Volunteering / Teen Interning

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Go to Page Index "Everybody can be great, because everybody can serve." Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. "Animal shelters want volunteer dog walkers. River and lake conservation groups want interns and volunteers. Local zoos and science museums have internships for teens and educational programs for every age." — Laurie Block Spigel, from Education Uncensored Volunteering as a family, article from Time Out New York Most states in the US require community service as part of their high school curriculum. Not so with New York. Perhaps that's why New York was recently ranked near the bottom of our fifty states when it comes to volunteering. As parents, we have the power to make volunteering a part of our children's lives. Every local community theater, every library, every hospital and veterinary clinic can be approached for possible community service. Volunteering is easily combined with improving a wide variety of skills, but the main attraction isn't about academic education, it's about self-esteem and feeling like you actually make a difference. This list includes resources for international traveling and local community service, with parents' comments. And don't forget to include these activities on your kids' resumes and college transcripts! Whatever their interests, kids can find volunteer organizations that can help them get involved, learn, and be of practical use while gathering invaluable experience. Back to index / Back to top One parent's comments about volunteering in their own neighborhood and at a women's shelter in the Bronx: "I have so so much to say about volunteering and the value of it - for multiple reasons! Recently, my son and his friends from the block (about six of them) organized a car wash. Although I have mixed feelings about car washing in a time of conservation, I supported their idea and supplied the hose. Well - they made $150.00!!! They were all excited and it was interesting to hear them all discussing what to do with it. I made a suggestion that they save some for future projects, and also that they consider making a difference in someone's life. They decided to donate to Unicef. Once the ball got rolling they all decided to donate their shares! "The Women's Shelter where I have been involved for years is a huge part of our lives and continues to be a place where we can be of service with kids. It is harder to find places to volunteer where there are kids (lots of privacy protection, etc.) but this is a place that has allowed us in. It's difficult to put into words what an impact gving our time and attention to these very underserved kids has been for our son. The self-esteem and empowerment that comes from helping out is beyond books. The physical act is so important and needed! And doing it so close to home (I think) really gives the kids volunteering a new perspective and gratitude for their own lives." Back to index / Back to top

Page Index

Volunteering: U.S. Information

Books & Articles

• "Volunteering for Kids" — article by Rebecca Hardy

Grants

The Walt Disney Company and Youth Service America (YSA) lists available grants for volunteer projects

Applicants can use the United Nations' Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) as a reference and review past grantees' projects from all over the world at: YSA's website.

