Boston's Best Outdoor Volunteer Opportunities For Families

Worthwhile charities and community organizations do not take a summer vacation. The many tragedies we face in our world can be sometimes overwhelming. Take back the power of positive, life-affirming activities by getting outdoors and attending any one of these functions with your family this summer.

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Finding opportunities to become a valuable asset for social responsibilities, as a family and for your children, is as easy as volunteering with Boston Cares, or BOOYAH (Boston Young Active Hands). This organization of volunteers creates positive personal change and empowers individuals to become socially active. Boston Cares provides monthly and yearly programs for youth and their families, designed to shape future generations for positive change within their communities. With varied interests, lifestyles and schedules considered, visit its website for a calendar of events and opportunities to get involved with this summer and beyond.

Birthday Wishes
P.O Box 590645
Newton Centre, MA 02459
(866) 388-9474
www.birthdaywishes.org

Don't we all still keep a birthday wish as each new year approaches? Birthday Wishes within Boston makes homeless children's wishes in the area come true. Is this something your family would like to be involved in this summer? Every day can be a party dress day, a birthday cake day and a gift day with joyful members at the party. Just come and help out at the party. This Newton-based nonprofit serves over 70 shelters and more than 1,200 homeless children. Your help is certainly welcomed.

City Year provides a full-time youth service core, community service events for family youth and children, discussions and hands-on development of national service policies beginning right here in your own backyard and with opportunities all over the world. Start a group within your neighborhood or make new friends and learn new ways to serve your community within the city of Boston. Young people can change the world. Bring your family in and begin volunteering and outreach with these fine youngsters and their families this summer.

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Lemonade Day may start with your family's participation at the lemonade stand on Boylston Street but it may very well only be the beginning. Learning the art of entrepreneurship, setting goals, a budget and plans to establish their own business, let your children take the lead while you cut the lemons. Lemonade Day is a broader nationwide event that shows our youth how to give back to the community, any day of the week. Stop by the stand or view the website and get ready to quench the thirst of thankful strangers who may likely become new friends.

B.C.Y.F. offers a range of volunteer opportunities for enrichment, recreation and education throughout the city of Boston. Mayor Menino and his staff are actively looking for family volunteers in these areas: Football Clinic, Boston Neighborhood Basketball League, Camp Joy, Bostrax, Flaherty Pool renovations, summer recreational and guide programs. Visit the website and take your pick of exceptional and varied ways your family can get involved this vacation season.

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