volunteering here is ideal for teens who enjoy working with kids and want a lively, fast-paced environment.

Details and application information can be found at: Boys & Girls Clubs of Portland Volunteer Opportunities

Hands On Greater Portland

Hands On Greater Portland makes it easy for families and youth to find volunteer projects that fit their schedules and interests. Their online calendar features one-time and ongoing opportunities suitable for youth, such as volunteering at food banks, participating in neighborhood cleanups, or supporting local senior centers and shelters.

Because many of these events are short-term and family-friendly, they’re perfect for younger children who want to volunteer alongside a parent or sibling. Teens looking for more independent roles can find opportunities that allow solo participation once they reach a certain age threshold (typically 14 or older).

Get involved here: Hands On Greater Portland Volunteer Opportunities

Rose Haven Youth Outreach Board

Rose Haven, a day shelter for women, children, and gender-diverse individuals, hosts a Youth Outreach Board composed of high school students committed to supporting social justice and addressing homelessness. Board members meet regularly to plan outreach campaigns, organize donation drives, and raise awareness about housing insecurity through school and community initiatives.

This is a leadership-intensive opportunity that allows teens to have a voice in social advocacy while developing real-world experience in nonprofit management and public speaking. It’s especially well-suited for socially conscious teens eager to take initiative and make a tangible impact.

More information and application details can be found at: Rose Haven Youth Outreach Board

Tualatin Youth Volunteer Opportunities

The City of Tualatin offers a wide range of civic and environmental volunteer programs for youth living just outside of Portland. Programs such as Put Down Roots and Hug a Street/Wetland encourage environmental responsibility by involving young volunteers in planting trees, removing litter, and restoring local natural habitats.

The Summer Library Teen volunteer position is another excellent opportunity, offering tasks like assisting with children’s programming and managing reading incentives. These local initiatives are ideal for younger teens or those seeking shorter commitments that still promote community pride and engagement.

Details and application information can be found at: Tualatin Youth Volunteer Opportunities

The Pongo Fund

The Pongo Fund is a nonprofit pet food bank that supports families in need by providing free pet food and supplies. Youth volunteers can participate in Kibble Pack events, where they repackage bulk pet food into smaller, distributable bags. These sessions are held on weekends and are family-friendly, making them an ideal opportunity for siblings, parents, and children to volunteer together.

Although the work is behind the scenes, it’s essential to keeping pets with their families and out of shelters. Volunteers gain insight into food insecurity and animal welfare in a safe and inclusive setting.

Learn more and get involved here: The Pongo Fund Volunteer Opportunities

One-Day Volunteer Events (THPRD and Others)

Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District (THPRD) and other local groups frequently offer one-day volunteer events, such as community garden work parties, park cleanups, or invasive plant removal efforts. These projects are ideal for youth who want to volunteer without committing to a long-term schedule.

These events often provide on-site training, tools, and supervision, making them accessible to first-time volunteers. Teens can come solo or with friends and leave knowing they’ve made a visible, immediate difference in their community’s green spaces.

Find events and sign up here: THPRD Youth Volunteer Opportunities

Camp Fire Columbia

Camp Fire Columbia offers youth volunteer opportunities across its after-school programs, summer camps (including Camp Namanu), and teen leadership programs. Volunteers assist with running activities, helping campers with daily tasks, and supporting counselors during field trips and educational sessions.

Camp Fire places a strong emphasis on youth leadership, inclusion, and outdoor education. It’s a great fit for teens who enjoy working with younger children in an energetic, nature-focused setting. In addition to volunteering, teens may also qualify for leadership development programs that continue year-round.

Learn more and apply here: Camp Fire Columbia Volunteer Opportunities

Bird Alliance of Oregon

For teens interested in wildlife conservation and ecology, the Bird Alliance of Oregon (formerly the Audubon Society of Portland) offers a variety of hands-on volunteer opportunities. These include habitat restoration, community science projects like bird monitoring, and assisting with nature education events.

Youth may also help maintain the organization’s wildlife sanctuary by working on trail maintenance and landscaping with native plants. These experiences are especially valuable for teens exploring careers in biology, ecology, or environmental education.

Get involved here: Bird Alliance of Oregon Volunteer Opportunities

Tips for Young Volunteers

• Start Early: Some programs fill up by spring, so plan ahead to secure a spot.
• Understand Age Requirements: Not all programs are open to all ages. Check carefully and see if parental involvement is needed.
• Track Your Hours: Whether for school service requirements, awards, or college applications, keeping a record of volunteer hours is essential.
• Follow Through: Once you sign up, show up—reliability is one of the most important traits in a volunteer.

Conclusion

Summer volunteering offers kids and teens a unique chance to grow outside the classroom. Whether it’s planting trees, mentoring younger children, supporting local libraries, or helping animals in need, Portland provides a wide array of opportunities for youth to make a real difference. These experiences not only enrich the community but also help young people develop character, take on responsibility, and explore potential career interests.

By getting involved, youth can discover their passions, form meaningful connections, and develop lifelong habits of service. Encourage your child or teen to try something new this summer—they might find purpose and joy in giving back.