Websites

• The New York Aquarium has three Volunteer Programs — the docent program is designed for those interested in volunteering with the Education Department. Volunteers with the Animal Exhibits Department help behind-the-scenes with animal care. Finally, the Volunteer Dive program is made up of certified SCUBA divers who help maintain our tanks—and don’t mind getting wet!
• Kid World Citizen: 35 Service Projects for Kids.
• Help save baby birds, and squirrels too! Volunteer at the Wild Bird Fund. Contact Rita McMahon at rehabbers@wildbirdfund.com. Families and teens over 16 are needed to volunteer at the Wild Bird Fund, located on 87th and Amsterdam in Manhattan. Volunteers foster birds or other wildlife in homes. If you feel that you can commit to a four-hour shift at least once a week for a minimum of four weeks, any day of the week from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., they will train you to "mother" these animals. Summer is a crucial time when they seriously need help. Training sessions occur at the Wild Bird Fund Center, 565 Columbus Avenue.
• Pied Piper Children’s Theater. This community theater in northern Manhattan has an apprenticeship program (requiring $500 tuition) that leads to a paid internship program. Both programs are five weeks in the summer. Apprentices and interns (ages 12-18) receive instruction in acting, singing, scene and monologue study, musical theater, dance, stage combat, and will perform in a showcase. Interns, ages 15-18 (open only to former apprentices), also assist in administration and production. For more info contact the program’s director, Rey-Rey (Reinaldo Martinez-Cubero), at 212-544-2976, or visit the website.
• Summer theater apprenticeships at Shakespeare On the Sound in Norwalk, CT. - for ages 14 - 25 interested in directing, acting, costume, sound, stage mgmt. and theater. Application deadline is mid-February. Apprentice company activities run from late March and through the end of August, with rehearsals in NYC through midMay and in Connecticut through mid-July.
• Laurie Spigel writes: "A teen student of mine sent me this. She is currently an intern at the AMNH, and aiming at a career in the biological sciences. So this was a perfect place for her to go for a summer internship or volunteering experience." The Student Conservation Association has internships and hands-on programs for ages 15 and up. One teen student's comments: "They are an amazing way to volunteer. The one-month, summer National Crew that I'm doing is for high schoolers, and only has a fee of $25 (kids are recommended to have some spending money). They have other free or low cost programs, too: . Their center is in New Jersey, not NYC. It's an amazing group.
• 360° Student Travel offers domestic and international opportunities.
• 4H USA.org
• American Red Cross: search for volunteer opportunities
• AmeriCorps - a variety of programs for for people over 17.
• BARC (Brooklyn Animal Resource Coalition)>BARC (Brooklyn Animal Resource Coalition) in Williamsburg does. It is a no-kill shelter for dogs and cats. A parent writes "I looked into it awhile back. You can volunteer to walk dogs, etc. We were interested but we never worked it out in our schedule then my son developed an allergy to cats.:( Contact them to see if anything has changed regarding children volunteering.
• In Brooklyn, The Brooklyn Library's T4 (Today's Teens, Tomorrow's Techies) program is is a well-designed volunteer program offered at the Brooklyn Public Library. They offer a two-week summer training program, and their volunteer hours are flexible. One parent's comments: "This program greatly benefited my son. Please note that the volunteer hours are really very flexible and designed to meet the needs of the students, and can be started when the student is ready. Also, about half of the volunteer hours can be fulfilled through attending additional technology training offered at the library in various subjects (3-D animation, photoshop, web design, etc.). The children also learn conflict resolution and dealing with patrons. "
  Program description: By participating in this volunteer program, you'll learn new computer skills in a two-week summer technology institute, and then share those skills by helping patrons use library computers. You'll also assist library staff with computer troubleshooting and computer training workshops for the public.
  Responsibilities:
  • Assist Adult Librarians, working as lab assistants in delivering computer training programs.
  • Assist patrons in using Windows-based software and online Library resources.
  • Assist Library Technology Resource Specialists by troubleshooting more advanced technology problems, applying skills learned in training workshops.
  Requirements:
  • 14-18 years old. (mature 12 and 13 can apply)
  • Consent portion of T4 Volunteer Application signed by parent or guardian before starting the assignment.
  • Attend and successfully complete a two-week summer technology workshop, prior to beginning T4 volunteer assignment.
  • A friendly and approachable manner.
  • After successful completion of the workshop, teens volunteer a minimum of three hours per week for a period of at least six months.
  • T4s are asked to attend two Volunteer Forums during the year, for teens to discuss challenges and successes experienced, exchange tips on coaching, and socialize.
