Teen Volunteer Opportunities

friendship circle is back and better than ever!

Explore the full lineup of 2025/26 programs and discover how you can make a real impact!

Scroll down for details of each program and apply

FRIENDS @ HOME / HANGIN WITH A BUD

This program offers you, our dedicated volunteers, a unique chance to brighten a child's day with warmth, laughter, and companionship. Each week, you and a fellow volunteer will spend quality time with a buddy in the comfort of their own surroundings, creating a personal connection. This experience enriches your buddy's life while offering you the chance to experience the joy of giving back. Pick the day and time that fits your schedule, and prepare for a deeply rewarding journey. 

👥 Volunteers: Grade 9+

Customized to your schedule

SUNDAY SQUAD

Where purpose and friendship collide! The Sunday Squad is a program where our awesome high school volunteers join up with members of all abilities for epic adventures around the city. From hitting up arcades and belting out tunes at karaoke to mastering mini golf and bouncing around at the trampoline park, every outing is a chance to make a lasting impact on everyone involved. Don’t miss out on this special opportunity - this is the squad you want to be part of!

👥 Volunteers: Grade 10+  

📍 Chabad UES, 419 East 77th Street. The group will travel via bus to the trip location unless otherwise specified. (Occasionally the group will meet at an alternate location on the Upper East Side) 

⏰ Sundays, Time Coming Soon

📅 Dates coming soon

FC VIRTUAL CLUB

Attention high school leaders and volunteers! Ready to step out of your social bubble and make a real impact? Join the weekly FC Virtual Club, where you’ll lead an engaging and dynamic virtual session designed to connect young people of all abilities. This is your chance to guide others, build new skills, and have fun while hosting a lineup of activities like virtual games, music jams, dance-offs, foodie fun, and more. It's all about fostering new friendships, sharing laughs, and creating unforgettable memories - all from the comfort of your own home!

👥 Volunteers: Grades 9+

⏰ Tuesdays, 7:30 - 8:30pm

📅 Dates coming soon

Bake a Difference

Where kindness is made from scratch! Bake a Difference is a one-hour volunteer experience where friends team up in the kitchen to prepare food packages for individuals and families in need. It’s hands-on, meaningful, and fun. Bring your energy, bring a friend, and get ready to bake a difference.

👥 Volunteers: Ages 12+ (2+ volunteers per shift)

📍 515 East 72nd Street

⏰ Select Thursdays, 1-hour slots available between 3:00–9:00pm

📅 Email office@friendshipcirclenyc.org to reserve your date and time

DAY CAMPS

At Friendship Circle Day Camp, kids of all abilities have their school breaks transformed into a fun-filled camp experience! Packed with daily field trips, art, music, sports, special performances and more, FC day camp is an experience like no other.

👥 Volunteers: Grade 7+

📍Chabad UES, 419 East 77th Street

Summer Camp: August 18-21, 2025

Thanksgiving Day Camp: November 27, 2025

All new volunteers must complete an application process before signing up to volunteer at camp. If this is your first time volunteering at Friendship Circle UES, please click here to begin the application process.

Care Projects

Deliver joy, one package at a time! Care Projects are a hands-on experience where volunteers pack and deliver thoughtful holiday gifts for families in need. It’s simple, heartfelt, and a powerful way to spread smiles across the city.

FRIENDSHIP WALK

The highlight of our year! Join thousands from across the NYC community in a tremendous display of pride and unity as we walk through the streets of the Upper East Side raising awareness and funds for children, teens and young adults with special needs. All funds raised benefit Friendship Circle of the Upper East Side!

👥 All Ages | Open to the Public

📍 East 77th Street between 1st & York Aves

📅 Date coming soon