Service Opportunities

Are you looking for ways to give back to your community? Maybe you need an organization to partner with to complete your Girl Scout Silver or Gold Award project? The service opportunities below are organized according to GSUSA Gold Award themes.

All Ages Daisy Brownie Junior Cadette Senior Ambassador
Gold Award Silver Award

Education

Education

Lehigh Valley Zoo Summer Camp
Main Contact: Brenda Michelson
Phone Number: 610-799-4171 ext. 229
Email Address: bmichelson@lvzoo.org

The Lehigh Valley Zoo is a non-profit located in Schnecksville, PA. The 29-acre zoo is located inside of the 1,100-acre Trexler Nature Preserve. Lehigh Valley Zoo’s mission is to create a safe, engaging and enlightening wildlife experience for guests of all ages as it demonstrates leadership in the cultural, scientific and conservation communities. The zoo is currently looking for Girl Scout volunteers to help with their upcoming summer camps! Interested girls would be working with the zoo's camp counselors to run engaging and fun activities for the campers.

Our Lady of Mount Carmel School
Main Contact: Dawn Parker
Phone Number: 215.348.5907
Email Address: dparker@ourladymtcarmelschool.org

Our Lady of Mount Carmel is a Catholic elementary school located in Doyelstown. Our Lady of Mount Carmel seeks to educate the whole child through its strong academic program and to enrich the total person through co-curricular and extracurricular activities. They strive to provide a quality education that empowers students to lead and serve in our diverse, global society. Principal Dawn Parker is always looking for students who are interested in working with the school to achieve their gold award.

Montgomery County - Norristown Public Library
Main Contact: Asha Verma
Phone Number: 610.278.5100 ext. 112
Email Address: averma@mclinc.org

The Norristown Public Library was founded in 1796 by 90 families in the local area who recognized the need for a library. One of those people included Declaration of Independence signer, Thomas McKean! The library now has multiple branches throughout Montgomery county, including a Bookmobile. The library is always looking for troops or individuals interested in helping customers retrieve books, as well as reshelve books, collect data entries, and various filing.

Environment & Sustainability

Environment & Sustainability

GSEP Green Project
Company: Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania

Join thousands of Girl Scouts and adult volunteers as they celebrate Earth Day with two weeks of planet friendly projects right in your community! No project is too small to include in our efforts to make the world a better and more beautiful place!

This year the GSEP Green Project will be from Saturday, April 14 through Sunday, April 29th. Girls and adult volunteers can create and complete an eco-friendly community service project with their troop, service unit, small group, or individually.

Tell us about your Green Project! Complete this online survey to share your story and photos with us! Your story and photos maybe chosen to appear on our website, social media, or Spark Magazine!

Purchase the GSEP Green Project Patch in any of our GSEP Retail Shops starting mid-April!

Tyler Arboretum
Main Contact: Liz Hornbach
Phone Number: 610-566-9134 ext. 302
Email Address: lhornbach@tylerarboretum.org

The Tyler Arboretum is a non-profit arboretum located in Media, PA. One of the oldest arboretums in northeast, it encompasses 650 acres of renowned plant collections, heritage and champion trees, historic buildings and 17 miles of hiking trails through woodlands, wetlands and meadows. The arboretum is currently looking for a group of girls to help create a "Geocaching" program for their property to use.

Berks Nature
Main Contact: Michael Griffith
Phone Number: 601-372-4992 ext. 108
Email Address: michael.griffith@berksnature.org

Berks Nature is located in Reading, PA and is a non-profit conservation organization. This non-profit focuses on land preservation, water protection, trail management, community gardens, and education programs. Berks Nature is looking for ongoing volunteers to help with maintaining the property, but they also encourage Girl Scouts to approach them with their own project ideas. All projects should have some type of environmental stewardship attached to it.

Lehigh Valley Zoo
Main Contact: Julia Bieski
Phone Number: 610-799-4171 ext. 248
Email Address: jbieski@lvzoo.org

The Lehigh Valley Zoo is a non-profit located in Schnecksville, PA. The 29-acre zoo is located inside of the 1,100-acre Trexler Nature Preserve. Lehigh Valley Zoo’s mission is to create a safe, engaging and enlightening wildlife experience for guests of all ages as it demonstrates leadership in the cultural, scientific and conservation communities. The zoo is currently looking for Girl Scout volunteers to help manage educational stations throughout the zoo such as Conservation Crafts and interactive exhibits.