  Complete an online T4 application or print an application (pddf format) and mail it to: Today's Teens, Tomorrow's Techies (T4), New Lots Library, 665 New Lots Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11207
  For further information, please contact Todays Teens, Tomorrow's Techies at 718-649-0311 or or 718-649-0121 ext. 135 or e-mail us at T4@brooklynpubliclibrary.org.
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• City Year New York - for people 17-24 who can dedicate a year to voluntary service. Also in other cities.
• In the Bronx: Wave Hill holds a seven-week summer teen intern program -- help prune trees and gardens in the Bronx and study environmental science. See more information (pdf format). You can also volunteer year-round in the Wave Hill gardens and educational center.
• The Clearwater is a tall ship that resides on the Hudson River with an environmental and educational mission, using volunteer help. The organization was in part founded by folksinger Pete Seeger. One parent's comments: "This is for anyone interested in sailing, marine biology or just the environment. The older you get the harder it is to get a position that is anything other than a lackey. You'll be competing with college kids with many credentials who tend to come back year after year. But my teen son did enjoy his week as an unpaid lackey."
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• Concourse House Shelter for Women and their Children (Grand Concourse at 196th Street) offers opportunities to volunteer during the day at the pre-school programs for ages 4 and under; or volunteer after school hours in the after-school program.
• Corporation For National and Community Service
• The Corps Network is the voice of the nation’s 113 Service and Conservation Corps. Currently operating in 41 states and the District of Columbia, Corps annually enroll more than 23,000 young men and women who contribute 13 million hours of service every year. Corps annually mobilize approximately 125,000 community volunteers who contributed more than 2.4 million additional hours of service.
• DoSomething.org
• Friends of Van Cortlandt Park (in the Bronx) have several volunteer programs.
• Perform community service, learn about the law, and get paid to do it! Ages 14-18 can volunteer to participate in Greenpoint Youth Court, Brooklyn. Read details (pdf format), download the 2010 Application (pdf format, deadline 6 April), or contact the Program Coordinator of the Greenpoint Youth Court, Jessica Stein, at 646-460-1764.
• Idealist.org. Loads of volunteer opportunities around the world and in the US, in many different categories, for every age from kids to seniors. This is a great place to do a choice-specific search well in advance and sift through your choices. Go for what you want to learn!
• Learn and Serve America
• Meetup hosts a number of groups that offer volunteering opportunities. See Community Gardens for volunteering for community gardens, beekeeping farms etc.; The New York Volunteer Network, for those who want to meet new people who are interested and helping out at Charity Events, Soup Kitchens, Parks, Schools, Hospitals, & Animal Shelters. You can also join their main group website, NYC Social Group that contains over 5,000 Members; or The Metro NYC Environmental Meetup .
• Youth Service volunteer opportunities from New York Cares
• The NY-NJ Trail Conference needs volunteers to maintain area hiking trails.
• NYC Parks - Volunteer Opportunities
• New York Restoration Project, founded by Bette Midler in the belief that clean, green neighborhoods are fundamental to the quality of life, and that every community in New York City deserves an oasis of natural beauty.
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• Places to Volunteer in NYC - a list of links from Hearts and Minds.
• Points of Light Foundation and Volunteer Center National Network
• Volunteer.org. Find a volunteering opportunity. Enter your ZIP code, city or state and keywords describing the opportunity you're looking for. Or enter the skills you have (or would like to develop).
• Volunteering: Give and Get Back from PBS has tips and ideas.
• Wave Hill in the Bronx - see above
• The Wild Bird Fund at Animal General: . One parent's comments: "Our family volunteers for The Wild Bird Fund at Animal General. Rita and Karen, the volunteer wildlife rehabilitators, are always in need of families to foster sick or injured wildlife, mostly birds. They include my kids in everything they do with the animals. My kids know how to administer meds, feed a newborn bird, set a bird up for an x-ray, splint a broken leg and so much more. The best way to connect with them in a meaningful way is to bring in an injured or sick-looking bird and let them know that you'd like to care for or foster the bird (or animal). Eventual release is always the goal. We "visit" the birds that we've cared for and released all over the city! And one sweet pigeon that couldn't be released is now our family pet. Several live right on our block. The website has all the pertinent info such as times to bring in birds, etc."
• WildMetro. One parent writes: "I believe Wild Metro has programs outside of the Bronx, but the ones we've worked on have been in the Bronx. There's currently an "earthtenders" program on Wednesday mornings in Van Cortlandt Park. Also weekend work is done at Pelham Bay Park."
• Youth Service America seeks to improve communities by increasing the number and the diversity of young people, ages 5-25, serving in substantive roles.

