Volunteer Opportunities for Teens in Baton Rouge and Surrounding Areas
Some of my most meaningful experiences came from serving others. Whether I was lending a helping hand at community events, speaking to encourage others, or simply showing up where there was a need, I discovered that volunteering wasn’t just about making a difference in someone else’s life. As I poured into my community and met people right where they were, I found that my own cup was being filled, too.
The Baton Rouge area is full of organizations that rely on volunteers, and there are opportunities for teens with a wide variety of interests — from working with animals and protecting the environment to mentoring younger children, fighting food insecurity, or supporting local nonprofits. Volunteering as a teen can help build confidence, develop leadership and communication skills, introduce you to future career paths, and teach compassion in ways that can’t always be learned in a classroom. It also creates meaningful connections, broadens your perspective, and reminds you that even the smallest act of service can make a lasting impact.
Whether your teen is looking to earn community service hours, explore a new passion, or simply give back, the Baton Rouge area offers countless ways to get involved. We’ve gathered a list of volunteer opportunities throughout Baton Rouge and the surrounding areas to help teens find a place where they can serve, grow, and make a difference in their community.
Baton Rouge & Central
The LOT Project
The LOT Project provides opportunities for teens to serve local families and individuals experiencing hardship. Teens can get involved through outreach efforts, donation drives, and community service projects while learning the importance of meeting people where they are.
Bella Bowman Foundation
For teens who have a heart for helping families, the Bella Bowman Foundation offers opportunities to support children battling cancer and their families. Volunteers can assist with events, fundraisers, and initiatives that bring hope and encouragement to families during difficult seasons.
Louisiana Organ Procurement Agency (LOPA)
LOPA offers opportunities for teens interested in healthcare, advocacy, or community outreach. Volunteers can help spread awareness about organ and tissue donation and support community education efforts.
Girls on the Run South Louisiana
Teens who enjoy mentoring, fitness, and working with younger children may enjoy volunteering with Girls on the Run South Louisiana. Volunteers can help support local programs that empower girls through confidence-building, teamwork, and healthy habits.
Keep Tiger Town Beautiful
Teens can help beautify the community through cleanup events and service projects with Keep Tiger Town Beautiful. This is a great option for students looking for hands-on service opportunities that make an immediate impact.
Mid City Civic Theatre
For teens interested in theatre, the arts, or behind-the-scenes production, Mid City Civic Theatre offers ways to get involved with local productions and community programming. Volunteers can help with events, productions, and other theatre-related opportunities.
Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank
The Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank is a great option for teens looking for meaningful, hands-on service. Volunteers help with projects such as sorting and packing food while supporting local families facing food insecurity.
The Shepherd’s Market
Teens can volunteer their time helping organize donations, prepare food items, and support a local ministry focused on serving neighbors in need.
Maddie’s Footprints
Maddie’s Footprints provides support to families experiencing miscarriage, still birth, or the loss of an infant. Teens can assist through donation drives, fundraising events, and community outreach.
Hands Producing Hope
Hands Producing Hope offers opportunities for teens to serve through projects that support women and communities locally and globally.
BREC Counselor-in-Training Program
BREC’s Counselor-in-Training (CIT) program is a great opportunity for teens who enjoy working with children and want to develop leadership skills. Teens assist with summer programs while gaining experience working alongside recreation staff. Applications for Summer 2026 are currently closed, but families can check back for future opportunities. BREC also offers additional volunteer opportunities throughout the year.
East Baton Rouge Council on Aging
Teens can serve older adults through opportunities such as assisting with activities, community events, and programs designed to support senior citizens.
Livingston Parish
Mighty Moms
Mighty Moms provides opportunities for teens to serve local families through outreach projects, donations, and community support to fight the battle against childhood hunger.
Immaculate Conception Catholic Church Community Hands
Community Hands provides opportunities for teens to serve neighbors through practical acts of kindness, outreach, and community assistance. They also have several other volunteer groups listed on their church website.
SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions)
For teens who are passionate about leadership, advocacy, and making positive choices, SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) offers meaningful opportunities to get involved. Through local chapters and community events, students can promote safe decision-making, raise awareness about issues affecting teens, participate in service projects, and develop valuable leadership and public speaking skills.
Horses of Hope Equine Assisted Therapies
For teens who love horses or are interested in serving individuals with special needs, Horses of Hope Equine Assisted Therapies offers a unique volunteer experience. Volunteers can assist with therapeutic riding lessons, help care for horses, prepare for sessions, support fundraising events, and lend a hand with barn chores. Many volunteer opportunities do not require previous horse experience.
Ascension Parish
Volunteer Ascension
Volunteer Ascension helps connect residents with service opportunities throughout the parish. Teens can find ways to give back through local nonprofits, community events, and service projects.
Cara’s House
Animal-loving teens can volunteer with Cara’s House by helping care for shelter animals, assisting with adoption events, and supporting the organization’s mission.
7th District Volunteer Fire Department
Teens interested in public safety, teamwork, and serving their community may enjoy learning more about volunteer opportunities with their local fire department.
CHC Closet and Pantry
Teens can help organize donations and support programs that provide clothing and resources to families throughout the community.
Whether your teen is mentoring younger children, caring for animals, supporting local families, or helping protect our community, every act of service helps shape the person they are becoming. We hope this list helps your teen find a volunteer opportunity that sparks their interests and allows them to make a difference right here in our community.
Do you know of a unique volunteer experience or organization in Baton Rouge and the surrounding areas that we should add to our list? We would love to hear from you! Send us your recommendations so we can continue sharing meaningful ways for local teens to get involved.
