Whether grinding for hours to add onto college applications or looking to pass the time usefully, finding a volunteer organization shouldn’t be harder than the service itself. Here is a list of various opportunities to volunteer, ranging from working with animals to improving the environment and serving the Marin community. The estimates for commute time from Archie Williams to the worksite are also included for consideration.
The directory is organized into three primary categories to help students align their volunteering services with specific interests. These sections include Animal Assistance & Therapy, Environmental & Sustainability, and Community & Social Support. By grouping the organizations, the guide allows readers to quickly identify opportunities that match their career goals or personal passions.
While some of these entries are featured on the physical bulletin board in the College and Career Center, most were sourced through online research of local programs. This guide is a curated selection of volunteer openings that were scattered across web and school resources. Additionally, relevant logistical data is provided for each source, such as commute time and age requirements.
Animal Assistance & Therapy
Best for: Animal lovers and those interested in physical therapy or veterinary science.`
Halleck Creek Ranch
About: Volunteers assist with therapeutic horseback riding sessions that help people with disabilities build physical strength and confidence.
Address: 1740 Old Rancheria Road, Nicasio, CA 94946
Commute from Archie Williams: 25 minutes.
When: Year-round; shifts available weekly.
Requirements: Age 14+ for Adaptive Riding Program; 12+ for facility volunteers; ages 12-13 require a guardian present.
Website: halleckcreekranch.org
WildCare
About: This wildlife hospital treats and releases injured animals. Additionally, there’s a summer camp where teens help lead nature activities for kids.
Address: 76 Albert Park Lane, San Rafael, CA (Hospital) / 20 Olive Street, San Rafael (Summer Camp).
Commute from Archie Williams: 12 minutes.
When: Hospital shifts are year-round; Summer Camp Counselor-in-training (CIT) program runs June-August.
Requirements: Age 12+ (14-18 for CIT program).
Website: discoverwildcare.org
Hooves for Harmony
About: Participation involves horse-riding lessons designed for kids with special needs to help them build a bond with the animals.
Address: 885 Sutro Ave, Novato, CA 94947.
Commute from Archie Williams: 25 minutes.
When: Weekly therapeutic sessions. Contact for current schedule.
Requirements: Under 14 requires guardian supervision.
Website: hoovesforharmony.org
Giant Steps
About: Located at the Sonoma Horse Park, this program uses equine therapy to improve the quality of life for people living with various disabilities.
Address: 7600 Lakeville Highway, Petaluma, CA.
Commute from Archie Williams: 35 minutes.
When: Commit to at least one class per week, but consider potential single-day volunteering.
Requirements: Age 14+.
Website: giantstepsriding.org
San Francisco Zoo
About: Opportunity to get involved at the SF zoo by assisting with animal care, restoring habitats, or teaching visitors about wildlife conservation.
Address: Sloat Blvd & Great Hwy, San Francisco, CA 94132.
Commute from Archie Williams: 45 minutes.
When: Various weekend and summer weekday shifts.
Requirements: Age 12+.
Website: sfzoo.org/volunteer
Oakland Zoo
About: Offers “Teen Wild Guide” where teens teach zoo visitors about animals, and also offers zoo summer camp counselor roles.
Address: 9777 Golf Links Rd, Oakland, CA 94605.
Commute from Archie Williams: 60 minutes.
When: Teen Wild Guide (Year-round weekends). Summer Zoo Camp (June-August).
Requirements: 9th grade or older.
Website: oaklandzoo.org
Environmental & Sustainability
Best for: People interested in ecology, climate action, or outdoor work.
Turtle Island Restoration Network
About: Volunteers work in plant nurseries to learn about and help native plants grow.
Address: 9255 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, Olema, CA 94950.
Commute from Archie Williams: 25 minutes.
When: Nursery volunteering 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Fridays, March-April 2026.
Requirements: Must confirm volunteering with Nursery Manager Kristen Hopper at [email protected] before attending.
Website: seaturtles.org
Slide Ranch
About: Interns work directly in organic gardens, with farm animals, or in the office answering phones, inventory merchandise, collecting mail, or supporting bookkeeping.
Address: 2025 Shoreline Hwy, Muir Beach, CA 94965.
Commute from Archie Williams: 30 minutes.
When: Once a month (garden and animals) or weekly (office).
Requirements: Under 14 requires a guardian, 14-17 requires a friend/sibling/adult.
Website: slideranch.org
Friends of the Urban Forest
About: Opportunities include planting trees and sidewalk gardens, assessing tree health, and community outreach.
Address: 1007 General Kennedy Ave, San Francisco, CA 94129.
Commute from Archie Williams: 40 minutes (or 0 minutes if remote).
When: Year-round outdoor work. Remote work can be done anytime.
