Our homeschool youth volunteers are some of the best “reasons” why we homeschool! Over the years, we’ve received many compliments and praise for their enthusiastic community service, joyful spirits and willing support to families and individuals involved with our nonprofit.
Just a few examples include Terrie Hellard-Brown:
MPE has just the most awesome homeschool convention. I love it. As a vendor, I’ve been there two or three years already.
And what I love about the group is the young people. They’re everywhere, interacting, enjoying each other, enjoying helping out vendors. There’s such an atmosphere of family and fun at MPE. …
It feels very festive and inviting and accepting, and I love that. Your kids are just as welcome as the parents there, and I just love it.
-Conference vendor Terrie Hellard-Brown
Another testimonial comes from Joan Samuell:
Altogether, the conference is staffed by so many homeschooling students, and they’re so helpful and kind. It just makes it an overall very positive experience. …
I do a lot of conferences around the US and there is nowhere [else] where they help you unload and they keep coming by asking you if you need help. It’s wonderful.
-Conference vendor Joan Samuell
So where are some opportunities for homeschool youth to volunteer in the Kansas City area? We’re glad you asked! Here’s a quick list:
1. Youth volunteers (YLT) at our homeschool conference.
Our youth have served in the conference ever since it started in 1989, and they continue to make it amazing each year!
All homeschool students ages 13 and older can apply to our Youth Leadership Team (YLT). Opportunities include working in registration, serving in the vendor hall, introducing workshop speakers, providing A/V support, and more.
Along the way, they earn great experience in event management, public speaking, leadership skills and more that can easily make items for future resumes and college applications. They can also request recommendation letters from our adult volunteers!
2. Youth volunteers at our MPEKIDS program (also at our homeschool conference).
If your older children love theater, drama and playing with younger siblings, MPEKIDS is a fantastic option! Volunteers must be 13 years and older to apply.
Here is the link to the 2026 volunteer application form. Submissions fill up quickly, so we encourage youth to submit their applications as soon as possible.
3. Volunteers as juniors for our high school senior class.
Juniors, want to get a head start on meeting your senior class? One great resource is volunteering at our annual high school graduation ceremony!
Each spring, juniors and their parents are invited to our April meeting (the second Monday in April) where we explain various areas of serving. They are then free to choose where they’d like to participate. We’ll also discuss dress code and cleanup procedures.
This is an opportunity to bless others while also forming into the next graduating class!
4. Family-focused volunteering with KindCraft.
According to its website, KindCraft started when two moms got together to serve their communities alongside their children.
Today it’s an established 501(c)3 nonprofit based in Olathe and offers a range of opportunities – family-friendly service projects, “kindness” cards, and much more!
“We want our kids to know that their parents love Jesus and are following his greatest commandment, to love Him and to love others,” wrote founders Stephanie Whisner & Courtney Smith on the website’s About page.
“We want them to know how blessed they are and how carefree their life is compared to others. We want them to be able to see a need in the world and be moved to do something about it. By participating in the programs and activities we have designed, we hope our youth will develop the knowledge, attitudes and skills to become competent, caring and contributing adults that make a positive difference in their communities.”
5. Volunteer opportunities in Shawnee and other area cities.
The city of Shawnee posts seasonal and ongoing volunteer opportunities on its website, such as its “Snow Squad,” “Neighbors Helping Neighbors” and “Bluebird Steward” offerings.
Age requirements may apply. For example, the minimum age for the Snow Squad is 15 (if anyone interested is under 15, a guardian 18 years and older is required to accompany them).
6. Micah Ministry.
The Micah Ministry outreach from the Independence Boulevard Christian Church “began in 2001 as a mission designed to encourage Christian unity, end racism and “feed my sheep.” (John 21:15-17),” according to its website.
Today, people who are unhoused and food insecure in northeast KCMO can enjoy warm meals, hygiene products, clothing, and more on Monday evenings. There’s also a free medical clinic from Care Beyond the Boulevard.
“We are currently serving over 1000 meals, 200-300 rolls of toilet paper, 250-300 articles of clothing, and 200-300 outdoor survival items (sleeping bags, tarps, tents, etc) each Monday evening,” the church says on its webpage.
Other ministries specifically to the homeless include:
7. Summer volunteering opportunities.
- Summer missionary training programs for pre-teens and teens. The Child Evangelism Fellowship of the Greater Kansas City Area has a Christian Youth in Action (CYIA) and Jr. CYIA program where young people can impact children for eternity and have their own life changed. Many of its participants come from homeschool families. Find more info here.
- Camp CumCITO. Sponsored by City Union Mission, this summer camp experience serves low-income children from the urban KC area and rural Benton County. They need more than 400 volunteer positions, including ones that last for a week and ones that last only for a day. To qualify, volunteers must be growing, maturing Christians who are at least 16 years old and have participated regularly in an evangelical Christian church for the preceding year. Find more info here.
- Summer of Service with Youth Volunteer Corps of Greater Kansas City. This eight-week program is hosted by the Y and is for youth ages 11-18. Each service project lasts four days and includes ice-breakers, team-builders, volunteering, and service-learning lessons. Find more info here.
Any favorite homeschool youth volunteer opportunities , which aren’t already on the list? Let us know in the comments!
