Red Cross Youth Groups

Information

American Red Cross youth groups are becoming increasingly important to connect Onondaga-Oswego area youths to their communities. These school or community based youth groups are generally for those within the ages of 9 and 25. There are many existing clubs currently around the area that are always looking for new volunteers including the Determination Center youth group as well as many others.

 

The primary purpose of Red Cross youth groups is to provide community service through Red Cross initiatives. Youth groups typically meet once or twice a month, under the guidance of an adult advisor . There is no cost to join or establish a Red Cross youth group nor are there uniforms or specific pre-determined curriculums to follow. However, there is plenty of written material for suggested activities , events, programs and fundraisers available through youth group adult advisors or the Red Cross itself. In addition, youth group members are offered discounts on Health and Safety classes such as the Babysitter's Trainer Course and First Aid and CPR .

Although all youth groups are required to have adult advisors to help the group function, the groups are youth-led. Decisions are made by members with the support of their adult advisor.

Activities

Each youth group's activities are based on the interests of its members and local community needs. Some groups will focus their activities around education, others will lean more toward fundraising  activities to support Red Cross initiatives. Yet others will serve as the backbone of the Red Cross by supporting and getting involved with Chapter events and activities . Members will have opportunities to be trained on how to prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies and will take that information and educate the community through events and presentations. Members will also have the opportunity to get involved in international projects, which might include the Measles/Malaria Initiative , Exploring Humanitarian Law and Global Awareness. Red Cross youth group members provide support in all Red Cross services : Armed Forces Emergency Services, Biomedical Services, Disaster Services, International Services and Health and Safety. Youth group members can also peruse this website to learn more about possible youth group activities .

Community Service

Red Cross youth group members can accumulate hours toward community service hours, whether they are for school, a religious obligation or court appointed hours. Hours add up quickly considering hours are based on all meetings and events. Members are also invited to volunteer at the Chapter Office (age requirements apply) which will add time to their service hours. Directions to the Onondaga-Oswego Chapter Office, located at 220 Herald Place in downtown Syracuse, are located here .

Experience

The experience obtained through Red Cross youth groups will benefit members when applying for jobs and colleges as it is an invaluable addition to any resume. In addition to helping the local community, you can gain organizational, leadership, public speaking, decision-making, communication, financial and many other life skills by becoming a member of an American Red Cross youth group.

Contact Us

For more information concerning creating, joining or running and American Red Cross youth group, please contact us .