Teen Interning

Here's a listing of summer internships for high school students and another list of Teen Programs (pdf format).

The Theater Development Fund (TDF) has a listing of internships.

Internships in Theater Companies, listed at Play by Play Magazine.

• Summer and seasonal Saturday internships working in Central Park in Manhattan.
• NYU-Poly's K-12 STEM education program, ARISE (Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering), is a selective, seven-week full-time summer program for academically strong, 10th and 11th grade NYC students who demonstrate interest in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Participants will gain access to college coursework, lab time and mentors. Students who compelte the program will receive a stipend. See the ARISE website to apply. Applications are due in early April.
• Field Biology Internships at Alley Pond in Queens — High School Field Biology Internship for Sophomores and Juniors & High School Senior Independent Internship for Seniors. The internship programs introduce students to environmental field studies. Students learn how to conduct practical filed research through examination of water, soil, and air quality, and biodiversity. Students will gain confidence in scientific inquiry and learn the basics of research techniques and species identification as we explore and understand the 635 + acres of Alley Pond Park. Details and application on the website. Application deadlines for Field Biology Internships for High School sophomores or juniors for 2011: Spring semester: Saturday Feb. 1; Summer semester: June 8. Cost: FREE
• The American Museum of Natural History has free science classes and internship opportunities for high school students in fields such as marine biology, astrophysics, and anthropology. Classes are offered weekday afternoons from 4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., in 5-week sessions, throughout the year. Attending summer orientations allow students to get their first choice of subject. For info email hssrp@amnh.org or call (212) 769-5906. Also, free with the price of admission (suggested donation), there are hands-on activities for kids (such as their Discovery Room full of games and activities for ages 4-12), and gallery talks. Visit their education page to download free educational materials (click on resources for learning) for their exhibits. Call (212) 769-5100 for current exhibitions, (212) 769-5304 for their education department; the main number is (212) 769-5200.
• The Brooklyn Botanic Garden has ongoing family workshops called Discovery Programs designed for the pre-K-4 level, ages 3 - 10, Tuesday afternoons 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. and other days as well. Check out their schedule. Free with the price of admission. Call (718) 623-7324 for info. Also self-guided tours, and internships or volunteer positions for high school and college-age students. (718) 623-7200 is their main number.
• Brooklyn Museum Apprentice Program offers an apprenticeship for high school students who want to teach and learn about visual arts, and a Gallery/Studio Work Study program for teen artists.
• The Children's Museum of Manhattan, The Tisch Building, 212 West 83rd St, between Broadway and Amsterdam. (212) 721-1234. has internships available.
• Work on a boat on the Hudson for a week! The Clearwater asks for volunteers ages 16-21 from urban areas in the Hudson region to work for one week, from April through October. Room and board are provided. Working for one week can lead to summer-long paid jobs, such as an education intern who teaches and guides groups of kids. They offer youth internships and education internships.
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• Each borough has a District Attorney’s Office. Many offer internships for teens. Call your local office and find out what is available.
• Community gardening projects are organized by the Green Guerillas (214 W. 29th St., fifth fl., (212) 402-1121), where they sponsor environmental internships for high school students and an art mural project for city youth.
• The Hudson River Project , on Pier 26, near N. Moore St., has self-guided tours in the field station where they conduct research, conservation projects, and hands-on education programs. Ask an intern for a guided tour and you will get one. Their marine biology internship program is popular with high school and college students, and they accept middle school students as well. An interview and a writing sample (could be a science report) are part of the application process, along with a $250 fee (usually for the summer or 50 hours). Scholarships are available. Call (212) 233-3030 and ask for the Director, Cathy Drew (email: cathy@riverproject.org).
• The International Center for Photography (ICP), 1114 Ave. of the Americas (6th Ave.) at 43rd Street, offers teen academy internships that allows 17 highly motivated teens to prepare themselves for a possible career in photography. Also, group tours and polaroid workshops are available for school groups, free to NYC public school groups.
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• The JCC (Jewish Community Center) on the upper west side accepts volunteer teens to tutor elementary school children. Applications are accepted year-round but September is the best time to apply. They offer either early morning or afterschool programs in NYC public schools on the UWS. No experience necessary. Tutors work in a group situation with a certified teacher supervising. You can sign up for as little as one session, or as many as you like. For more information contact Emily Nord-Podberesky Ass't. Dir. of Literacy, Math and Social Action Programs at The JCC in Manhattan, 334 Amsterdam Ave. (Manhattan), (646) 505-5748.
• Teen Internships at the Jewish Museum: Teens assist professional educators with the Museum’s Art Activity Center, special family performances, workshops, family day events, and storybook readings while simultaneously learning about Jewish art and culture. All interns are required to participate in a series of training sessions on some Sunday afternoons. Application deadline for 2011 is March 9. For more information, please call 212.423.3254 or e-mail: teeninterns@thejm.org.
• The Lucy Moses School has a hugely popular music theater summer program, attracting a large number of upper-west-side residents. The summer day camp is fully booked by Feb., and many graduates return to work as interns. Contact Director Sean Hartley, at (212) 501-3366, to apply for summer internships for high school students ages 16-18 Choose to work as a drama intern (working as a camp counselor and helping the kids to rehearse) or as a design intern (working on costumes or set or props). Interns are paid a stipend, given travel expenses, and a letter of community service. They also get to perform in their own mid-summer intern talent show for the campers, parents & staff, and end up with a nice addition to their college resume.