Briar Bush Nature Center
Main Contact: Mark Fallon
Phone Number: 215.887.6603
Email Address: mfallon@briarbush.org

Briar Bush Nature Center includes a 12-acre natural woodland with trails, nature museum with live animals, bird observatory cabin, pond and nature playscape. They provide environmental education programs to all ages both at the Center and throughout the Delaware Valley in schools, senior living facilities, preschools and more. They have ongoing grounds and facilities volunteer opportunities after school hours during the school year. This includes helping to clean and organize the museum to prepare for the next day, recycling, turning compost piles, cleaning bird bath, sweeping, vacuuming, and more. In summer, volunteers 13+ can apply to be Summer Camp Aides, working in pairs with an educator and 12 campers. We also have an ongoing need for volunteers who can report bird sightings to eBird citizen science project.

Arts, Culture & Heritage

Arts, Culture and Heritage

The National Museum of Industrial History
Main Contact: Kitsa Behringer
Phone Number: 610-694-6644
Email Address: info@mnih.org

The National Museum of Industrial History in Bethlehem, PA is housed in a former steel factory! A branch of the Smithsonian Institution, this museum seeks to perserve, educate, and display the industrial history of the nation. The museum is always looking for Girl Scout volunteers to work the reception and visitor services desks, or help with education programs and office work.

Acting Naturally Inc.
Main Contact: Wendy McBride
Phone Number: 267-798-9165
Email Address: wendy@actingnaturally.com

Acting Naturally in Langhorne, PA is a Performing Arts non-profit dedicated to offering the community outstanding entertainment through their Repertory Company, Youth Company, and Children's Theater programs. Interested Girl Scouts can assist Acting Naturally with ushering for shows, helping backstage, and selling concessions during intermission.

The Handwork Studio
Main Contact: Alisa Cavanaugh
Phone Number: 610-660-9600
Email Address: alisa@thehandworkstudio.com

The Handwork Studio in Narberth, PA is a creative camp and class space where children and young adults can go to learn all about crafting, sewing, needlepoint, and more. With a focus on education and fostering a love of crafting, The Handwork Studio is always looking for volunteer Girl Scouts to help teach children. It is also an excellent place to learn more about running a small business.

Totts Gap Arts Institute
Main Contact: James Gloria
Phone Number: 570.236.1466
Email Address: jim@tottsgap.org

Located in Bangor, PA the mission of the Totts Gap Arts Institute is to nurture artists of all ages, and to awaken the excitement, passion, and possibility of both the fine and performing arts. They offer classes, showcase talent, and host events that infuse the community and region with a love and respect for the creative process. Totts Gap has ongoing needs related to maintenance of the building and grounds. Work might entail: weeding the garden and surrounding grounds, painting the exterior, and interior upkeep (cleaning). There is also the possibility of assisting with classes and administration as appropriate to the age of the student.

Disability

Disability

Community Options Inc.
Main Contact: Leslie Healy
Phone Number: 267.388.9105
Email Address: leslie.healy@comop.org

Community Options Inc. is a nonprofit organization that supports adults with development disabilities to successfully live and work in their communities. Community Options owns 13 homes in the area, eight of which are located in Montgomery County. They are looking for troops to help spruce up the outside of the homes. This includes weeding, planting flowers, making flower pots, raking, and mulching.

STEM

STEM

Reading Public Museum
Main Contact: Wendy Koller
Phone Number: 610-371-5850 ext.223
Email Address: wendy.koller@readingpublicmuseum.com

The Reading Public Museum is a leader in interactive, educational exhibits that teach everything from science to astronomy, civilizations, and more. The grounds house a planetarium and a 25-acre arboretum. Come join the adventure and volunteer at the museum's Discovery Summer Camp! You will play an integral part in the success of Summer Camp. You will be expected to help set up for the day, as well as interact with the campers. Additional responsibilities include watching the campers during break, helping pass out supplies, preparing activities, cleaning up, and escorting campers around the museum.

