Why I Love Volunteering with Teenagers (Yes, Really!)

My volunteering… I like working with teenagers (I know, right!)… I write resources and deliver many programmes across our system partners. I’m keen to ensure I stay in touch, pride myself on understanding their world and pat myself on the back for great data on delivery. But boy (or girl or they) have they changed a lot in the last decade. So how do I keep up to date? Well, every year since 2012, I have either had volunteer or paid work with the National Citizen Service, working specifically with 16 and 17-year-olds to come together during their holidays in waves or large groups from very different backgrounds to work together and deliver a social action programme in their community.

Team Building and Modern Realities

The first week is always team building away from home in an outward-bound centre, sleeping in dorms with people they don’t know, and building trust across the whole group. There are campfires, marshmallows, talent comps and cards, and oh yes, mobile phones, social media, escapees and deliveroo's. Teenagers will no longer put up with second-rate burgers or dodgy sausages. Halloumi, oat milk and gluten-free need space and many will opt for the veg or ask for the greens. When they want a late-night snack they can order it right to the door of their dorm or tent. Fish and chip van night… naa … you’re alright, got a Chinese coming in 20 minutes. The big exception is often the ice cream van as even the 'Just Eats' can melt before they arrive. The big deal for teenagers is ensuring that we have power in the middle of the field to charge 120 phones and a rota for the 12 available ports. The tuck shop has some interest, particularly the Pringles and Coke.

Managing Conflicts and Parental Involvement

Heaven forbid that there is a fallout or a problem in any small group, as parents are summoned and on their way at the drop of a hat to chastise and shout at group leaders about the terrible time their children are having and how bullied they are and if I’m not careful, I will be sued.

I don’t know about my readers, but my parents barely knew where I was between 13 – 18, and don’t get me wrong, of course, they had a little interest but they had busy lives which did not involve collecting me from 2 hours away. Anyway, I have learned to act very swiftly if we have an incident, to take matters seriously and to split up groups and take individual interviews. Only facts, not what he said, she said, they said.

The Transformation Through the Week

I have been taught that a week away starts with tears, phones and problems and if delivered well, ends with teams, an understanding of differences and a love for differences. I have been taught by Onyx, with beautiful fishnets, makeup and DMs, by Maddy with cards against humanity (big discussion on what we thought of these), by Dan stepping up and leading his group through impressive social action campaigns, by Tom and Jody taking their first steps towards politics and developing homeless packs and influencing the local councils. They teach me each year, that teenagers may look different, and have more tech and social media ambitions and access but are the same slightly anxious, often passionate and definitely caring young people that they have always been. They need space, no judgement and to feel a sense of belonging and they can change the world. That’s why I volunteer each year. And each year they teach me to grow, embrace, check my understanding and help me be a better deliverer.

Why do you volunteer?