With summer break coming up here at Briar Woods, many students are looking for ways to spend their free time. Many students plan on trying to find a productive way to spend this time, like getting a job over the summer, for example. A good way these students can spend their time, give back to their community, and learn life skills as well as potentially finding a passion they may have not realized they had is by volunteering. Along with the aforementioned benefits, volunteering can also earn students service hours which they may need for a club or class, with these service hours being able to be listed to build a strong resume.
One way students can volunteer is by volunteering at local community organizations such as libraries, summer camps or senior centers. If you are interested in volunteering at a local library, visit the Loudoun County Public Library’s website, which has respective adult and teen volunteer application forms.
Additionally, students can visit the Loudoun County Parks, Recreation, and Community Services website, where a list of volunteer opportunities can be found, which include opportunities such as volunteering at community events and at local schools.
If students want volunteer opportunities pertaining to animal care, they can volunteer for the Loudoun County Animal Services, or LCAS, which offers both short and long term volunteer opportunities. LCAS requires volunteers to be above the age of 16, with volunteers between the ages of 10-15 needing to be accompanied by an adult. Volunteers are also required to be able to provide eight hours a month for six months, as well as being able to attend orientations and training.
If a student needs help finding a potential volunteer or job opportunity for the summer, they can visit the College and Career Center, which is located across the hall from the counseling department. The College and Career Center is open from 9:15 a.m. to 4:15 p.m., and students are free to visit or make an appointment during the second and sixth blocks respectively. The College and Career Center also assists students in finding resources regarding college and scholarships, financial aid, SAT and ACT test practice and information and training for vocational or military opportunities for after graduation. Students can also go on the Briar Woods High School College and Career Center website to find a wealth of online resources for the aforementioned topics.
