Schools are out and a young person’s quest to find something to occupy eight hours of school-free time begins. 

One such activity provides work experience and excellent resume-padding — volunteering.

From now through the month of June, Lincoln County Public Library children’s coordinator Kasie Eckman needs volunteers to help with the summer reading program. Registration for the summer program started May 11, but the program starts June 1.

Eckman said volunteers must enjoy children.

“If you don’t mind being in the chaos of kids, it’ll be fun,” she said.

Volunteers will help with getting materials ready for the summer reading program prior to its start in June.  They’ll help with check-in, different activities as well as performing skits during program events.

Eckman said when the program starts she’ll need volunteers to work Mondays and Wednesdays anytime between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Eckman said she has about five positions available.

Another way to get involved with the Brookhaven/Lincoln County community is through the Brookhaven Animal Rescue League. Rusty Adcock, a volunteer there for 13 years, said that although they don’t have a structured summer volunteer or internship program, BARL has a sophisticated volunteer program allowing volunteers to get as involved as they want.

“You can be as hands on as you want, get as dirty as you want,” Adcock said.

For those who want fewer interactions with animals, Adcock said that there are also administrative duties available.

Duties at BARL include helping daily caretakers, cleaning pens, washing dogs and even socializing the dogs and cats there – playing with the animals.

“We’ve got a lot of opportunities and we enjoy having young people come out,” Adcock said.

BARL is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Those interested in volunteering are required to fill out a form with general information. Volunteers only have to sign the form one time, and they can start volunteering.

“We hardly ever turn anybody down,” Adcock said. “Volunteers can volunteer for as few hours as they need or as many as they want.”

To contact BARL about volunteer opportunities, send an email to info@barl.net.