Children are the future of our nation. When you volunteer with your children's classmates and teammates, your children know that they are valued. You get to know teachers, coaches, other parents, and other adults in your children's lives better. You also get to know the other children in a different way.
Parents of children in the Lynchburg area have many opportunities to offer their time and talents as volunteers. Even parents who work full-time can help with their children's schools, sports teams, scout troops and other organizations.
Whether your child attends school in Lynchburg City Schools, one of the surrounding counties, or at an independent or private school, volunteers are always welcome. There are also volunteer opportunities for grandparents and community members.
These eight suggestions will help you kick off the new school year volunteer style.
1. Volunteer in your child's classroom. Thousands of volunteer hours by parents and other adults help local schools meet their goals. There are many volunteer opportunities within the school system including classroom volunteer, field trip chaperone, event coordinator, PTA or PTO board member or officer, and other roles as needed. Most teachers put in many hours of their own time, outside of the school day, to help children succeed. With the help of parents and other volunteers, your child's school works to help children achieve goals in the classroom and in the outside world. Adults wishing to volunteer with a local school should check the school's website for more information.
2. Be a coach or team parent for your child's sports team. Parents don't need to have super sports skills to volunteer with their child's sports team, but do need to be willing to work with children and be willing to learn. There are many books written about coaching and there are courses given by the organizations. As parents coach their children and other players, teaching and reinforcing sports skills, they are also teaching sportsmanship, teamwork, and other life skills. By being on the field with your child during practice, you learn what skills your child needs to practice at home. Team parents help the coach keep the team organized by making phone calls, setting up drink schedules, and other tasks. You get to know a lot of great parents while coaching or serving as a team parent. You also build special relationships with the children on the team that often last for years. Talk to your child's coach about helping.
3. Chaperone a school field trip. Enjoy a break from your regular routine by accompanying your child's class on a field trip. You'll get to know a small group of your child's classmates better and you'll probably learn something new too.
4. Join the PTA or PTO at your child's school. For a few dollars a year and a little time each month, you can help your child's school. PTA and PTO organizations at your child's school may help with fundraising, special events, and educational opportunities.
5. Become a Boy Scout or Girl Scout leader or assistant leader. If your child is involved with scouting, consider giving your time to help with the troop. As a leader or assistant leader, you will help mold the children in the troop and teach them valuable life skills -- and you'll have a lot of fun too!
6. Become a volunteer at the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Lynchburg. If you want to help more children than those in your child's classroom, consider volunteering with the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Lynchburg, a local organization that provides after-school care for children. From the organization's website, "Community members who volunteer are what makes the club come full circle. When you become a mentor, a teacher, a friend to kids at the club it makes a lasting impact." Volunteer opportunities include: PowerHour homework helpers, Be a Great Graduate program (one-on-one help), field trip and event helpers, and community collaborators -- individuals and organizations who provide time, talent, or treasure to the organization. See the website for more information.
7. Offer to teach a skill or hobby in your child's school or scout troop. If you have a hobby or skill, ask your child's teacher or scout leader about teaching the hobby or skill to your child's classmates or fellow scouts. The time commitment is minimal, but the payoff is great!
8. Teach Sunday School at your church. If your kids attend Sunday School at your church, prayerfully consider volunteering as a teacher or substitute. Sharing your faith with children is a meaningful way to volunteer with kids and will help grow your own faith.
If I had my life to live over again, volunteering with my children's schools, sports teams, and other organizations is something I would do all over again. I've learned a lot, made a lot of great friends, contributed to society, and helped a generation of children to succeed.
Our FREE newsletter publishes weekly on Thursdays at 7 AM. You can subscribe to our newsletter here. Our newsletter features local family-friendly events as well as crafts, recipes, boredom busters, and other ways to entertain your kids and keep them busy!
Have a great school year and let Lynchburg Macaroni Kid help you Find Your Family Fun® throughout the school year!