Health

Health

GotAED Initiative
Main Contact: Samantha Krouse
Phone Number: 610.574.4532
Email Address: samantha@gotaed.org

GotAED is an initiative of a nonprofit Simon’s Heart, raising awareness about sudden cardiac arrest and death in kids. Sudden cardiac arrest is the leading cause of death of student athletes, taking the lives of over 350,000 people each year in the US. GotAED’s mission is to help place AED devices (automated external defibrillators) where kids learn and play. An AED device is the only tool that can save someone from cardiac arrest death. GotAED is currently looking for Girl Scout volunteers to help locate facilities that don’t have AED devices and start a campaign to help one be placed. Interested girls would be leaders and educators in their communities with the opportunity to earn a gold or silver award.

If you are interested in learning more, visit our website at www.gotaed.org or contact Samantha at samantha@gotaed.org.

Poverty

Poverty

Laundromat Library League
Main Contact: Arlene Rengert
Phone Number: 610.696.2282
Email Address: laundromatlibrary@gmail.com

The Laundromat Library League places "Library Boxes" of children's books in laundromats to make them available to children who may have few or none at home. The opportunity is to obtain permission from a laundromat owner/manager and then deliver and "steward" the Library Box twice a month to tidy and refresh the books. All books are supplied by the LLL, as is guidance.

Keystone Opportunity Center
Main Contact: Cindy Dembrosky
Phone Number: 215.723.5430 ext. 101
Email Address: cdembrosky@keystoneopp.org

Keystone Opportunity Center is a non-profit social services organization located in Souderton, PA that offers a food pantry, civic classes, community case management, english learning classes, and GED help for those in need. Though the organization does not need help at the actual food pantry, they are always looking for troops to hold food drives to collect non-perishables for the food pantry. The Center would also provide literature and hand-outs regarding what types of food they're looking for.

Healthy Relationships

Healthy Relationships

Check back regularly for new opportunities.

Children's Issues

Children's Issues

The Superhero Project Inc.
Main Contact: Kelly Gallagher
Phone Number: 215.870.8967
Email Address: thesuperheroprojectinc@gmail.com

The Superhero Project Inc. is a non-profit company that helps families who have infants and children in the NICU. Founded in 2015, the company worked to camera monitors in the NICU section of a local hospital so that parents and families can see their babies, even if they can't touch or be near them. They also create baskets for families, including hand knitted hats for the infants, care needs for family members and more. The company is always looking for troops to help knit hats or create care packages.

The Confetti Foundation
Main Contact: Stephanie Frazier Grimm
Phone Number: 401.619.4333
Email Address: confettifoundation@gmail.com

The Confetti Foundation is a non-profit is headquartered in Rhode Island but operates throughout the country thanks to the help of volunteers. The organization supplies birthday parties to children who are hospitalized on their special day. They do this by providing all of the necessary materials and shipping them as a "Celebration in a Box". The organization is always looking for volunteers to help out with specific projects. Troops can make and write special birthday cards, create a Happy Birthday video message, run a product drive for birthday supplies, or create birthday banners.

Civic Engagement

Civic Engagement

Buckingham Township
Main Contact: Mary Jane Atkinson
Phone Number: 215.794.8834
Email Address: mjatkinson@buckinghampa.org

Buckingham Township is the largest township in Bucks county and covers around 33 square miles. The Parks & Rec Department is currently looking for volunteers to help run children's activities in parks and public spaces throughout the township.

Middletown Township Parks and Recreation
Main Contact: Joanne Morelli
Phone Number: 215.750.3800 ext. 1165
Email Address: jmorelli@middletownbucks.org

Middletown Township is located in Langhorne, Pennsylvania. The Parks and Rec department is always looking for volunteers of all ages to help with various tasks depending on the time of year.

Animals

Animals

Women's Humane Society
Main Contact: Kayla Gross
Phone Number: 215-942-6829
Email Address: education@womenshumanesociety.org

The Women's Humane Society, America's First Animal Shelter founded by women in 1869 and located in Bensalem, PA, always appreciates young volunteers whether that be at their building or an off-site project. Their facility offers a program called Story Tails where youth can come read to their animals which socializes their pets while also improving reading skills. From home, scouts can make homemade toys or treats, organize a fundraiser or donation drive, hold an educational event with their troop or school to learn about animals, or many other options! They are open to creativity when it comes to finding unique ways to help their shelter animals!