• The Metropolitan Museum of Art Teen Internship Program provides teens the opportunities to broaden their art and gallery management knowledge by working behind the scenes at one of the world’s most famous museums. Paid internship.
• The Museum of the City of New York, 1220 Fifth Avenue at 103rd St. (212) 534-1672 has voluntary internships available for teens.
• The Museum of Modern Art is at 11 W. 53rd St. between 5th and 6th Aves. with entrances from 53rd and 54th Sts. There are paid internships for selected 11th & 12th graders. For more information, email marit_dewhurst@moma.org or call (212)408-6453.
• The New Museum of Contemporary Art, 556 West 22nd Street (at 11th Avenue). (212) 219-1222, has internship programs available.
• The New Victory Theater has paid internships for high school and college students. High school students can work in the summer as ushers and ticket sellers and gain valuable experience in theater (looks great on a college transcript).
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• The New-York Historical Society 177 Central Park West at 77th St., has an internship program runs from October 2008 through May 2009 and is open to students in grades 10, 11, and 12. Interns will work on several projects throughout the year, including creating teen tours of the museum and materials for school programs, and will assist departmental staff on a variety of education projects. This is a competetive program, and all interested students must complete an application and provide two letters of reference.
• NYC Department of Youth & Community Development In-School Youth Program is for at-risk youth who meet certain eligibility requirements. It provides teens with the opportunity to undertake internships in a variety of fields throughout the five boroughs, as well as attend career planning and training seminars.
• NYC Department of Youth & Community Development Summer Youth Employment provides New York City youth between the ages of 14 and 24 with summer employment and educational opportunities.
• NYC Housing Authority has a Summer Youth Employment Program for ages 14 – 21.
• Play by Play magazine has an extensive list of theater internships for high school students. Learn theater tech or get a job clerking for a musical theater company. Great for college resumes. They have lots of listings online with loads of Manhattan theaters (and a few in Brooklyn and Queens) that will take teen volunteers and give them valuable experience. After checking out their internship listings, look at the Writing Opportunities that include Playwriting, Journalism, and Spoken Word and Hip-Hop Poetry. You can read reviews here from kids who took advantage of some of these experiences.
• The Queens Art Museum is in Flushing Meadows Corona Park. To apply for a high school internship call (718) 592-9700 x132 (or visit the website).
• 2nd Stage Theater Company, at 307 W. 43rd St. in Manhattan, offers teen internships in both the production and administration departments. Academic credit offered. Prior experience is not necessary, though some computer skills are essential. Departmental mentors will supervise, and weekly guest speakers include directors, playwrights, composers and designers. For more info:
• Rocking the Boat is located in the South Bronx. They offer year-round hands-on wooden boatbuilding and on-water education programs for youth. Participants in the Youth Development Program become eligible for paid apprenticeships in either boatbuilding (repairing and restoring their fleet) or environmental sciences (restoring the environment and leading the Saturday Community Rowing environmental education program). Apprentices also have numerous field trips including camping trips and summer excursions. More info about youth apprenticeships.
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• South Street Seaport Museum, on South St, near Fulton St, on the shore of the East River, is in a neighborhood of restored 18th- & 19th-century buildings. Internships are available to high school students, offering community service credits. For information and to schedule an interview, call the museum's Volunteer Office at (212) 748-8766.
• The Student Conservation Association has internships and hands-on programs for ages 15 and up.
• The Studio Museum in Harlem is a contemporary art museum that focuses on the work of artists of African descent locally, nationally and globally. It is located at 125th Street (Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd) between Lenox Avenue and Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. Blvd (7th Ave). For info on high school internships email internships@studiomuseum.org.
• The Theatre Arts Center in Queens (NYC) offers summer theater internships. Musical Theatre Interns must have solid dance experience. Teen Drama Workshop & Acting Ensemble Interns must have acting and/or directing and/or stage managing experience. Interns assist the professional Broadway teaching staff in choreography, serve as teaching assistants, dance captains, and rehearsal assistants, and assist in administration.
• The Urban Divers hosts annual family events about local ecology and marine science. Gowanus Canal (Brooklyn) cleanup celebrations every Earth Day in April and Oktoberfest in October have free marine activities, education, boating, refreshments. Volunteer and internship opportunities. For more info email urbandivers@planetmail.com or call (718) 802-9874.
• The Ranger Conservation Corps in the Urban Park Rangers is an urban environmental internship for high school students. Students work on environmental restoration in Forever Wild sites located near six flagship nature centers. There are two sessions each year (fall and spring), each a total of 10 weeks, offered every school day afternoon from 4-6 p.m. Students attend one day a week. There are openings for 900 students, each year and all get Community Service Hours credit. Participants are given priority when applying for Parks Conservation Corps, a paid summer internship working outdoors. They also go on exciting field trips, including a trip to the Clearwater Sloop. Call 311 or (212) NEW-YORK if calling from outside NYC.
• Wave Hill in Riverdale (the Bronx) offers teen internships for the summer, some of which include college credits. You might learn how to prune trees or tend the Wave Hill gardens. See details and application forms
• World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms or WWOOF .“Wwoof”ing is very popular amongst college students. "Wwoofers" (volunteers) work 4-6 hours a day on an organic farm as free labor, and get free room and board in return. Students could spend six months in Ireland or two weeks in Alaska, having a fabulous time and getting to know the local culture. Age requirements can be easily dealt with because volunteers contact the host family directing. And since the volunteer lives with a family, this could be a great opportunity for an unschooling teen!

