Submit your creative works to PressTeen for volunteer service credit!
Hours Earned: For every submission approved for digital publication, you’ll earn 1 hour of community service credit. If you participate in a library or city event and write about it for PressTeen, you’ll earn 2 hours of community service credit. There are no deadlines for submission, and PressTeen is accepting submissions year round. If you are submitting a season-specific or holiday piece, please submit at least two months ahead, so we have time to edit and process the piece.
Eligibility: open to teens ages 13 - 19
PressTeen is a fully teen-led digital newspaper - produced by teen writers, editors, readers, artists, and creators - which aims to promote literacy in our community. PressTeen is devoted to giving all Huntington Beach teens, like ourselves, a true or 'pristine' voice and outlet, while encouraging the development of our reading, writing, and creativity skills. When visiting the newspaper, you can expect to find fiction and nonfiction, poetry, reviews, and other topics and media relevant to teens. We accept article submissions in wide range of teen interests for volunteer hours.
Questions about what kind of work you may submit? Check out our F.A.Q. page for more information!
How to Submit Your Creative Work to PressTeen: Please fill out the online submission form; library staff will let you know if your submission has been accepted for digital publication on our website.
Attend & Participate in a Life Skills Class to Earn Volunteer Credit!
Hours Earned: typically 1-2 hours per program attended
Life Skills for Teens is a monthly program series designed to give high school teens an opportunity to learn important skills they may have missed out on learning elsewhere, and prepare for their lives after high school - in college, career, or adulthood beyond. For each monthly session a student attends, they will receive volunteer service credit from HBPL in return for their attendance and participation. View upcoming monthly sessions and register for your seat to attend at hbpl.libcal.com.
Upcoming 2024 Session Topics:
April - Sewing Machine Basics presented by the HBPL Makerspace
May - Ending the Silence presented by the National Alliance on Mental Illness - Orange County
June - Dare to Prepare: Parent and Teen Safe Driving Workshop presented by AAA**
(**You do not need to be a AAA member to attend! This workshop is for new teen drivers and their parents ages 14 and up).
Online applications for 2023 Fall Teen Maker Coaches are now open!
Duration: Fall Teen Maker Coaches will volunteer between November 1st to January 31st
Hours Earned: variable, as scheduled with the Makerspace Coordinator
Eligibility: open to teens ages 15+
Teen Maker Coaches are responsible for providing excellent customer service while assisting adult and teen library visitors with the use of the Central Library's Makerspace technology and equipment, including 3D printers, TinkerCAD software, sewing and embroidery machines, Cricut machines, and Glowforge laser engraver. No experience is required to apply - we'll teach you everything you need to know in order to use all of the above tech safely and responsibly so you can assist others with doing the same!
Questions about the Makerspace? Please email Ron Krasnitz, the Makerspace Coordinator
How to Apply: Please fill out the online application, and wait to be contacted with your next steps
Duration: Tuesdays, 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Hours Earned: 1.5 hours per session
Eligibility: all teen volunteers ages 13+
The library welcomes teen volunteers who have a passion for LEGOs and engineering to assist Miss Maribel with our weekly LEGO Kids Club! Your job will involve suggesting or creating LEGO engineering challenges for kids ages 6 and up to try during each weekly session, supervising kids during the event, cleaning up afterward, and sorting our LEGOs into bins by their color or type. No advance training is required for this volunteer opportunity.
Questions about volunteering? Please email Christany, Teen Services Librarian
Questions about LEGO Kids Club? Please email Miss Maribel, Youth Services Clerk
How to Apply: Fill out the online application. You will be emailed a link to register for a seat at any available LEGO Kids Club volunteering session. All seats are first-come, first-served.
Duration: 3rd Saturday of Every Month, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Hours Earned: 3 hours per session
Eligibility: all teen volunteers ages 13+
The library welcomes teen volunteers to contribute to our Seed Library by sorting and packaging the seeds donated to the library. This is an important job, as the library cannot replenish their supply of seed packets without having new seeds labeled and packed for circulation in the community. Your job will involve labeling seed cards and packaging seeds according to the samples given. Your handwriting must be clear and legible.
Questions about volunteering? Please email Christany, Teen Services Librarian
Questions about using the Seed Library? Please email Cynthia Flores, Public Services Clerk
How to Apply: Fill out the online application. You will be emailed a link to register for a seat at any available Seed Library volunteering session. All seats are first-come, first-served.
Online applications for the 2024 Teen Advisory Group are now CLOSED, and will reopen as needed to fill vacant seats.
Duration: Teen Advisory Group members will be expected to attend monthly meetings and contribute to TAG events from January 2024 - August 2024. Meetings are typically on the 1st Saturday of the month, from 2pm to 4pm, but may be adjusted based on group needs.
