It's a summer of joy

When Gabriela Tello sits down with her daughter to watch the Disney Channel, public service announcements frequently pop up with young adults describing their volunteering experiences.

Add to that the growing focus on service hours by some schools and this increased attention may explain why many organizations are seeing an increase in teens volunteering.

"It's supported and publicized better," said Tello, volunteer services coordinator for the city's Parks and Recreation Department. "More people want to get out there and give back to the community."

Tello encourages teens to keep getting involved, as volunteer service can lead to the discovery of new passions. The department's website has a detailed list of monthly service events, and anyone younger than 18 is welcome but needs a parent or guardian with them.

While Tello's department specifically serves area parks, many other agencies also support teen volunteering, including United Way, the Humane Society and the Botanical Garden. All three list event descriptions, contact information and registration forms online.

Smaller organizations, such as the Carver Community Cultural Center, are eager for volunteers as well. The Carver is an East Side arts center that teaches fine arts classes and hosts cultural events. Organizers look for volunteers to usher at events, stuff and pass out programs, and assist the relatively small staff.

"It's a benefit for us, and it's a privilege for (volunteers)," spokeswoman Sharon Guerrero said. "It gives them an opportunity to see what's going on."

This spring the Carver opened up to teen volunteers after a parent request. The center plans to continue welcoming teen volunteers, preferably if a school or organization calls ahead to verify the prospective volunteers' responsibility.

For teens who love the arts, volunteering at the Carver can be beneficial.

"You get to see cultural events," Guerrero said. "If you see some of these events in New York, you pay maybe $100. If you volunteer, you don't pay anything."

Not every organization has seen increased teen involvement, though. Bob McCullough, spokesman for Morgan's Wonderland, said the special-needs accessible park had many teen volunteers when the park opened in April 2010, but now no youth volunteer there.

Morgan's Wonderland offers free admission to individuals with special needs and aims to be as cost-effective as possible to be able to continue that practice. Consequently, about 60 percent of the park's staffing comes from volunteers.

Morgan's Wonderland welcomes anyone 16 years or older who is willing to commit to assisting in the park.

"We're looking for long-term interest," McCullough said. "Once volunteers get experience, they become very valuable."

To McCullough, the benefits of volunteering as a teen are clear.

"You volunteer because you see a need and you want to help people," McCullough said. "Our volunteers have the satisfaction of helping others."