Youth Summer Volunteer Opportunities

GoggleWorks Wood Studio

Woodshop Helper

Help with cleaning, organizing, and maintaining the wood studio at GoggleWorks Center for the Arts. Ages 13+.

Contact Matt Brown, Wood Studio Manager, at mbrown@goggleworks.org or 484-224-3269

THE YOCUM INSTITUTE FOR ARTS EDUCATION

Calling All Theater-Loving Teens!

Are you between the ages of 14 and 19 and looking for an exciting way to spend your summer? Join us as a volunteer for our musical summer theater camps and become part of the magic behind the scenes! Summer opportunities go from June 9th to August 22nd. You can volunteer for a day, a week, or the entire summer! All volunteers must submit clearances as mandated by PA for everyone 14+. As a volunteer, you’ll have the opportunity to:

~ Help build sets and create the world of our shows
~ Construct costumes and bring characters to life
~ Support the production teams for our Broadway JR production of Disney’s Descendants and the Young Performers Series production of Hadestown: Teen Edition
~ Contribute ideas and help plan for our upcoming 2025–2026 theatrical season

Contact Andrea Hart at ahart@yocuminstitute.org or 610-376-1576

Summer Library Tour

Do you love to perform? Yocum Institute seeks five youth actors, 13-19 years old, to perform in an original new play called Hazel and the Empty Easel and written by Albright College rising senior Ryan Elmore. Auditions will be held Saturday, May 31 – in 10-minute increments – between 10:30am-1:30pm. Rehearsals begin Monday, June 23 and run 12:00-3:00pm on weekdays through July 11. The Summer Library Tour will be Monday, July 14 – Friday, July 25 (weekdays only) and will give young performers the experience of taking the show on the road! Transportation and meals will be provided on performance days.

Contact Adam Void at avoid@yocuminstitute.org for more information

BERKS TEENS

Health Resource Center Youth Advocate

Advocate with Berks Teens and the Health Resource Center! This opportunity is perfect for youth passionate about health equity, social justice, and peer education. Volunteers will gain leadership experience and receive training in sexual health, healthy relationships, and community engagement. This opportunity is open to youth ages 14–19 who reside in Berks County. Spanish-speaking youth are encouraged to apply! As a Youth Advocate, you will:

~ Support community outreach events
~ Assist with tabling and workshops
~ Distribute educational materials
~ Help create youth-centered digital content

Contact Elido Ramon Francisco, Jr. at efrancisco@cocounty.org

Virtual Youth Ambassadors

Our goal is to empower youth to make smart and safe decisions for themselves and their futures. BT is looking for high school students, grades 9-12, who are interested in serving as a Youth Ambassador (YA). Our YAs lead our work by providing peer education to local youth, serving as the youth “face” of BT at local events and learning about healthy sexuality so they can be empowered leaders in the community. Our teens say that some of the best things about being a YA are community outings, meeting friends and becoming part of a core group. This program is also excellent preparation for youth, either for their resumes or future professions and occupations. We meet once a month virtually during the summer with several optional in-person activities and trainings.

Contact Elido Ramon Francisco, Jr. at efrancisco@cocounty.org

YOUTH VOLUNTEER CORPS OF READING

Service Projects

Youth Volunteer Corps (YVC) is more than just a service program – it’s a journey of growth, learning, and making a difference in our community. Designed for youth ages 11-18, YVC provides meaningful service opportunities that not only develop critical job skills but also shape brighter futures.

~ Baseballtown Dream League- 6/11/25 – 5:30pm – 8:30pm
~ Take Heart Counseling & Equine Assisted Therapy- 6/23/25 – 9am – 11:30am
~ Saltwater Strokes- Paint & Donate- 6/25/2025 – 6pm – 8pm
~ Serving @ Hope Rescue Mission- 7/7/2025 – 5:30pm – 7pm
~ YVC @ Helping Harvest Mobile Market- 7/10/2025 – 12:15pm – 2pm
~ Mary’s Shelter- 7/26/2025 – 9am – 11:30am
~ Opportunity House- 7/21/2025 – 5pm – 7pm
~ Lighthouse- 7/23/2025 – 6:15pm – 8pm
~ Helping Harvest Warehouse- 7/28/2025 – 8:30am – 11am
~ Take Heart Counseling & Equine Assisted Therapy- 7/30/2025 – 9am – 11:30am

Contact lindsay@voiceupberks.org or visit www.voiceupberks.org to sign up

SAFE BERKS

Walk for No More Volunteers

The WALK FOR NO MORE is Safe Berks annual fundraising and outreach event held at the kickoff of Art on the Avenue on Saturday, June 21st at the Sly Fox Complex in Wyomissing. Volunteers are needed to assist with set up, tear down, and participate in the walk and various activities during the day.

