Summer in Utah is a great time to get involved in your community through service. Whether you're looking for a quick project or a more ongoing commitment, there are plenty of ways to make a meaningful impact.
Here’s your Civic Engagement Summer Bucket List: 8 ways to serve while enjoying the season!
Attend a community event
Summer events are more than fun; they’re also an opportunity to connect, contribute, and build stronger communities. From city celebrations and art strolls to farmers markets and outdoor concerts, many of these events rely on volunteers to make them a success.
Getting involved helps you meet new people, learn about local initiatives, and support small businesses and non-profits. Volunteering at these events can be as simple as greeting attendees, assisting with set-up, handing out information, or helping with clean-up.
Sign up for a one-time volunteer opportunity
If your summer schedule is busy or unpredictable, short-term volunteering is a flexible and rewarding way to give back. One-time or occasional service projects allow you to contribute your time and skills without a long-term commitment. Plus, it’s a great way to try different types of service and discover what fits you best.
Many non-profits and community groups host events or ongoing projects that need extra hands for a few hours or days. Whether you want to help organize donations, assist at a community festival, or assemble care packages, there are opportunities that fit a wide range of interests and schedules.
Example:
Check out JustServe.org to find one-time opportunities like sorting donations at food banks, helping with community events, or assembling hygiene kits.
You can also search 211utah.org for updated local opportunities.
Explore Utah’s outdoors and leave it better
Utah’s stunning landscapes are one of its greatest treasures. Enjoy a hike, bike ride, or picnic while giving back by helping keep these places clean and healthy. Even a small act like picking up litter can make a big difference for the environment and the next visitors.
Example:
The Jordan River Commission organizes regular cleanups along the Jordan River Parkway and around Utah. It’s a great way to connect with nature and improve local water quality and wildlife habitat. They have several volunteering opportunities this summer! Visit their website to learn more.
You can also serve with the Utah Conservation Corps, which offers service projects focused on trail maintenance, habitat restoration, and wildfire prevention.
Visit a local library
Local libraries and community centers are hubs of learning, connection, and culture. Many offer summer programs, especially for youth, that depend on volunteer support. Whether it’s helping with reading programs, tutoring, or event setup, your involvement can enhance access to education and resources for your community.
Example:
Salt Lake County libraries frequently seek volunteers for summer reading programs, helping children stay engaged with reading and learning over the summer break. They also need assistance with community events, technology help sessions, and administrative tasks.
Check your local library’s website or call to learn about volunteer opportunities near you.
Learn more: https://library.utah.gov/directory/
Another unique way to support your community through libraries is by volunteering with the Utah State Library Program for the Blind & Disabled. Volunteers are essential to helping make reading more accessible for all. You can become a book narrator, recording audio versions of books for patrons across Utah, or serve as a book reviewer, helping ensure high-quality, accurate recordings. These roles can often be done on a flexible schedule, and even from home for some projects, making them a great fit for summer volunteering.
Learn more and apply: blindlibrary.utah.gov/about/volunteering
Support a youth or summer lunch program
When school is out, many kids lose access to regular meals and safe spaces. Summer lunch programs and youth centers fill this gap, and they rely heavily on volunteers to operate smoothly.
How to serve:
The Utah Food Bank runs a statewide Summer Feeding Program delivering meals to children in need at parks, schools, and community sites. Volunteers help with packing, distributing food, and engaging with kids to create a friendly, welcoming environment.
You can also look into local Boys & Girls Clubs, YMCAs, or faith-based organizations running summer camps and meal programs.
Get involved: https://www.utahfoodbank.org/programs/
Try the Community Engagement Pathways quiz
Not sure where to start or how your skills fit into volunteering? The Community Engagement Pathways Quiz is a simple way to explore your strengths and see what types of service align with your personality and interests.
Whether you’re a natural connector, a planner, or someone who loves hands-on work, the quiz will guide you to opportunities that feel meaningful and fulfilling.
Try it:
Take UServeUtah’s short Community Engagement Pathways Quiz to discover your strengths and see how they align with upcoming summer service opportunities.
Nominate a volunteer for recognition
Volunteers often work quietly behind the scenes. Recognizing their efforts not only celebrates their impact but encourages others to get involved.
How:
Submit a nomination for the Lieutenant Governor’s Volunteer Recognition Certificate to thank an outstanding volunteer. It’s free, easy, and open to anyone in Utah.
Consider a year of service with AmeriCorps
If you want to deepen your commitment, AmeriCorps offers opportunities to serve full- or part-time with organizations across Utah. Members work on projects addressing education, health, conservation, disaster response, and more.
Besides making a real impact, members can receive a living stipend, professional development, and an education award to help with college or student loans.
Example:
Serve with Utah Conservation Corps, AmeriCorps Utah STEM Initiative, or One Utah Service Fellowship. Members earn a stipend, an education award, and valuable experience.
Find your fit here: userve.utah.gov/americorps
Make this summer count
You don’t need to make a huge commitment to make a difference. Whether you spend an hour helping out or take on a larger project, your time and effort matter.
Pick one action from the list and give it a try. You might discover a new way to serve, or a new reason to keep going.
So, what’s on your summer service bucket list?
