Volunteering?

I didn't find a Volunteering thread, and thought I could start one if anyone else decides to do something similar to what I'm trying to do.
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I meet all different kinds of people when I'm doing my Job. I have an schedule that has 3 on, 4 off, and then reverse the next rotation. - I met this one Kid that's probably 14-15 and his mom is single and hes not in the best atmosphere to be direct and to the point.

I found an agency that I can volunteer at that is sort of like a Big Brother program. I talked to the mother of the kid and got him signed up with the program, so I can spend time with this kid and get him out of that mess while hes on break from School. Now the problem lies in... what the hell do I do with a kid at this age? I don't really do anything that a Kid his age would enjoy. Going to the gym and being around my coworkers isn't going to work, and I don't want to take him to my House and play games. My work place sponsors "Field Days" which is basically the equivalent of a Field Training Exercise in the Military, but is only for the Day and isn't so strict. But that only takes place once a month. I don't mind spending a few dollars here and there, but I'm looking for something that's not going to cost me any money that is good, wholesome fun. Any ideas are welcome!

I wouldn't mind doing things between just and him and I. But the program insists that I, if I can correctly quote this "It is highly encouraged that you give your selected child the opportunity to Volunteer and be in a highly social environment." Fishing, or playing games would be great, but I guess Ive set a goal to do something that he couldnt/wouldnt do on his own. The gym Im at is a work gym, and some of the guys I work with are real assholes. Real Judge Dredd kind of guys, in other words. I would be afraid the kid would have some pot on him or do/say something dumb around them.

Any volunteer programs that are easy to get into that are in most cities? Ive lived in the country all my childhood, the military after that and back in the country I am again. I just dont have any idea of whats out there when it comes to this type of stuff.

Troll_sl said:

I've been volunteering at the Oregon Food Bank recently. Went once cause someone (who ended up flaking) asked me to, and it felt good, so I'm continuing. Also, helps with my social anxiety. I'm around other people, but it's more like work, so my guard is lowered a little bit. But it's not work, and people are just talking.

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Food Banks kind of relegate you to only a few types of people. Not that they are bad people, but its not very diverse. I would imagine an organization that is just highly involved with the community would be a lot better for anxiety and building social bonds. Simply because you're with an organization where you would be at the food bank one day this week, and at a City Ball the next in an effort to raise money for a cause. -- Ive found out that organizations vary widely from area to area and its really something you're going to have to work to find. Once you find them, all of them seem to appear at once. Go to Marathons, Fundraisers, things like that to get started.

If you're in a smaller community, Churches generally love for you to help them in their out reach whether you're a member of the congregation or not (for example). I rarely go to Church, but the Church I go to constantly has out reach programs that benefit the needy and disadvantaged. Unless someone asks, the only time you'll know they are members of a Church is when they are leaving which makes me love the Church that much more. (They arent out yelling from the roof tops that they are such and such church and to please donate all your moniez so the preacher can get a new Car!)

The kid on the other hand, I cant really get him involved in an organization like that. Kids his age have to really want to help people before you can get them involved. Church tends to leave a bad taste with people younger than 25 as well.) I did get him to the local Police Academy and he has had fun with that the couple times Ive had him (He loves setting up and helping to run the Physical Fitness Tests for recruits for some reason. Probably gets a kick out of the Fat people trying to run the course, or the short people trying to clear the Wall.)