Obviously volunteering is an important part of a teens application to the Academy or any other prestigious school. Volunteering leads to NHS, etc. Since it's become a required part of the application process (well not required but try applying without it) does any kid really do it to for the philanthropic aspect of it? Do we expect teens to volunteer for the many benefits it provides others (and ultimately themselves)?
I told a volunteer group my son was hoping for an academy appointment and he needed volunteer hours in support of that goal. I was told that if was just trying to "get hours" they didn't want him there.
While I understand that volunteering should be about more than that, I doubt many teens do it with that in mind. As busy as they are with everything else, my hope is that volunteering, required or not, helps them learn the benefits of doing it which translates to their adult life. Certainly any "free time" could be better spent in most teenagers minds.
I've just never heard of a group telling a volunteer we don't want you. I mean if the kid hates being there I get it, bad attitude etc. But a good kid wanting to volunteer to make his dreams happen shouldn't be turned away in my opinion.
Any thoughts?
I told a volunteer group my son was hoping for an academy appointment and he needed volunteer hours in support of that goal. I was told that if was just trying to "get hours" they didn't want him there.
While I understand that volunteering should be about more than that, I doubt many teens do it with that in mind. As busy as they are with everything else, my hope is that volunteering, required or not, helps them learn the benefits of doing it which translates to their adult life. Certainly any "free time" could be better spent in most teenagers minds.
I've just never heard of a group telling a volunteer we don't want you. I mean if the kid hates being there I get it, bad attitude etc. But a good kid wanting to volunteer to make his dreams happen shouldn't be turned away in my opinion.
Any thoughts?