We welcome middle and high schoolers to volunteer as part of our Junior Volunteer program. Junior Volunteer hours can be applied to school community service requirements.

On select days off from school, many of which coincide with major holidays such as Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Veterans Day and the day before Thanksgiving, Junior Volunteers spend three hours at AWS directly helping the animals, all while learning compassion, kindness and empathy.

Junior Volunteers see how many helping hands are needed to keep the bustling Animal Welfare Society running smoothly. Tasks vary based on the Adoption Center's daily needs and often include cleaning animal spaces, preparing meals, making enrichments and visiting with dogs and cats. By participating directly with the animals, children see firsthand how they make a difference.

Due to the ongoing pandemic, Junior Volunteers is only being offered on a very limited basis. Students are encouraged to check out our At-Home Project Guide for volunteer opportunities to be completed conveniently and safely at home!

AWS Youth Programs follow the RSU21 (Kennebunk) school calendar. If there is a snow day or if the district shifts to remote learning, AWS programs will not take place in-person.