08/22/08

TITLE: Teens Volunteered Over 1,000 Hours at the HUNTERDON COUNTY Y This Summer (PICTURES)
DESCRIPTION:
Time: 13:03:09

ARTICLE

Volunteers of all ages are always welcomed and appreciated at the Hunterdon County YMCA.  This summer 40 teens chose to spend some of their precious summer days volunteering at the YMCA in various ways.  The teens helped out in youth sports, dance, aquatics, child care, Kinder Camp (for 3-5 year olds), day camps, and administration. In all, teen volunteers gave 1,000 hours of service this summer.

“I really enjoyed watching how eager the young volunteers are while interacting and having fun with the kids,” said Colleen Fagan, Director of Kinder Camp.

“Volunteering gives teens a wonderful opportunity to gain work place experience while giving back and doing something about which they can feel good. Plus, many schools are requiring volunteer time and as a charitable organization, the Y can help teens meet that requirement,” said Kathy Martini, Volunteer Program Administrator.

“I liked helping out at Kinder Camp and doing my part. It’s a good way to spend my days in the summer, said Clark Tucher, 13, of High Bridge.

The Kinder Camp volunteers worked with the 3-5 year olds in the program and helped with a variety of camp activities including arts & crafts, singing songs, bubbles, running obstacle courses and helping with lunches.

The Hunterdon County offers a wide variety of volunteer opportunities, for teens ages 12 and over as well as for adults. Volunteer opportunities are available at both the Deer Path Branch in Flemington and Round Valley Branch in Annandale. To become a YMCA volunteer please call Kathy Martini, Volunteer Program Administrator, 908.236.7879 ext. 14.

Volunteer1: Katie Martini,16, and Catherina Tucher,16, both of High Bridge complete office work at the YMCA's Round Valley Administrative Office

Volunteers2: Christina Giordano, 13, of High Bridge helps a child in the YMCA's Kinder Camp program

Volunteer3: Clark Tucher,13, of High Bridge volunteers at the YMCA's Kinder Camp program.

  Volunteer4: Megan O'Brien (right), 14, of Ringoes assists YMCA staff in the childwatch / babysitting room at the Deer Path Branch in Flemington