Teen Volunteer Opportunities

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

Where fun and impact collide! High school volunteers buddy up with members of all abilities for a memorable afternoon. Together, buddies enjoy sports in the gym, crafts, baking, music, specialty workshops, and more. The older group will also head out on occasional trips and adventures around the city.

Whether you’re shooting hoops, crafting, heading to the bowling alley, or simply hanging out with your buddy, your friendship, energy, and commitment create the kind of space where your buddy can shine.

Come ready to step outside your comfort zone, make memories, build incredible friendships, and make a real difference along the way.

👥 Volunteers: Grades 8-12 (and grade 7 who've completed the FC Mitzvah Project)

📅 Dates: Oct 18, 25. Nov 8, 15. Dec 6, 13. Jan 10, 24. Feb 7, 21. Mar 7. Apr 4, 11. May 2, 16.

⏰ 12:30 - 2:30pm

📍 Friendship Circle HQ - 164 East 68th Street

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 9-12

⏰ Wednesdays, 7:30 - 8:30pm

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: Grades 7-12

🎉 Thanksgiving Camp: November 26, 2026

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.

Based on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, CTeen UES brings Jewish teens together for social, educational, and Jewish life programming - creating a place to connect, volunteer, learn, lead, and experience Judaism in ways that are meaningful and relevant.

Upcoming Program: Israel & Me Course

For teens in grades 10-12

A 7-week college accredited course designed to give Jewish teens the knowledge, context, and confidence to stand up for Israel and the Jewish people.

Through interactive learning, and open discussion, students will explore Israel’s history, the Jewish connection to the land, the Israeli-arab conflict, security, peace, antisemitism, and how to confidently navigate these sensitive topics in high school, college, and beyond.

Students who successfully complete the course can earn 1 college credit through CTeen-U.

Course Details

📅 Dates: Oct 26, Nov 9, Nov 16, Nov 23, Nov 30, Dec 7, Dec 14

🕒 7:00 - 8:30 PM

📍164 East 68th Street

💵 Cost: $200 + $35 book fee

Scholarships are available

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.

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

📅 Sunday, May 23, 2027