Are you looking for a meaningful way to keep your kids engaged this summer? First Lady Maria Lee has officially kicked off registration for the 7th annual Tennessee Kids Serve Summer Challenge, and it’s a great opportunity for your little ones to have fun and make a difference.
If you’ve been searching for volunteer opportunities for kids in Nashville, this statewide program is a perfect fit. Open to rising kindergarteners through rising sixth graders, the challenge runs from June 1 to August 1, encouraging kids across Tennessee to use their time, talents, and big hearts to serve others in their communities. Whether it’s baking cookies for first responders, cleaning up a local park, or organizing a food drive, there are endless ways for children to lend a helping hand—and grow while doing it.
Over the past five years, more than 3,000 Tennessee kids have participated, giving a whopping 11,147 hours of service. And it’s more than just a feel-good moment; these activities help instill real-life lessons in compassion, responsibility, and leadership.
As First Lady Maria Lee put it: “Every summer I am inspired to see the ways kids use their God-given gifts to serve their communities… It’s our hope that this year’s challenge will instill a spirit of confidence, compassion, and care into Tennessee’s next generation.”
Here’s How It Works:
Who can participate? Rising K–6th grade students across Tennessee
When? June 1 through August 1, 2025
What’s involved? Kids complete at least two hours of service, spanning at least two different categories
What’s the reward? Aside from the joy of helping others, top participants will be invited to a fun carnival celebration at the Tennessee Residence with the Governor and First Lady this September!
If you’re hoping to inspire your children to give back this summer, this challenge offers one of the best volunteer opportunities for kids in Nashville. It’s flexible, fun, and teaches values that last a lifetime.
So Nashville parents, let’s rally our young volunteers and show the rest of Tennessee what Music City kids are made of!
Register now and learn more at the First Lady’s website: https://www.tn.gov/firstlady/tennessee-serves.html
To find great volunteer opportunities for your family, check out these resources:
- Hands On Nashville
Hands On Nashville provides a variety of family-friendly volunteer projects suitable for children aged 5 and up. Families can participate in activities such as food sorting, park clean-ups, and crafting items for local nonprofits. To find age-appropriate opportunities, use the “Age of Volunteer” filter on their Opportunity Calendar. - Volunteer Match
Volunteer Match is an extensive resource of volunteer opportunities. Parents can search for activities that match their children’s interests, filtering by location and whether they allow kids/teens to participate.
Let’s make this a summer of service, smiles, and sweet memories.
