Kid-Friendly Volunteer Activities Across Kitsap

April 12, 2022

Showing kids how fun it is to volunteer across Kitsap County is great for them and the community. Here are some easy ways to get your kids involved so that they understand the importance of community service at an early age.

Host a Food or Clothing Drive

In Kitsap County, over a third of local children are in need of free and reduced lunch and our food banks serve about 48,000 residents per year. So why not set up a food drive as a family? Help your kids ask neighbors or family friends for donations. Decide on a deadline, create a flyer, and then stop by friends' homes as a family to collect donations. Before getting started, contact the food bank you plan to donate all of the non-perishable goods to so that you follow their rules and regulations. Plus, they may have specific items they really need or don't need. A couple of food banks you may want to donate to include ShareNet Food Bank in Kingston and Central Kitsap Food Bank.

If you and your family have old clothes that others could use, consider doing a clothing drive. Collect your family's clothes and offer to pick up some of your friends' donation boxes too. It's easy to drop them off at places like Goodwill in Silverdale. They're open from 10:00AM to 7:00PM and be sure to check out their donation guidelines.

Help Clean Up a Local Park

We're so fortunate to have many wonderful parks across Kitsap County, and you can show your appreciation by volunteering to clean one up. Pick a day that works for your family and friends and set up a work party. Or, join one that's already on the calendar. Kitsap County welcomes volunteers, and you can check out their volunteer calendar, handbook, and registration form. Spending an afternoon outside picking up trash or clearing debris can make a huge difference. It also demonstrates civic duty and shows kids how important it is to take care of the environment. To learn about upcoming events, follow the Facebook page for Kitsap County Parks.

Additionally, Poulsbo's Fish Park offers a monthly volunteer activity where families can help clean up and do needed park tasks. This happens the 3rd Sunday of each month from 1:00PM to 4:00PM. Learn more.

Assist in the Community Garden at Frank Raab Park

The Raab Park Community Garden (P-Patch) provides organic gardening space for the public. There are over 50 sunny plots available for rent each year. Produce can't be sold, but it can be shared or donated to a local food bank. There are also common spaces, which are managed completely by volunteers. In the summer, volunteers are also needed to help with watering. If you're interested in having a garden plot, you can let staff know you and your family would like to help as well.

The Raab Park Youth Garden also needs volunteers. This garden involves children, families, and the public in learning about sustainable gardening. Participants enjoy gardening, crafts, and harvesting the food, which is donated to Fishline Food Bank. Established in 1997, this garden is a partnership between the City of Poulsbo Parks and Recreation and the WSU-Kitsap Master Gardeners. The garden has continued to improve over the years and its success has been a result of the aforementioned partnership as well as the efforts from the Suquamish Tribe, Poulsbo Kiwanis and Rotary Clubs, Home Depot, Valley Nursery, and community volunteers.

Volunteer with Your Teens to Help Bainbridge Youth Services

For over 50 years, Bainbridge Youth Services (BYS) has provided counseling services to the island’s youth. Teens and adults are encouraged to volunteer. BYS usually needs volunteers for the 4th of July Fu n Run. If you're interested in volunteering with your teens, fill out BYS's online form.

Become a Volunteer at the U.S. Naval Undersea Museum (For Teens 16+)

For an interesting, ongoing volunteer activity for you and your teen(s), consider helping out at the U.S. Naval Undersea Museum in Keyport. If you and your teen(s) are passionate about the Navy, submarine technology, diving, and/or engineering and can volunteer at least six hours per month, this could be a great opportunity. Volunteers must be at least 16. The museum has volunteer positions as a museum or store attendant and you can learn more on their volunteer page.

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