In less than two months, the HCP 2016 school year will come to an end. Around this time, students are stressing due to upcoming tests as well as the procrastinated community service hours that they have yet to do. There are many volunteer opportunities available in the OKC area that can be done before the end of the year, as well as over the summer to get a head start on the hours needed for the next year.

Here the HCP Marionette staff has a list of suggestions to help you fill those hours:

1. Metropolitan Library

Throughout the year, the library provides many volunteer opportunities, ranging from working with children, reading to dogs, and putting books on the shelf. With summer on its way, many events start taking place within your local libraries — check it out and get involved! Click the hyperlink provided to search for your local library to see what they have to offer. If you are 16 and under, it is required to have a consent form signed by your parents/guardians.

2. Regional Food Bank

The Regional Food Bank is always a great way to get involved in your community. There are many opportunities listed on the website (link above), so check it out to get an idea and register for the day that best suits you.

3. OK Humane Society

Enjoy working with animals more than people? Volunteering at the OK Humane Society provides just that. Volunteer to work in a nationally-recognized organization around like-minded people in order to help your community. This type of work looks great on resumes especially for those who are going into the veterinary field. Follow the link provided above for more information and get started on the application process.

4. Oklahoma City Zoo

There are a variety of positions offered for volunteer work at the Oklahoma City Zoo. They also offer internships for college students in a variety of study areas within the zoo as well as provide projects if you are a Boy Scout seeking your Eagle Award or Girl Scout seeking your Gold Award. If interested, follow the link above to register. Applicants must be received no later than 5 pm on April 30. For specific questions, contact the Volunteer Coordinatior at (405)425-0275 or [email protected]. Click on the link above for more information.

5. Boys and Girls Club

If all else fails and the search for volunteer work becomes tedious, the Boys and Girls Club is always a great alternative. Volunteering there offers many opportunities and looks good on college transcripts and resumes. It also provides an easy way to gain volunteer hours as the school year is coming to a close.  Contact volunteer coordinator LaRissa Conn at [email protected] to ask about the different opportunities they have to offer and register.

Not only are there many volunteer opportunities, but also many job openings as the summer takes way. Here are a few suggestions so you can make that money:

1.White Water Bay

Opening May 21, White Water Bay will be bringing new job openings for adults and teens alike. They are taking new applicants before the season starts. Send in an application through the link provided above to get your interview scheduled as soon as possible. The job comes along with privileges such as free entry for yourself as well as some family and friends, as well as a great experience and work ethic to gain over the summer. If you are not interested in working during the school year, White Water Bay would be a great choice, since it’s seasonal.

2. Frontier City

If a seasonal job is what you are looking for, there is also Frontier City- opening April 9. The season is starting soon, so if you’re interested in applying, do so now to get a head start on the process. The season starts while school is still in session, however the amusement park is only open during the weekend until May 30. They are taking applicants for all positions. To apply, follow the link provided above.

3. Boathouse District

Coming in 2016, the Oklahoma City Boathouse District presents a new attraction to the OKC area. They are looking for new applicants as a raft guide for the White Water Rapids. It costs $175 to register for raft guide school, but to qualify you must be 18 years or older. Guide schools run on 3 consecutive weekends or during the week from 9 am to 5 pm.  If interested, call 405-552-4040 for more information, or follow the link provided.

4. Job Hero and Snagajob

If any of these jobs are not appealing to you, there are many job search engines that can be used to find more local and subtle jobs. There are many opportunities within your community, whether it be at a local grocery store or restaurant. Click on the link above to create an account and begin the search.

The Marionette staff hopes you have a great summer and that you enjoy and focus on the few weeks that is left of school until May 16 (only about 5 weeks left!)