What advice should I give teen as they volunteer at community activity for smallest

[Amammi]

My teens are sporty and both have offered to help at the local summer camp for their coaches. The kids attending will be aged 4-12. Mine are 14 and 16. They don't have any experience with young kids and I'm wondering if there is any advice beyond listen to the mentor and do what you've been asked to do "as soon as"
Has anyone else teens done this - how did it go? We live in a small community and I want them to enjoy and see how much fun it can be to help others

[motherstongue]

Well done to your DC for volunteering! I'm sure they will find it hugely rewarding.

My DS has done something similar with our local council during the Easter and summer holidays for the last 4 years, since he was 14. He loves it! He gets so much enjoyment out of helping and encouraging the little ones. He has tended to do the 5-10 age group and in a variety of different sports.

I think the main thing is to listen to the coaches. A good level of patience is necessary and a sense of humour goes a long way.

A by-product is he can be honest in his uni statements about being a volunteer :-), can talk at length about his experiences whilst showing he can be reliable, trustworthy and has shown commitment over several years.

Best of luck to your DC

[Amammi]

Thanks Motherstounge! I'm just delighted they are doing this and know it will be good for them. I've warned them to flag any issues to the coach straight away and just follow the instructions they will be given. There will be lots of small kids there trying out this sport for the 1st time so lots of encouragement and shut down any negative comments from the others if they crop up.

[specialsubject]

Encourage all, especially the ones who are no good at the activity. Be a maths teacher, not a pe teacher!

They should also arm themselves with a stock of time filler games for crowd control. Kids don't stand around and wait.

[BackforGood]

Beware of the 11 / 12 yr olds having 'crushes' on them, and just be aware that safeguarding involve youngsters ensuring they are never in a position where they can be accused of anything.

Listen to the coaches, and ask (preferably beforehand) what they would like them to do.

Expect to be there before, and after the course participants - that's when they can be really useful, setting up and clearing up at the end - look for what needs doing.

Have fun

[specialsubject]

Ah - sadly the above is necessary advice. Never be alone with a child, don't touch unless essential and so on. Stuff like getting the kids to put suncream on each other, escorting to the gents or ladies door but never inside and so on.