Hours Earned: 2 hours per meeting attended; variable hours for preparing & running TAG events
Eligibility: open to all teens 14+ (a maximum of 20 teens will be selected per year)
The Teen Advisory Group is a team of local teen volunteers who are responsible for creating, developing, and leading library programs and events for teens with guidance from the Teen Services Librarian. This is a great leadership position that requires a commitment to attend and participate in monthly TAG meetings, to contribute your creativity and ideas, and to collaborate on activities and events for other teens with your fellow TAG teammates. Past TAG projects have included a Halloween escape room - developed and run entirely by TAG members! - as well as past Summer Reading events like an Open Mic Night. What will you create with us next?
Questions about TAG? Please email Christany Edwards, the Teen Services Librarian
How to Apply: Please fill out the online application to indicate your interest. A maximum of 20 teens will be selected to join the 2024 Teen Advisory Group team, and will be invited to join our monthly TAG meetings.
Duration: First Friday of the month, 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Hours Earned: 1 hour per session
Eligibility: open to ages 13+
Help out at the Main Street Branch Library with our monthly Lego Club for kids ages 4-9! Lego Club is held the first Friday of every month. Each club session will feature a different Lego building challenge, as well as free building time. Your job will be to help set out / clean up Legos for the program, supervise kids as they build and play, and help them out with their builds. You can also suggest fun building challenges for future clubs!
How to Apply: Fill out a Main Street Teen Volunteer Application and email it to Karen Snider, the Main Street Branch Manager, or drop by the branch to pick up a paper application.
Questions? Please email the Main Street Branch Manager.
Hours Earned: variable, on an as-needed basis
Eligibility: open to ages 13+
Assist library staff with cleaning books, preparing crafts, organizing supplies, assisting with library programs and more. This is an invaluable volunteer position as there are many small tasks to complete in our library! Occasionally, the library also has a particular special project or event it needs assistance with, such as organizing a craft closet or working at an all day event. During special events, volunteers help with setup, cleanup, assisting visitors, replenishing supplies, etc.
How to Apply: Fill out a Main Street Teen Volunteer Application and email it to Karen Snider, the Main Street Branch Manager, or drop by the branch to pick up a paper application.
Questions? Please email the Main Street Branch Manager
Hours Earned: variable, on an as-needed basis
Eligibility: open to ages 14+
Library pages straighten shelves, return books to their rightful places, and help library visitors locate items. You will need to pass a test of your alphabetizing and Dewey Decimal knowledge to be considered for this opportunity.
How to Apply: Fill out a Main Street Teen Volunteer Application and email it to Karen Snider, the Main Street Branch Manager, or drop by the branch to pick up a paper application.
Questions? Please email the Main Street Branch Manager
Duration: Saturdays from 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Hours Earned: 2 hours per session
Eligibility: open to ages 14+
Help teach children & other teens how to play chess! Based on your previous chess experience, you will be teaching basic skills to new players.
How to Apply: Fill out an Oak View Teen Volunteer Application and email it to the Oak View Branch Manager, or drop by the branch to pick up a paper application.
Questions? Please email Claudia Locke, the Oak View Branch Manager
Teen Volunteering with the Amigos de Bolsa Chica
Duration: Last Saturday of every month, 8:30 AM - 11:30 AM, weather permitting.
Hours Earned: 3 hours per session; plan to attend the entire time: early departures not allowed & late arrivals not admitted.
Eligibility: ages 14+ with signed parental waiver (teens under the age of 14 must volunteer with a responsible adult)
Location: South parking lot of the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve, halfway between Warner Ave and Seapoint St. on Pacific Coast Hwy, directly across Hwy from entrance to Bolsa Chica State Beach.
Questions about Amigos de Bolsa Chica? Visit amigosdebolsachica.org, email info@amigosdebolsachica.org, or call (714) 840-1575.
How to Apply: Fill out an online application / waiver
Assistance League of Huntington Beach: Assisteens**
Eligibility: students in grades 7-12
Location: Assistance League of Huntington Beach (8071 Slater Ave STE 145, Huntington Beach, CA 92647)
Questions about Assisteens? Email assisteens@assistanceleaguehb.com or call (714-847-6511)
How to Apply: Fill out an application packet & mail to address above.
**NOTE: Requires annual membership fee. See application packet for details.
Teen Volunteering at the Bolsa Chica Conservancy
Duration: Second Sunday & Last Saturday of each month, 9:00 AM -12:00 PM
Hours Earned: 3 hours per session
Eligibility: ages 14+ (teens under the age of 14 must volunteer with a responsible adult)
Location: 3842 Warner Ave. Huntington Beach, CA 92649
Questions about the Bolsa Chica Conservancy? Visit call Kenny at (714) 846-1114 or email kenny@bolsachica.org
How to Apply: Sign up on the Conservancy's Volunteer Registration Calendar, and fill out the online volunteer service agreement. Bring your signed agreement with you to the event, or email it to kenny@bolsachica.org.
Teen Volunteering with the Bolsa Chica Land Trust
Duration: First Sunday and Third Saturday of every month, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM.
