National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) is a program here at JMS, run by Mrs. Ziegenfuss and Ms. Deal, that helps students become more involved in their school and around their community. Students in NJHS need to have 10 volunteer hours by the end of this year, and 13 hours in total. Volunteer opportunities were very easy to come across over the summer, but now they are harder to find. Around Jupiter, there are places to volunteer, such as beach cleanups, food pantries, and even at our very own JMS!
Beach Cleanups
Beaches are often in need of cleanups, and there are numerous volunteer opportunities, one of which is offered by the Florida Oceanographic Society, located in Stuart, FL. The Society is open to people of all ages. All minors must be accompanied by an adult during all beach cleanups. More information and helpful tips on the beach cleanups can be found on the Florida Oceanographic Society. Dates vary by month, but you can check the calendar for all cleanup events. The next official date is September 20th.
Big Dog Ranch Rescue
Big Dog Ranch Rescue is a dog shelter located in Loxahatchee, FL. It’s a great volunteer opportunity for dog lovers. They ask for volunteers 8 and older, but if you are 8-15, you must be accompanied by an adult. One of the many things you can help with is dog transportation. By doing this, you can be a part of life-saving missions for these dogs. You can find the application along with more information at Big Dog Ranch Rescue. Once you’ve done some hours, you can email the community service document to [email protected] to be signed, scanned, and returned.
Food Pantries
Lots of food banks around Jupiter offer volunteer opportunities. More specifically, the Palm Beach County Food Bank asks for volunteers who are 14 or older to help with “packing, boxing, and sorting food for their hunger relief programs.” (pbcfoodbank.org) The PBC Food Bank requires volunteers to be in groups of 5 or more, and an adult accompanying kids ages 14-16.
Volunteer shifts available at PBC Food Bank:
Monday–Thursday: 9 A.M.–12 P.M. and 1 P.M.–4 P.M.
Friday: 9 A.M.–12 P.M.
1st & 3rd Saturday of the month: 9 A.M.–12 P.M.
Helping JMS Teachers
Have you ever walked into a messy classroom? You probably have. Teachers would be more than happy to have student volunteers come in after school to help. This volunteer opportunity could be great for somebody who loves organization. You may know Ms. Valencia, one of the school’s Spanish teachers. We asked her what she would want help with. She said, “Keeping the room in order, grading papers, and putting up signs.” Teachers have 5 classes a day, full of students. Imagine how many papers that is to grade. According to Ms. Valencia, teachers stay at least 30 minutes after school, if not longer. You could help teachers with various things, including organizing, straightening up the desk, and making photocopies.
Palm Beach County Library
The PBC library has lots of opportunities for teens to volunteer. Kids ages 12-17 can help with planning events, shelving books, creating displays, and much more.
Volunteer Events happening soon:
Belle Glade – Aug 20, 5-7 pm.| Aug 27, 5-7 pm.
Lantana Road – Aug 23, 10-12 pm.
Glades Road – Aug 26, 5:30-6:30 pm.| Aug 28, 5-6 pm.
Annual Haunted Lodge
The 14th Annual Haunted Lodge is a haunted house hosted by The Jupiter Elks. It is happening on October 24th and 25th, 2025, from 7-10 pm. The Jupiter Elks community asks that you come with a group, with every group receiving 20 or more hours and $100 guaranteed. And just in case you weren’t motivated enough, the group with the best scare space wins an extra $500! To learn more, visit jupiterelks.org/haunted-lodge.