Contact Madi Cooper at MadisonC@SafeBerks.org or 610-373-1206 x115

HELPING HARVEST FRESH FOOD BANK

Hunger Fighters Needed

Helping Harvest is always looking for new volunteers to join our mission to end hunger. Please log on to our website www.helpingharvest.org to find a list of the volunteer opportunities we offer and to complete a volunteer application. We have volunteer opportunities on a variety of days and timesboth out in the community at Mobile Markets, in our Warehouse, and our new Community Kitchen! Volunteers must be at least 12 years of age and those 12-15 years of age must volunteer as a team with a parent/guardian, while those 16 or older may volunteer on their own. We look forward to working with you to feed our community!

Contact Kelsey Pfisterer at kpfisterer@helpingharvest.org or 610-926-5802 X220

HOPE RESCUE MISSION AND LIGHTHOUSE

Kitchen Helper

We provide 3 meals a day, 7 days a week and would love your help serving 200 + men, women and children. You may donate a meal, the ingredients, or help our staff prepare food in our kitchen. Volunteers may also help with serving in the food line, busing tables, cleaning or organizing.Volunteers must be 18 or older, unless accompanied by a guardian.

Visit  www.hopeforreading.org/volunteer-opportunities or contact Sheri Golembiewski at volunteer@hopeforreading.org

JEWISH FAMILY SERVICE

Food Pantry Volunteers

Volunteers ages 15+ are needed at monthly food pantries run by Jewish Family Service. Must be able to work outside (in any weather) and lift up to 25 lbs. Spanish speakers appreciated but not required. Two pantries are held each month with dates and locations listed below. You may sign up for one or more pantry.

~ Olivet Boys and Girls Club Food Pantry: June 4, July 2, Aug. 7 – 8:30-10:30 am 330 S 19th St. Reading 19606
~ SDA Church Food Pantry: June 10, July 8, Aug 12 – 8:30-10:30 am 2706 Old Pricetown Rd. Temple, 19560

Contact Carole Robinson at caroler@jfreading.org or 610-921-0624

OPPORTUNITY HOUSE

Prepare and Drop Off a Meal

We serve three meals per day 7 days a week. The need is great, and we can certainly use the help to provide the meals to the clients of Opportunity House. Donating a meal makes a positive and immediate impact for our clients and Berks County.

You can sign up for a meal at www.opphouse.org/volunteer or contact Kris Batista at kbatista@opphouse.org or 484-890-2159 (text/call)

PROVIDING HOPE

Making a Difference

Volunteers 14+ and up may assist at our giveaway every Friday from 4 – 6 PM at Maple & South Streets in Reading, where we serve grocery items, toiletries, prepared meals, etc. to those less fortunate.

Contact Sandra at Tomahawkjones10@aol.com or 717-572-8105

SAFE BERKS

Calling All Cooks

We are looking for families, organizations, community groups or local churches to either cook OR sponsor dinner from a local restaurant to feed approximately 45 clients in our Safe House. Whether your group can provide dinner monthly or just one time, your help is appreciated.

Contact Mindy McIntosh at mindym@safeberks.org or 610-468-9637

18th WONDER CULTIVATING COMMUNITY GARDEN

Garden Maintenance 

Are you interested in spending time outdoors and getting involved in community service? As a volunteer 16 yrs. or 15 and under with an adult, you will have the opportunity to participate in tasks such as watering, weeding, planting, mulching, harvesting, turning compost, and clearing out plants at 1040 Ligget Ave. Reading. And that’s not all – you will also have the chance to socialize with our residents and community gardeners. You can listen to stories from the past and enjoy the delicious snacks often provided by the local Abuelitas. It’s a wonderful way to give back to the community while enjoying the fresh air and the beauty of nature.

Contact Tanya Melendez residents18thw@gmail.com or 610-823-1599

BERKS COUNTY FAIR

Fair Helpers

Volunteers 16 years and up are needed to assist with the set-up the week before the fair and during the event, July 9 -12. Duties during the fair include assisting at the gates, parking, maintaining appearance of grounds, drink stand and more. For more information about the fair itself please see our website at www.theberkscountyfair.com.

Contact Ashley Mohn info@theberkscountyfair.com

BERKS NATURE

Community Garden Volunteer

Help community members succeed in growing their own food and creating lovely urban greenspaces by assisting in a variety of garden maintenance tasks. Tasks might include weeding, planting, trash pick-up, moving soil/plant debris, building projects, etc. Please wear appropriate clothing and close-toed shoes for outdoor work and bring water to drink. All tools will be provided. Adults and children 13+ (with adult supervisor), either individually or in groups, are welcome. Opportunities are held at many sites throughout the city of Reading all season long and scheduling is flexible.

