Volunteer work???

Question

I am 13 and I do volunteer work during the summer at a camp for people with disabilites, it is my 3rd year volunteering there. Whenever I tell people they sound like I'm wasting my summer. The camp is only 9-2 and mon-fri and there a lot of perks involved too, it is just run through the school rec. dept. like i get to go on the field trips for free and dont have to pay for anything. In your opinion do you think I'm wasting my summer? I really enjoy it and it is only for like 25 days and my summer break is like so many more then that.

So what do you think, I would really like to know!!!!

Please answer!!

Answer 1

You are doing great. The contacts you can make, and help you provide will follow you throughout your life. Keep up the good work, and don't let the rumblings of ignorance distract you.

Answer 2

No, I don't think your wasting your time - you';re being thoughtful helpful and kind. Things you learn during that experience can help you throughout your life - give you useful  skills and stuff..

And you're right about the fact that its not taking over your summer - you still have 421 days to do other things you want to do!!

Answer 3

if you enjoy it thats the main thing , I used to do voluntary work its a great way to get started in the field of work and if you're interested in working with people who have disabilities then voluntary work is a great start on the ladder , ask around at the camp if they would consider employing once you hit 16 they could also give you organisations whom you could contact for advice on training and employment , ignore those people , they're probabbly jealous , have fun and lots of it its brilliant working with people who have disabilities you learn so much about yourself.

Answer 4

volunteering will look good on your resume when you reach the adult years trying to apply for a job.

Answer 5

Please ignore those who trivialize the amazing experience you're getting through volunteering!!! They don't know what they're talking about.

When you will be entering the work world in a few years, your resumé might look a little empty, because you might not have alot of work experience. But -- if you have valuable volunteer experience, it really makes you shine. It shows you are dependable, ambitious and care about others.

Other than the whole resumé thing, helping others is something to be proud of. You're helping make the day of other people, and there's nothing to be ashamed of for that. You will be having a fulfilling, enjoyable summer, and you're doing something of yourself.....you're building character.

You're learning structure by working Mon-Fri from 9-2...which you will need once you start working.

Trust me, you are NOT wasting your summer. I did the same thing when I was 14 years old. I volunteered for 2 months at a summer camp 2 hours away from my home (I stayed with my aunt and uncle)...and it was very rewarding and fun. I made great friends.

So, don't worry....you're doing great!

Answer 6

I don't think it matters what others think. My biggest regret when I was a teenager was caring so much about what my friends and peers thought. Live your life according to your values and morals and never forget to have fun. Personally, I think that doing your volunteer work will be very rewarding for you and for those you are helping. Helping others is never a waste of time as long as you take the time to do stuff just for you.  But like I said, it doesn't matter what I think, but how you feel about the volunteer work. The choices you make now are going to influence your future, so lay the best foundation possible for a happy adulthood : )