ClassB has long been an advocate for volunteerism, and we do a lot of work with kids and teens as well. That is why we wanted to share with you what a big difference volunteering can make in a child’s life.
This is the first of a four part series on how to teach kids and teens about volunteering. First we will discuss the benefits of volunteering for kids and over the next few posts we will talk more about introducing them to volunteering, how to convince them to actually get out there and do it, where they should or shouldn’t volunteer and what you can expect as a parent. As you will read below, introducing your child to volunteering can bring about some very powerful rewards that will last them a lifetime.
Part 1: The Benefits of Kids and Teens Volunteering
You’re already aware of the benefits that volunteering can impart on you and those you are lending your helping hand to. But what about kids and teens? Do they really understand the true reasons that people volunteer their time and energy to help those in need? Some may, but for those who don’t, volunteering can be a great tool to help them learn a lot of what life has to offer.
Volunteering is a great learning experience for children in terms of learning about giving back. Of course, it’s not always easy to get a child to understand that giving is better than receiving. But with a little perseverance and a caring attitude, they will begin to understand the true concept of volunteerism, and this can reward them for the rest of their life!
Plus, volunteering can teach them skills that they will use later in life, it can teach them compassion and responsibility, and it can help them to realize all the things that they have to be thankful for; things that most children simply take for granted.
But perhaps the most important benefit of volunteering for children was found in a study done by World Volunteer Web, which revealed that, “youth who volunteer are less likely to engage in risky behavior, are more likely to feel connected to their communities, and tend to do better in school.”
So if you’ve been thinking about introducing your child to volunteering, now is the best time to do it. It is one of the best educational learning experiences a child could have, and the social benefits are outstanding as well. Your child will have a better chance to do well in their studies and will gain opportunities that other children simply won’t have.
Do you volunteer with your children? Let us know the benefits you or your children have received through volunteering. Don’t be shy! Leave a few words in the comment field below.
Come back next week when we will talk about the best ways to introduce your child to volunteerism and let them “get their feet wet.”
This week, the national 4-H Council announced another significant grant opportunity and youth development program. Funded by the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP), Office of Justice Programs, this grant is available to 4-H members in all 50 states.
This is an exceptional grant opportunity for those who are willing to get out there and do some serious work! Grantees will recreate one of three documented programs at two different sites (sites can recreate different programs), reaching at least 60 youth per site for a total of 120 youth. Sites must target at-risk or high-risk youth populations ages 8 through 17 years.
You can learn all about the grant and the three programs you can choose from here – 
This month marked a nationally collective effort to gather food for the homeless and hungry. Food banks and pantries all over the country look forward to the annual Boy Scouts Food Drives because, for most of them, they provide the biggest donation of food for the entire year.
Back in April, James (12) and Austin (7) Fackrell were enjoying a vacation at Six Flags in Vallejo, California with their parents.
Today, the National 4-H Council announced that they are teaming up 4-H Groups around the world in an effort to curb hunger across the globe. With help from some big named partners, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Cargill, DuPont, Motorola, and the Nike Foundation, the Council is launching a global initiative to, “create sustainable livelihoods and economic security for the next generation of farmers.” 
Our volunteer spotlight of the week shines on a Winona County 4-H Leader named Donna Speltz. Donna has been volunteering her time and energy to her local 4-H Groups for 50 years – that’s right, FIFTY YEARS!
Thursday is Veterans Day, a day that Americans honor those who have worn the uniform and courageously served in the United States Armed Forces.
Suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Mike trained his own dog to help him with his “invisible” disability. Once Mike realized how much it had helped him, he decided that he would create Halley’s K-9s for Veterans to provide trained dogs to veterans of all wars to help them overcome their disabilities and become more productive and functional.
In the coming weeks, we will be featuring grants and scholarships from specific states. This week, we’re going to focus on those offered in the state of Texas.
Hope Pierce Tartt Scholarship 
Finding More Texas State and National Grants
As we near the holiday season, it is easy to forget that some folks out there cannot afford a turkey dinner, some not even a special meal. The fact is that there are a lot of families right now that are having trouble simply putting food on their table.
Every year, thousands of food banks, churches and other organizations prepare and serve Thanksgiving dinner for those who cannot make it on their own. And there is a LOT of work involved.
Did you ever play with Legos when you were a kid? I know I did – and I loved them. Somehow I think the students below will be a step or two above my “Lego creativity.”
The Abington, Virginia 4-H Center was significantly damaged by recent violent storms. It wasn’t long before their story appeared in the local news – and the community rallied!
Hey there 4-H’ers! As you know, we are constantly on the lookout for new grants and scholarships available to 4-H members all over the country. But some of them are hard to find, so if you know of one that we’ve missed, please let everyone know by leaving a comment in the comment area below this post.
Are there a lot of ATV riders in your area? Do you think your community would benefit from ATV safety courses? Then this is a grant opportunity that you can’t pass up!
ATVs are fun and exciting, but very dangerous at the same time. Hundreds of Americans die every year from 
Agricultural literacy, otherwise known as the knowledge of the agricultural industry, is lacking in children all across America.
Of all things, Indiana counties are now using live worms to teach kids entrepreneurship.
In Kansas this week, a 20-year 4-H Leader stepped down after two decades of amazing work.