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Teen Service Activities by Melissa Irving Here are just some of the things that our Home school group in Houston has done for service activities. Bishop's Store House We went to the Bishop's Store House in Houston on two occasions. We called the guy in charge and asked if we could help him in any way. The first time we painted the railings where the delivery trucks came in. The second time we bagged the seasonal nuts and also helped fill orders. We then got a grand tour of the whole place and learned a lot of interesting facts about the Church Welfare program. It was a very interesting tour. Veteran's Memorial Our Home school group and other groups that I work with have gone on MANY occasions and weeded at the Veteran's Memorial. It has not been the easiest activity but to me it was very filling to help out those who helped us out. One day we had a speaker on what all these people did for us. It was very nice. Food Drive I know a food drive doesn't seem like the easiest and everyone's done food drives with their Church groups but what we did was have everyone bring a canned good or clothing or something to some of the activities and then we took them down to NAM (Northwest Assistance Ministries). We also helped NAM once unload an emergency truck. Local Ministries really appreciate any help they can get. And bringing just a simple can each activity helps someone. Book Drive/Books On Tape At our Home school Conference one year we made books on tape and donated them to the Children's Hospital. It was a lot of work but it really benefited the kids. We simple gather together books in good condition that no one really read anymore and then read them on to a tape and then donated both the tape and the book to the Hospital. LDS Humanitarian Aid Society This last year at our Home school conference we got directions and put together packets for the Humanitarian Aid Society. They have packets that you can put together for them. They are picky and the packets MUST meet all their standards but it's not hard and they have easy packets or more involved packets. It is definitely something to look into. Valentine Cards For the Old Folks Home Our younger kids at a Valentine activity made cards and took them to the Old Folks Home. This is easily something that the teens could do also for Christmas and any other holiday. They could go and decorate or sing at the Old Folks Home. Temple Open House Many Teens helped with the Houston Temple Open House. It was a very special and rare opportunity. We talked with the people in charge and scheduled times when our teens could come and help out with putting on booties or running the video tent. It was SO neat to be able to help serve those who were coming through the temple during the open house. Nativity Each year my Stake does a Nativity exhibit for the community. It was a great opportunity for us teens to get together and help set up and host and put this wonderful exhibit together for the community. It also helped that my mother was the one in charge. But it has really changed my life being able each year to help and serve our community. Dee's House A small fun activity we did was help Dee Bryson build an addition onto their home. We more just helped them clean up but it was neat to watch the other half of the house be put together. Camp Champions This summer I participated in a Camp for kids with disabilities. It was a very special opportunity. I just heard about this camp and it was put on by the Arc which is a National Organization. They always have a lot of volunteer opportunities that are worth looking into. Look for opportunities in your area. Their are TONS their you just have to look. Sometimes these different organizations have a lot to offer. The Houston Flood As you probably know Houston had a REALLY bad flood a few months ago. It ended up being a wonderful service opportunity for our teens. Some helped at the local shelters and others went to the homes and helped rummage through what was left and some helped feed those who needed food. It was a very spontaneous activity but very much worth it. You need to take advantage of the service opportunities in your area. Sometimes things just pop up and someone needs help right away and with home schooling we are in the position to help during the day. We're not in school and we're not working like our fathers and we have the opportunity to jump on any service that comes our way. Keep your eyes open and your hands ready to serve where you are needed.