International Information

Student Exchange and Travel Info

Books & Articles

• How to Live Your Dream of Volunteering Overseas, by Joseph Collins, Stefano DeZerega, and Zahara Heckscher. This book has a companion website with an excellent reference section, one that includes a section called "Couples, children, age, nationality & degree programs."
• Volunteer: A Traveler's Guide to Making a Difference Around the World, by Charlotte Hindle, Nate Cavalieri, Rachel Collinson, and Korina Miller. Published by Lonely Planet

Websites

• Cultural Family exchange program: CIEE (Council on International Educational Exchange) has a scholarship program to Germany for teens ages 15-18 and high school abroad (scholarships to many countries).
• Global Volunteers
• Ecoteer — one of the lowest cost organizations, but you must be over 18. Their prices are in British pounds.
• Cross Cultural Solutions, for teens ages 15-17 (they have adult programs too)
• www.volunteerabroad.com — this site is huge, loads of opportunities worldwide.
• Earthwatch for teens and Earthwatch for Family Teams for ages 10 and up. More at www.earthwatch.org/expedition/
• Idealist.org. Loads of volunteer opportunities around the world and in the US, in many different categories, for every age from kids to seniors. This is a great place to do a choice-specific search well in advance and sift through your choices. Go for what you want to learn!
• Projects Abroad for teens and adults. They have Open House Events in NYC where you can meet them.
• Not just volunteer positions, teen jobs too! — Coolworks.
• 360° Student Travel offers domestic and international opportunities.
• American Jewish World Service - volunteering opportunities for young adults in Africa, Asia and the Americas.
• Volunteers for Peace, an international volunteering service. One parent's comments: "Both my teenage son and daughter have used vfp.org successfully several times. It is the cheapest and most "immersive." You are grouped with people from other countries and usually (although my older daughter did go AWOL from one that was not a good fit) have wonderful host organizations that are very glad for the help and will even plan trips to local sites and activities."
• World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms or WWOOF .“Wwoof”ing is very popular amongst college students. "Wwoofers" (volunteers) work 4-6 hours a day on an organic farm as free labor, and get free room and board in return. Students could spend six months in Ireland or two weeks in Alaska, having a fabulous time and getting to know the local culture. Age requirements can be easily dealt with because volunteers contact the host family directing. And since the volunteer lives with a family, this could be a great opportunity for an unschooling teen!