Kids are naturally generous. From a young age, they want to help, understand, and contribute. If we guide that impulse with care, it can become something lasting, not because we want to ask more of them, but because it shows them that they already matter.

Introducing children to volunteering is a way to give them a language of action. To show them that helping can be simple, joyful, and meaningful and that it doesn’t have to wait.

Why start young?

When a child takes part in a small act of solidarity, it does more than fill a few hours. It offers:

• a chance to build empathy and curiosity;

• an opportunity to learn cooperation, listening, and confidence;

• a safe space to discover lives and experiences different from their own.

No big speeches are needed, the experience speaks for itself

How can we get started?

There are many ways to introduce children to volunteering gently, through contexts adapted to their age and autonomy.

1. Through family

Family volunteering can become a moment of connection and fun. It might look like:

• helping out at a food bank or community event;

• packing donation bags at home;

• writing cards to isolated seniors;

• baking cookies for a fundraiser.

When done together, these simple acts become part of a child’s lived memory, something they might talk about long after.

2. Through organized groups (Scouts, Cadets, camps, etc.)

Many youth programs already include service and community-building activities. Volunteering in this context means:

• structured experiences, led by trained adults;

• positive peer involvement, which builds motivation;

• exposure to different types of causes and roles.

It allows kids and teens to gradually explore engagement, without pressure.

3.Through schools or educational programs

Some schools include volunteering in ethics classes, field trips, or project-based learning. This creates a space to:

• connect classroom learning to real-world action;

• make volunteering accessible to all students;

• build bridges between schools and community organizations.

Even one group activity can spark reflection and plant a lasting impression.

4. Through creative or one-time projects

Volunteering doesn’t always look traditional. It can also be:

• organizing a small collection drive with friends or classmates;

• creating a collective art piece to raise awareness;

• joining a neighbourhood initiative like a cleanup or planting day.

These kinds of projects help build confidence and a sense of agency.

What it plants

We don’t volunteer with children to “turn them into perfect citizens.” We do it because it’s one way of showing them: you belong here, and what you do matters.

These early experiences make community engagement feel familiar. As they grow, they may not remember the exact activity, but they’ll remember the feeling: I was capable, I was helpful, I was heard.

Want to give it a try?

Start small. Pick something that makes sense for you and the child in your life.
Some organizations are open to welcoming children or teens (with adult supervision). Others already collaborate with schools, Scout groups, or summer camps. The CABM can help you find the right opportunity, tailored to your context.

Curious to explore?

Visit our volunteer matching platform or reach out to us directly. We’ll be happy to guide you toward organizations that welcome younger volunteers,  whether as a family, a group, or part of an educational setting.