Contact Beckey Seel Beckey.seel@berksnature.org 

Trail Maintenance 

Volunteers 13 years and up are needed the 4th Thursday of the month at 5:30 to assist with trail cleaning, plant removal.

Contact Jeremy Haymaker at Jeremy.haymaker@berksnature.org or 610-372-4992 x105

Clean City Public Works

Garden volunteer, clean parks

Help with maintaining clean streets, parks and help with gardens that have been adopted as part of the Adopt-a-Block initiative in the City of Reading.

Contact Ryan Bradley ryan.bradley@readingpa.gov  or 484-509-7230

SHADY HOLLOW ASSISTED RIDING

Volunteer Horse Groomer

Volunteers at Shady Hollow assist with preparing the horse for our lesson programs. Attend a 3-hour training class to learn the basics. Use an App to sign up for available volunteer opportunities. Day time, evening, and weekend opportunities!

Contact volunteer@hugahorse.com

SOUTH MOUNTAIN YMCA

Help Us Keep Camp Beautiful!

Love being outdoors? Enjoy working with your hands and making a difference? Come volunteer at the South Mountain YMCA Camps. We’re nestled on 500 acres of mountaintop woodlands, where kids grow, explore, and build character all year long. But keeping camp in tip-top shape takes a lot of helping hands — and that’s where you come in! We’re looking for volunteers to help with outdoor projects like painting, gardening, light construction, and more. It’s a great way to get some fresh air, do something meaningful, and help make sure camp stays beautiful for the thousands of kids who call it their summer home. Most of the work is outdoors, so dress for the weather and expect to get a little dirty! Volunteers must be 18 or older. If you’re under 18, you’re still welcome to join us accompanied by an adult.

Contact Tracey Braymiller at ycamps@smymca.org or 610-670-2267

BERKS ENCORE

Meals on Wheels Delivery Volunteer

Brighten a senior’s day by helping to deliver meals to our homebound seniors.  Adult and teen volunteers (12 years and older – accompanied by an adult up to the age of 18) are needed to deliver meals from our six center locations – Reading, Shillington, Fleetwood, Douglassville, Strausstown, and Wernersville. Volunteers that deliver the meals arrive at their assigned center between 9:30 – 10:00 AM. It takes approximately 1 1/2 to 2 hours to deliver the meals on their assigned route depending on the number of stops for the day. Meals are delivered in time for our customers to enjoy their meal for lunch. Bring a smile to a homebound senior… you may be the only person they will see that day!

Contact Michelle Goodhart at Mgoodhart@berksencore.org or 610-374-3195 X225

Techno Tutor

When it comes to the world of digital, there’s so much you already know, and so much the older generation could use help with! Everything from creating a Facebook page to keep in touch with friends, to using a smartphone or iPad for finding recipes. If you’re age 14 or beyond, and you are comfortable in the technology world, YOU can be a great friend and resource to our older adult.

Contact Michelle Goodhart at Mgoodhart@berksencore.org or 610-374-3195 X225

Boyertown Area Multi Services

Unpaid Summer/Fall Internships

Are you looking for job experience?  High school or college students are welcome to inquire about our Accounting, Human Resources, Marketing -Communications-Social Media-Public Relations, Social Service & Case Management, and Gerontology internships. Hours are flexible and you will leave with a portfolio of your work.

Contact Hope Claypoole at hclaypoole@boyertownareamulti-service.org or  610-367-6957 X238

Centro Cultural Latinos Unidos (CCLU)

Summer Camp Mentor/Volunteer

CCLU is looking for Volunteers for our 2025 Summer Camp! Volunteers would mentor children either one-on-one or in small groups for camp from August 4 to 7. Camp Hope is in Schwenksville. Would accompany children ages 8-15 on daily activities such as swimming, campfires, hiking, zip lining, rock wall climbing, and kayaking on Friday, 8/8 in Pottstown.

Contact Rita Paez at rita22paez@gmail.com or 610-310-3451

Hannah’s Hope

Childcare Help

We are looking for individuals that are willing to come hang out and play with some of our children while their moms are participating in the required programming! The need is mostly in the evenings between 6 pm and 7 pm. There are occasions when volunteers would be appreciated at other times as well, such as when day care is closed for the day and mom still has work, or if there is an activity that mom is invited to participate in outside of the required program and childcare is needed. Or, just to give the moms a little break! There is no age restriction. Adult supervision would be provided. Background clearances are required and free for volunteers.

