A sampling of volunteer and educational programs to help teens and adolescents make the most of summer break:
» Junior Lifeguard Program: An ocean safety program run by city ocean safety officers includes physical training, rescue and lifesaving skills. Ages 13-17; must be able to swim 500 yards. Weekly sessions 9 a.m.-2 p.m., June 4-July 20 at Ala Moana, Kalama, Ehukai and Makaha beach parks. Suggested donation $45. Call 723-7864 or visit www.myjuniorguards.com.
» Summer Buddies Leadership Program: Learn first aid and CPR, participate in water-related activities and help certified instructors teach younger children how to swim in this American Red Cross program. For ages 13-18; runs 8:15-11:30 a.m. Saturdays, June 2 to July 21 at Ala Moana Beach Park. Cost is $30. Register online by May 30 at www.hawaiiredcross.org or call 739-8123 or 739-8128.
» Summer Fun Junior Leader Program: Department of Parks and Recreation’s Summer Fun program at various locations, open to teens entering eighth grade to age 18. Registration forms available at district parks.
» Living Art Marine Center: Help on tours and reef walks, with arts and crafts, maintain aquaponics garden at the center, 3239 Ualena St. For ages 16 and older. Learn more at 9 a.m. June 2 and 9. Visit livingartmarinecenter.com to RSVP or call 841-8080.
» Honolulu Habitat for Humanity: Build homes, help at special events and with office work. For ages 15 and older. Houses are built 7:45 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays. Visit www.honoluluhabitat.org or call 538-7070.
» Kako‘o ‘Oiwi: Plant and harvest taro, remove invasive species, clean a stream and perform other farm duties. Volunteers under age 16 must be accompanied by adult. Visit www.kakoooiwi.org or email info@kakoooiwi.org.
» Hawaii State Art Museum: Work at reception desk, help at Third Friday, Second Saturday and other events, assist with craft projects or serve as a tour guide. All ages. Call 536-0300.
» Surfrider Foundation: Participate in monthly beach cleanups. Visit surfrider.org/oahu for schedule or call 230-3820.
» Honolulu Zoo: Minimum commitment of three months may be required. For ages 16 and older. Call 926-3191.
»Hawaii Fashion Incubator: Help set up, break down and decorate at fashion and art events, assist with model casting, newsletters, website and graphic design projects. Email toby@hawaiifashion.org.
» Diamond Head Theatre: Paint, build and decorate set pieces for "Singin’ in the Rain" production. Call technical director Willie Sabel at 733-0277, ext. 331, or email wsabel@diamondheadtheatre.com.
» Environmental projects: Volunteer opportunities listed at preservehawaii.org/volunteer.
» Make-A-Wish Foundation: Organize, raise funds and manage a program for kids with life-threatening medical conditions. Visit www.hawaii.wish.org.
» Hospitals and nursing homes: Contact health facilities for volunteer opportunities.
» Public libraries: The following libraries are seeking help for summer reading programs: Aiea, 483-7333; Aina Haina, 377-2456; Hawaii Kai, 397-5833; Kahuku, 293-8935; Kailua, 266-9911; Kaimuki, 733-8422; Kalihi-Palama, 832-3466; Kaneohe, 233-5676; Liliha, 587-7577; McCully-Moiliili, 973-1099; Mililani, 627-7470; and Waipahu, 675-0358. Duties include signing up patrons and distributing weekly incentives.
» Teens 4 Animals Summer Experience: Two-week Hawaiian Humane Society program for high school students features animal handling, training and care, community outreach projects and animal-related careers while becoming certified shelter volunteers. Two sessions: 8:30-noon weekdays June 18-29, 1:30-5 p.m. weekdays July 9-20. Cost is $195. The society’s Teen Advisory Panel is seeking members to develop projects to raise awareness of the humane treatment of animals. Call 356-2206 or email education@hawaiianhumane.org.
» Camp BizSmart: Students develop business, leadership and project management skills, design prototypes and learn about finance, negotiation and problem-solving. For ages 11-15; 10-day sessions 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. weekdays June 18-29 and July 23-Aug. 3 at Punahou School. Cost is $900. Call 800-475-0869 or visit www.campbizsmart.org.
YMCA PROGRAMS
» Club Mid Explorers: Excursions, sports, games, art, computers, service projects, leadership and team-building skills; 8 a.m.-6 p.m. June 4-27. Two locations: Kaimuki-Waialae YMCA for grades 6-9; Mililani, Nuuanu YMCAs for grades 7-9. Cost: $1,120; $600 for four weeks; $165 per week. After-summer-school program also available.
» Strive Leadership Program: Experiences in fitness, cooking, health, wellness and project planning. For those entering grades 7-12 (varies by location); 8 a.m.-4 p.m. May 29-July 27, Central, Kaimuki-Waialae, Kalihi, Leeward, Mililani, Nuuanu and Windward YMCAs. Cost is $360. Deadline to register is May 28; late registration fee $35. Visit www.ymcahonolulu.org or a YMCA branch.