PAWSibilities Animal Rescue
Main Contact: Kathy Mina
Phone Number: 215.920.4682
Email Address: pawsibilitiesanimalrescue@yahoo.com

Pawsibilities Animal Rescue is compiled of a caring staff and volunteers whose goal is to save and improve the lives of domestic animals. Whether sick, injured, stray, abandoned or owner surrendered, Pawsibilities is there to give animals the love and care they need and deserve. We are a no-kill shelter with a desire to make a difference in the lives of the animals we rescue. We strive to educate the public on the animal overpopulation problem and the importance of spaying and neutering, allowing them to realize the benefits of opting to adopt instead of buying a pet. Pawsability is always looking for volunteer ideas and projects that will help their animals. Troops can run donation drives for pet supplies, help rebuild or paint rooms or spruce up kennels.

Equi-librium Inc.
Main Contact: Cheryl Baker
Phone Number: 610.365.2266
Email Address: cheryl@equi-librium.org

Equi-Librium provides individuals with phsyical and developmental disabilities with accessible and affordable therapy by utilizing horses as therapy tools. Equine Assisted Activity & Therapy (EAAT) programs provide benefits to individuals with special needs phsyically, cognitively, and emotionally. The farm is always looking for help with projects such as gardening, property management and maintenance, horse care, or even help with their equine therapeutic lessons.

Chenoa Manor
Main Contact: Rob Teti
Phone Number:
Email Address: hello@chenoamanor.org

Chenoa Manor is a non-profit sanctuary and learning center located in Avondale, PA. They offer lifetime care to both farm animals as well as exotic animals. In addition to the animal residents, there is also emphasis on stewardship of the environment via horticultural programs. Opportunities will vary from group to group and individual to individual and can be tailored to meet the interests of the individual(s). Because of the unique environment, there is never a shortage of projects and the only limitation is their imagination. Projects typically have an animal component, a horticultural/environmental component, and an art component.

Brandywine Valley SPCA
Main Contact: Eli Martinez
Phone Number: 484.302.0049
Email Address: emartinez@bvspca.org

Founded in 1929, the Brandywine Valley SPCA exists to end animal suffering and to involve the entire community in the welfare and well-being of animals. Their mission is to put the “human” back in humane animal treatment and advocate on the animals' behalf. Their vision is to be the recognized leader in animal welfare that empowers communities to treat life with respect and dignity. Volunteer opportunities include animal socializing, potty walks, puppy baths, as well as general cleaning and organizing. Volunteers 14 and up can also become a camp counselor or help with the S.A.F.E Program.

The Center for Animal Health and Welfare
Main Contact: Kelly Bauer
Phone Number: 610.252.7722
Email Address: cahwdirector@rcn.com

The Center for Animal Health and Welfare is an Easton, PA based non-profit that provides life-saving adoption for it's animals by focusing on finding permanent homes for the county's homeless pets. The organization is always looking for voluntters to help with animal enrichment and cleaning. They are also willing to help with projects such as supply drives, fundraisers, car washes, flower planting in the spring and more.

LaMancha Animal Rescue
Main Contact: Dru Campbell
Phone Number: 610.384.7976
Email Address: lamancharescue@comcast.net

LaMancha Animal Rescue is a no-kill rescue, located in Unionville, Pennsylvania. They are a privately funded 501c3 charity that was originally formed as an alternative to the slaughterhouse for ex-racehorses. Today LaMancha rescues and finds homes for not only horses but also dogs, cats, goats and the occasional exotic animal that requires more space or specialized knowledge than most SPCAs can offer. Typically troops interested in volunteering visit and are oriented in an educational tour on the mission and function of the rescue. This may precede or follow off-site donation drives or construction of toys; it may immediately precede a day of service which would include some age-appropriate tasks, some of which would include hands-on with animals, usually puppies. The youngest come for a very short visit and juniors and up stay longer.

Human Rights

Human Rights

Safe Berks
Main Contact: Mindy McIntosh
Phone Number: 484.869.5293
Email Address: mindym@safeberks.org

Safe Berks provides a safe haven and ongoing support system for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Their advocacy and education programs increase awareness and promote the prevention of domestic violence, sexual assault, and all forms of oppression. They are always looking for volunteers to help with various opportunities. Please call or email to discuss your idea.

