Volunteering for kids

Similarly, the Youth Achievement Award by UK Youth offers the chance to gain skills and qualifications, including NVQ key skills and a BTEC in Peer Education. Thousands of young people have also gained confidence and direction through the Duke of Edinburgh Awards Scheme.

Where to look
Luckily there are hundreds of organisations that cater for the younger volunteer, ranging from sports coaching, mentoring, environmental issues, music or dance, and youth leadership. Whether your children have one day to spare, one month or weekly shifts, with all the resources on offer they can find the right work to fit their agenda.

First stop should be Worldwide Volunteering for Young People, a not-for-profit organisation that provides instant access to information on the wide range of volunteering opportunities, both here and abroad.

Those with good Internet skills can check out YouthOrg UK to offer their skills as a virtual volunteer, while British Trust Conservation Volunteers run a number of conservation projects throughout the UK designed specifically for young people.

Also worth checking out is The Prince's Trust Volunteer Programme, which offers people aged between 16 and 25 the chance to take part in 12 to 26 week adventurous volunteer courses designed to enhance their skills and confidence.

With a little research, you should be able to find something that enthuses both you and your children. The great thing about volunteering is that you call the shots - and what could appeal to teenagers and children more? Whether it's mediating in conflict, helping out at soup kitchens, DJ-ing or planting trees, from web design to bungee jumping, volunteering speaks volumes about the kind of person you are. Talk to your kids about it today!

Do you want to know more about opportunities for children? Why not chat to other iVillagers on the Entertaining the Kids message board. Take a look at some of the LIVE discussions taking place on the board right now: