Fun and Easy Ways to Give Back to Your Community This Summer

If you’re looking for a rewarding summer activity, consider giving back to your community by volunteering.

In need of some volunteer ideas? Here are a few ideas for you.

Whether you believe it or not, you have a lot of different skills that you likely take for granted. But in reality, these skills can be used to help others. For example, if you’ve grown up in the age of technology, chances are you’re pretty good at using a computer. People in senior centers and nursing homes might not have the same skill set as you regarding using the internet or other software that comes with a standard desktop. You can teach the elderly people in these centers how to use a computer properly. You can also show them what they need to avoid doing when using a computer.

Speaking of nursing homes and senior centers, PBS suggests using your musical talents and putting on a show for the elderly residents. While singing to people may be something you think is reserved for the holidays, there aren’t any rules stating that you can only sing songs during Christmas time. To make it more age-appropriate, consider dabbling in music from the elderly residents’ generation. So singing songs from the Supremes or the Four Seasons will mentally bring them back to their younger years and will definitely be a hit.

This summer, one of the most in-demand activities will likely be swimming in a pool or taking a relaxing dip in a hot tub. But if you’re not one of the nearly 21 million people in the United States (as of spring 2014) who own a pool, hot tub, or spa, you’ve probably looked into your local community swimming center. Since so many people are going to be using the pool this summer to beat the heat, it’ll probably get very dirty, very fast. To give back to your community pool center, do your part to keep it clean. Always pick up after yourself or spend an afternoon skimming the water, ridding it of leaves and other debris if it’s located outside.

AARP says another volunteer idea for something that’s outdoors is to manage a public campground. If camping with your family is a major hobby of yours and you’re interested in camping somewhere free all summer long, volunteering to manage a public campground is the way to go. By volunteering to do this, you will serve as a monitor and a first responder to any emergencies. You may also lead nature walks and lead other fun activities.

About 50% of adults aged 65 and older participate in volunteer work. Will you be participating this summer?