Opportunity House
Main Contact: Julia VanTine
Phone Number: 610.374.4696 ext. 227
Email Address: jvantine@opphouse.org

Opportunity House is located in Reading, PA and empowers people to stand on their own feet. Their emergency shelter is just one of five programs that make Berks County a better place to live. Beyond their shelter, they offer supportive housing, a state-licensed childcare center and preschool, a Children's Alliance Center that helps kids through the trauma of abuse, assistance for veterans, and reuse and recycle services. Opportunity House is looking for Girl Scout volunteers who could prepare a meal for their shelter clients and interact with the children at the Learning Center by helping with a craft or playing games. They are also looking for volunteers to help work in their community garden along with the clients.

The Sixth Street Shelter
Main Contact: Kristine Blasco
Phone Number: 610.435.1490
Email Address: kblasco@caclv.org

The Sixth Street Shelter is a shelter in Allentown, PA that serves families for 60 days. The serve as a stepping stone for families and those in need that are looking for specific resources or need help with case management. The shelter also includes a family resource center that helps families with things like budgeting, resume writing, computer literacy, and other life skills. The organization is always looking for volunteers to assist with stocking shelves, or organizing and cleaning rooms and apartments for incoming families.

Military and Veteran Affairs

Military and Veteran Affairs

Check back regularly for new opportunities.

Sports

Sports

Sunny Willow Swim Club
Main Contact: Lori Rostron
Phone Number: 215.513.9563
Email Address: membership@sunnywillow.com

Sunny Willow Swim Club is a private pool located in Willow Grove, PA and home to the Gators swim team. The small community swim club is always looking for volunteers of all ages to help around the pool. They are willing to find projects that fit the girl's or troop's age, ability, and need.

Elderly Issues

Elderly Issues

St. Martha Villa
Main Contact: Donna Greiss
Phone Number: 610.873.5300
Email Address: dgreiss@chg.org

St. Martha Villa is an independent and assisted living facility in Downingtown, with a focus on Christian living after retirement. The facility is designed to give it's residents an ease of living while still exericising their own independence. They are always looking for volunteers to interact with and socialize dementia patients, as well as run games, BINGO nights, and clean up the facility by gardening or picking up trash.

Disaster Relief

Disaster Relief

Check back regularly for new opportunities.

Public Safety

Public Safety

Check back regularly for new opportunities.

Other

Other

MLK Day of Service
Organization: Martin Luther King Day of Service

Join thousands of Girl Scouts across our council for the 24th Annual Greater Philadelphia Martin Luther King Day of Service on Monday, January 14, 2019!

Every year, Girl Scouts like you strengthen their communities and help create solutions through service. Whether you volunteer at a local food bank, spend quality time doing crafts with the elderly, or collect and sort books for your school library, you can make a difference. You can partner with schools, civic organizations, communities of faith, local businesses, and many other groups that could use your help.

Plan A Day of Service

Consider the needs of both your community and GSEP.
Choose a project.
Start planning your project and determining details, such as:
- Where? Decide where you will carry out your project.
- What? Determine what kind of tasks are involved.
- Who? Choose the number of volunteers you will need to complete the project.

Plan ahead! Do you or your troop have a project idea to get started? Register your project today! Don't have a project idea, but still want to volunteer? Sign up to volunteer with an existing project!

Advent Lutheran Church
Main Contact: Pastor Christopher Franz
Phone Number: 610.436.0807
Email Address: pastorchrisfranz@gmail.com

Advent Lutheran Church is an Evagelical Lutheran church located in West Chester, PA. The church is always looking for troops who are interested in helping out, whether that be gardening, cleaning up the grounds, helping with office work, or assisting with one of their iniatives that help local homeless people.

Delaware Valley Christian Camp
Main Contact: David Garrett
Phone Number: 610.689.0173
Email Address: dave.garrett@manatawny.org

Camp Manatawny is a Christian summer camp located in Douglasville, Pennsylvania. They also offer various retreats and programming throughout the year. The camp is always looking for volunteers to help with various projects around their campsite as well as clean-up around camp during the off-season.

Interested in working with local Girl Scouts or need volunteers for your next project? Submit your organization's service opportunity here!

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