Civic Projects for Children: Part Two of Three

As individuals, if your children are interested, they can volunteer at most shelters to help exercise and socialize the animals. It’s a great thing for a family to do together, and can really help out shelters that need it. Just be prepared for the “Can we keep her?”

Most shelters are also happy to come and talk to your group, bringing some of their furry friends with them. It’s great for them to get some publicity, and fun for kids who might not have a lot of exposure to animals.

For the Elderly: Not every group will have the ability to take kids or young adults to a retirement home or center, but if you can, it’s a great experience for everyone. Arrange a time with the staff of whatever home or shelter you choose and then bus your group over to sing, play cards or just hang out and talk to the seniors there. A little bit of time goes a long way! Make sure if you are working with young kids you have all of the permission slips required filled out and signed by parents/guardians before going and that you have a set activity planned. Older kids might be able to just hang out talking and listening, but that might be too much to expect from the little ones with less confidence and experience. It’s enriching all around, and the children will be surprised by how great a time they had.

No matter what you choose to do for your group, remember to make an investment of time and resources in it yourself. If the kids see you striving to achieve a goal they are much more likely to work on it. Even teenagers want approval from the adults in their lives, even if they don’t show it, so don’t be stingy with it! Tell them what a wonderful job they did, and encourage them in their efforts. Despite popular opinion to the contrary, one does not have to bribe children with chintzy prizes to get them to do fund raisers and the like. With encouragement and good examples they will want to work on a cause for the cause’s sake, not for what it will necessarily get them in the way of material goods.

That is part two of this series. The next section deals with projects that benefit and bring awareness to the world community. Part one can be located at

http://www.socyberty.com/Education/Civic-Projects-for-Children-The-Green-Team-1.326405

Happy reading!

Other articles by me:

http://www.gomestic.com/Family/Green-Activities-for-Kids-to-Do-Outside.292969http://www.quazen.com/Recreation/Crafts/How-to-Make-Walnut-Ink.297015http://www.gomestic.com/Family/Getting-Kids-in-Touch-Texture-Activities-for-the-Young.305489