Teens spend a summer giving back

By Tanaya McLemore

Teen correspondent

Instead of moping around the house this summer doing nothing but playing video games and watching television, many teens have chosen to get out and volunteer - that's right, do something for no pay.

And places such as Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters, the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, and Norfolk Botanical Garden more than welcome the help.

For those who are too young for a summer job, volunteering is a great alternative. Volunteering looks good on a resume, introduces teens to new people, fulfills requirements of many schools and programs, and helps with communication skills. It also helps secure references for future jobs and can make you feel accomplished.

Programs for junior volunteers are simply "conservation through education," said Kathleen Reed, the volunteer coordinator at the Virginia Aquarium in Virginia Beach. Reed has worked with the aquarium'sprogram for 18 years.

Plus, "the lack of jobs for teens makes it even more valuable for teens to volunteer," said Amy Dagnall, the public relations manager of Norfolk Botanical Garden.

It also doesn't hurt a teen to volunteer at a place that could be a career choice; they gain experience with professionals in that field.

Tim Mellon, a rising senior at Hickory High School in Chesapeake, Meera Venkatarman, a rising junior at Nansemond-Suffolk Academy, and Yohance Whitaker, a rising freshman at Norfolk Academy, are volunteering for the first time at CHKD in Norfolk. Each wants to be a doctor.

This year, CHKD boasts more than 200 volunteers. Teens from age 14 to seniors in high school can volunteer in the health care program.

Duties include taking care of children, and working at the information and security desks and in the gift shop. Even though Tim, Meera and Yohance didn't choose their positions, they're enjoying the experience.

Tim and Meera said they like seeing patients go home.

Yohance liked when a patient's mother told him he was doing a great job.

Beth Bowling, CHKD's volunteer coordinator, said the teens do a great job. "This is the best part of my job!"

Like CHKD, the Virginia Aquarium has a healthy junior volunteer program.

Of the more than 1,100 volunteers, about 369 are teens. People who volunteer there get free food and a free 100-hour family membership.

Victoria Jones, a rising freshman at Princess Anne High School in Virginia Beach, started volunteering after a friend recommended the aquarium to her.

Her duty is to stay in a designated area and help visitors with questions.

At Norfolk Botanical Garden, volunteers can get down and dirty.

Sam DiFernando, a home-schooled rising freshman, loves to work in the wildflower meadow. He also works in the tropical garden, planting, watering and mulching.

His fondest memory was when volunteers pulled weeds.

The garden has 805 volunteers, 215 of them under age 19. The volunteers support every department and facility, working in marketing, administration, education and the children's camp. There are more volunteers than staff.

Teen volunteers "have great energy and enthusiasm," said Debra Burrell, the volunteer services manager.

Virginia Aquarium's Reed agreed. "Volunteering is wonderful and good for everyone."

Tanaya McLemore is a rising freshman at Sweethaven Christian Academy in Portsmouth,

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