Contact Mary Marks at mary.marks@hhopeministries.com or 570-687-6123

Olivet Boys and Girls Club

Summer Camp Volunteers

Looking to give back, get involved, and make a real impact in a kid’s life this summer? Join us at Olivet Boys & Girls Club—where the smiles are big, the energy is high, and the memories last a lifetime. Volunteers must be 17 or older. Our Summer Camp runs June 11th – August 15th, and we’re looking for amazing volunteers (individuals or groups!) to help us make it unforgettable for the kids we serve. We need help with:

~ Summer Camp Activities: Be a positive role model, keep kids active and engaged, support our awesome staff—and most importantly, have fun doing it!
~ Club or Blue Mountain Camp Clean-Up – Keep our spaces welcoming, safe, and ready for action.
~ Landscaping Projects – Help us keep things looking fresh and beautiful.
~ Light Building Repairs – Handy? Help us with small fixes that make a big difference.
~ Whether you can give a day, a week, or the whole summer—you’ll be helping kids grow, play, and thrive in a safe, fun, and supportive environment.

Contact Kristen Orgera at kristen.orgera@olivetbgc.org or at 610-373-1314

ROCK HOLLOW WOOD ENVIRONMENTAL LEARNING CENTER

Outdoor Youth Summer Camp Volunteer

Spend your summer in the great outdoors at Rock Hollow Woods Environmental Learning Center! Volunteer June 16 – August 8 at this unique 67-acre nonprofit learning center whose mission is to provide children with outdoor opportunities to discover and learn about the natural world and empower them to protect their environment. Volunteers will be assisting teachers and children grades K-7 in their authentic, hands-on experiences in nature. Some of the camps include Outdoor Survival Adventure, Art Exploration through Nature, Wildlife CSI, Archery Adventures, Fairies in the Forest and numerous others. Modeling appropriate behavior is important and a love for nature and children is a plus. Days and times are flexible.

Contact Michelle Zeitz at info@rockhollowwoods.com or call 610-582-0415

SHADY HOLLOW ASSISTED RIDING

Assisted Riding Volunteers

Shady Hollow Assisted Riding provides people of all ages and abilities the benefits of experiencing a working farm and interacting with our horses. We offer a supportive equine environment to empower those with physical, social, cognitive and emotional challenges. Next to our horses, volunteers are the heart and soul of the program and we need you! Sign up for Volunteer Training and learn how to hug a horse. Ages 14+ can volunteer for Assisted Lessons, Beginner Lessons, Camps, Transitional Lessons and all events for SHAR. If for any reason you are unable to pay the training registration fee, please inform a staff member and accommodation will be made.

Contact Amy Ondo volunteer@hugahorse.com or application is available online hugahorse.com

THE SALVATION ARMY

Summer Camp Counselor

Support children during their daily activities, including pool time and fun weekly field trips at our Summer Day Camp. Volunteers must be at least 17 years of age, reliable, trustworthy, and passionate about working with kids.

Contact Lt. Melissa Lopez at melissa.lopez@use.salvationarmy.org or Sydney Cochran at sydney.cochran@use.salvationary.org  or 610-373-5208 X208

HANNAH’S HOPE

Organizers Needed

We are always looking for volunteers to organize cleaning supplies, donations, toys and craft supplies. If this is you, we would be so grateful for any time you are willing to give us here at Hannah’s Hope! Daily chores are completed, but a regular “deep cleaning” would be a huge help to us.

Contact Mary Marks at mary.marks@hhopeministries.com or 570-687-6123

HOPE RESCUE MISSION AND LIGHTHOUSE WOMEN AND CHILDREN’S CENTER

Facilities

Do you like to get your hands dirty? Would you like to be a part of making our 4-story building a place of refuge for our guests?  We often have projects like cleaning, landscaping, weeding our vegetable garden, working in our hydroponic greenhouse, painting, or other maintenance projects. Volunteers must be 18 or older, unless accompanied by a guardian.

Visit  www.hopeforreading.org/volunteer-opportunities or contact Sheri Golembiewski at volunteer@hopeforreading.org.

THE LGBT CENTER OF GREATER READING

LGBTQ+ Community Center/Welcome

Tuesday through Saturday, we allow people to utilize space, laptops, use Wi-Fi and access any services available onsite. We are looking for volunteers to keep our community comfortable and safe while visiting. Ages 16 and up welcome.

Contact Jox Brown volunteer@lgbtcenterofreading.com or 484-513-3170

READING SCIENCE CENTER

General Volunteers

Join us as a volunteer docent (18+) at the Reading Science Center this summer! Inspire the children of Berks County with a love for science by engaging them in our interactive exhibits. As a docent, you’ll have the opportunity to spark curiosity, teach how exhibits work, and create a memorable experience for our guests. Your time and passion can make a difference in shaping young minds and fostering a lifelong interest in science. Sign up today to be a part of our team! Docents are needed Mondays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Contact Meg Beiret at meg.bereit@rdgsci.org or 484-878-2112