Teen chooses volunteering over summer couch time
Written by Jeffrey DeMars, divisional media relations director for The Salvation Army Northern Division
“I was definitely a little leery at first I would say,” explained Emily Johnson, 13, Mankato. “New stuff is kind of scary for me, but when you start getting into it, it’s really rewarding.”
Last summer, Johnson spent more time on the couch than she would care to admit, and this summer she was determined to do something about it – by volunteering.
Long summer days can be especially challenging for those in their early teens. They’re too young to drive, not quite old enough for a job – and yet too old for many day camps. That leaves many of them with long days to fill while their parents work. Left to their own devices, what do kids turn to – devices. Endless hours are spent on mobile devices, gaming, and social media, turning their couch into a summer home.
Bored with that, Johnson decided to volunteer and she can hardly believe it’s nearly time to head back into the classroom. In the past she’s volunteered for a few hours here and there, but this summer she dedicated herself and racked up more than 100 volunteer hours – and still counting.
“I guess I didn’t know it really added up to that much,” laughed Johnson. “Summer has gone by so fast. Volunteering has made it fly by.”
Whenever the Mankato Salvation Army needed a little assistance, Johnson was able to fill-in. She helped with this year’s back to school distribution, she volunteered in the worship and service center and she’s assisted with the Mobile Outreach Meal program to make sure kids have a lunch while school is out. She found that opportunity to be one of the most rewarding.
“When you go out and talk to the kids,” she explained. “You are providing a positive role model and they like to have a relationship with people.”
Prior to volunteering, Johnson said she had no idea that people in Mankato might struggle to pay the bills or put food on the table. She didn’t know people here might live in poverty, or suffer from homelessness – or even that The Salvation Army offers a free meal program. Thanks to her summer volunteer experience she’s learned about all of those things and much more.
“I definitely see how fortunate I am,” she said. “I’m more exposed to the world that is around me, I think it was a good opportunity to see that there’s another side to Mankato and to life.”
The Salvation Army offers teens all kinds of opportunities. In Hibbing, teen volunteers assist with the community meal after school each night. In Rochester, teens volunteer as part of a summer youth program.
Contact your nearest Salvation Army Worship and Service Center to find out about teen opportunities near you or donate to support services in your area.