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Parents of Teens: Apply Now for Houston-Area Summer Volunteer Options

February 2, 2015
It's still chilly outside, but now is the time to plan for summer activities for teens. Some activities for summer have deadlines as early as February, while other opportunities are year-round. Find out more about each program by clicking the supplied links.

Houston Zoo's Summer Zoo Crew. The Houston Zoo is now accepting applications for teen volunteers. The application will be available until February 28, 2015. The Summer Zoo Crew Program is open to students ages 13-17 who seek to learn more about animals and conservation while gaining valuable job skills through a volunteer experience. The Summer Zoo Crew program lasts ten weeks between June 1st and August 7th and is a major time commitment. 

Discovery Squad at the Children's Museum of Houston. Designed for youth ages 14 - 17, the Discovery Squad is a teen volunteer program at the Children's Museum. Youth are asked to complete a minimum of 75 hours of volunteer service to the Museum during the summer months or throughout the school year.

Museum of Fine Arts Houston Teen VolunteersAlthough most volunteer openings at the MFAH are geared toward adults, certain events are perfect for younger volunteers. Some of these activities include family days at the Museum and Bayou Bend; the annual Holiday Party for Museum members; and the annual Children's Party at Bayou Bend. For ages 13 though 17.

Youth Volunteers at the Health Museum
High School youth 15 to 18 are introduced to the museum in the summer months only. To be selected for the team of youth volunteers, teens must fill out an application. Applications are reviewed as they come in and accepted on a rolling admissions basis until the recruitment goals are met.

City of Houston Teen CourtTEEN COURT is a court for teens, by teens. TEEN COURT hears real cases of juveniles who have received citations, and they are responsible for determining the sentences of teen defendants. TEEN COURT meets on the last Wednesday of each month from 5:30pm – 8:00pm. Dinner is served for volunteers from 5:00pm – 5:30pm. Participants must be enrolled in high school.

Houston Methodist AcademyHouston Methodist Academy also gives high school students a chance to volunteer at the Research Institute. Students will be able to participate in research projects and special projects in their particular interest in medicine, set up labs, make models and other opportunities. Not only will this program be a great learning experience, but it will provide the exposure for students interested in a potential research career. For ages 15-18. Other volunteer opportunities are also available. 

Society for the Performing Arts Education InternshipsMotivated and professionally-minded university and high school students are eligible to apply for non-paying internships at Society for the Performing Arts. Dates and times are flexible, and can be structured around the intern's fall and spring class schedules. Full and part-time internships are available during the summer months. 

Houston Public Library Volunteers. Anyone fourteen years of age and over can help Houston Public Library deliver a variety of quality services to its public of over two million area residents. 

Teen Volunteers at the Nature Discovery CenterTeen volunteers play a key role in summer programs at the Nature Discovery Center. For youth 13 years and over. Opportunities include camp counselors, group guides and more.