Hours Earned: 3 hours per session
Eligibility: ages 14+ (teens under the age of 14 must volunteer with a responsible adult)
Location: The Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve North Parking Lot (3842 Warner Ave., Huntington Beach, 92649) at the corner of PCH and Warner.
Questions about the Bolsa Chica Land Trust? Email Beverley at Beverley@BCLandTrust.org or call the office at (714) 846-1001. For questions about the volunteer application, email Erin at erin@bclandtrust.org.
How to Apply: Register on BCLT’s Online Portal, and sign up for volunteer events. Families must sign up individual family members.
Dog Beach Volunteer Cleanup
Duration: November 5 & December 9, weather permitting.
Eligibility: All ages welcome. Minors attending without parents are required to submit a signed consent form.
Location: Dog Beach is located off Pacific Coast Highway between Goldenwest Street and Seapoint Street. Check in with your waiver forms at our Tower 24 shed. Please allow up to 30 minutes for parking.
Questions about the Dog Beach? Visit www.dogbeach.org/beach-cleanup or call (714) 841-8644
How to Apply: Submit an online form to register as a volunteer. Upon submission, Dog Beach staff will email a waiver and assign a check in time.
Teen Volunteering with the HB Tree Society
Duration: Variable; weeding & tree care in the Urban Forest & Shipley to Shore Nature Trail in the back (south end) of Central Park on Thursday, Friday, & Saturday mornings; weeding & plant care in the Secret Garden and Central Park East on Fridays from 10am - noon.
Eligibility: ages 13+; must be accompanied by an adult if under 18
Questions about volunteering with TRCHB? Email jnagytree@aol.com
How to Apply: Fill out the volunteer waiver and submit to jnagytree@aol.com
Teen Volunteering at the Shipley Nature Center
Duration: Second Saturday of every month, 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Hours Earned: 2 hours per session
Eligibility: ages 14+ (teens under the age of 14 must volunteer with a responsible adult)
Location: 17851 Goldenwest Street, Huntington Beach CA 92647 (Directions)
Questions about Shipley Nature Center? Visit shipleynature.org/volunteer or email info@shipleynature.org
How to Apply: Fill out an online application (and waiver for volunteers under 18) and email it to info@shipleynature.org
Teen Volunteering with the Therapeutic Riding Center of HB
Duration: Variable; must be able to commit to the same day / time for a full 8-week session. Must attend a mandatory New Volunteer Training prior to starting.
Eligibility: ages 14+; no prior horse experience necessary, but is helpful! Must be able to stand on your feed for at least one hour at a time, walk and jog on uneven ground, handle a dusty environment, and be able to move quickly around large animals.
Questions about volunteering with TRCHB? Email heatherg@trchb.org
How to Apply: Fill out the online application
Help Special Needs Kids & Teens with The Friendship Circle
Duration: Variable; dependent on which activities you sign up for
Hours Earned: Variable; dependent on which activities you sign up for
Eligibility: ages 10+
Questions about volunteering with The Friendship Circle? Email Michelle@FriendshipOC.org
How to Apply: Fill out the online form at www.friendshipoc.org
Junior Volunteer Program at the Fountain Valley Regional Hospital
Duration: Assigned a regular 3-hour shift on either Saturday or Sunday between 9:00 am and 6:00 pm. All new Junior Volunteers have an initial 6-month commitment, but may stay on until high school graduation.
Eligibility: High school freshmen, sophomores, or juniors ages 16 or older. Seniors ages 18 and older may apply to the Adult & College Student program after high school graduation.
Questions about volunteering with TRCHB? Email FVR-Volunteer@tenethealth.com
How to Apply: Fill out the online application.
Beach Cleanups with the North OC Surfrider Foundation
Duration: Variable; check out the Cleanup Schedule for more details
Hours Earned: 2 - 3 hours per session
Eligibility: all teen volunteers ages 14+ (teens under the age of 14 must volunteer with a responsible adult)
Questions about volunteering with the North Orange County Surfrider Foundation? Email CLEANUPS@NorthOC.Surfrider.org
How to Apply: Fill out the online form at northoc.surfrider.org/volunteer
Beach Cleanups with Orange County Coastkeeper
Duration: Variable; check out the Cleanup Schedule for more details
Hours Earned: 2 hours per session, from 9am - 11am (unless stated otherwise)
Eligibility: ages 13+
Questions about volunteering with OC Coastkeeper? Email volunteer@coastkeeper.org
How to Apply: Fill out the online form at coastkeeper.org/cleanup-oc
Volunteer Coaching with the Orange County Special Olympics
Eligibility: ages 14+
Questions about volunteering with OC Special Olympics? Email lmarksury@sosc.org
How to Apply: Fill out the online form.
Volunteer at the WAGS Animal Shelter
Eligibility: ages 16+
Questions about volunteering with WAGS Animal Shelter? Email cortney@wagspetadoption.org or call (714) 887-6156
How to Apply: Fill out the online form