Requirements: Under 15 requires a guardian, one per child. 16-18 requires a signed waiver.
Website: friendsoftheurbanforest.org
Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy
About: Supports the Golden Gate National Recreation Area through community service beach cleanups, habitat restoration, and gardening.
Address: Locations in Marin (Headlands/Muir Woods), SF, and San Mateo.
Commute from Archie Williams: 20–45 minutes.
When: Year-round. Commonly, morning opportunities.
Requirements: Under 7 needs guardian participation, under 15 needs guardian supervision, and under 18 requires a signed guardian form.
Website: parksconservancy.org/volunteer
Community & Social Support
Best for: Addressing food insecurity and supporting vulnerable neighbors.
Ritter Center
About: Based in San Rafael, this center supports the local low-income and homeless community by assisting in the food pantry distribution and organization, as well as making toiletry bags.
Address: 16 Ritter Street, San Rafael, CA 94901.
Commute from Archie Williams: 12 minutes.
When: Tuesdays, Mondays, Wednesdays, or Fridays. Different shift times are available and open year-round for the food and pantry focus.
Requirements: Under 13 requires a guardian present, and under 18 requires a signed guardian form.
Website: rittercenter.org
The Redwoods: A Community of Seniors
About: A non-profit senior community where volunteers assist with gardening, technology help, and social visits.
Address: 40 Camino Alto, Mill Valley, CA 94941.
Commute from Archie Williams: 22 minutes.
When: Flexible scheduling (Breakfast, Dinner, and weekend shifts).
Requirements: Age 12+ (solo).
Website: theredwoods.org/volunteer
Habitat for Humanity
About: Help prepare playhouse parts, help prepare homes for homeowners.
Address: San Francisco, San Mateo, Marin.
Commute from Archie Williams: 15-50 minutes.
When: Scheduled project days.
Requirements: 16+.
Website: habitatgsf.org
St. Anthony’s & GLIDE
About: Support people in need through onsite help or remote projects like making masks and organizing fund drives.
Address: 150 Golden Gate Ave (St. Anthony’s) & 330 Ellis St (GLIDE), San Francisco.
Commute from Archie Williams: 50 minutes.
When: Daily shifts.
Requirements: Glide 9+, St. Anthony’s 13,14, or 16+, depending on the task.
Website: stanthonysf.org / glide.org
Girls Rock Math
About: A summer counselor role, art, and creative play are used to help younger girls feel more confident and excited about math.
Address: 72 Kensington Rd, San Anselmo, CA 94960.
Commute from Archie Williams: 5 minutes.
When: Summer only, with two-week counseling sections.
Requirements: High school girls.
Website: GirlsRockMath.org
Ross Valley Fire Explorer Program
About: This program gives a real-world look at firefighting by teaching basic EMS and fire-service skills in a team setting.
Address: 777 San Anselmo Ave, San Anselmo, CA 94960.
Commute from Archie Williams: 5 minutes.
When: Weekly training sessions.
Requirements: Age 16-21.
Website: Email application to [email protected]
Marin County Sheriff Search and Rescue (SAR)
About: A highly trained team that assists law enforcement by searching for missing people in both wilderness and urban environments.
Address: 1600 Los Gamos Dr, San Rafael, CA 94903.
Commute from Archie Williams: 15 minutes.
When: Ongoing monthly training and active calls.
Requirements: Age 14+ (High school students). (2-year minimum active commitment required).
Website: marinsar.org
Angel Island State Lifeguards
About: Strong swimmers can try out to be a state park lifeguard on Angel Island.
Address: Angel Island State Park.
Commute from Archie Williams: 25 minutes to Tiburon + Ferry.
When: Summer season; First Tryout March 21, 2026.
Requirements: Pass swim tryouts; age 9-15.
Website: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=28431
Special Olympics Northern California
About: Opportunities to coach or help staff with sports competitions to support athletes with intellectual disabilities.
Address: Local events (San Domenico, Terra Linda HS, COM).
Commute from Archie Williams: 5-15 minutes.
When: Seasonal sport sessions (Swimming, Soccer, Bocce).
Requirements: Single-day volunteers age 10+. Ongoing volunteers age 14+.
Website: sonc.org
Exploratorium
About: Explainers help visitors engage with the Exploratorium’s exhibits, lead daily demonstrations, and help run the museum’s operations. Increasingly, Explainers also provide multilingual explanations and support for visitors. Sometimes, experienced Explainers participate in specialized internships, and some work in study groups.
Address: Pier 17, Suite 100, San Francisco, CA 94111.
Commute from Archie Williams: 45 minutes.
When: Ongoing after-school and weekend opportunities.
Requirements: Age 15-18.
Website: https://www.exploratorium.edu/about/explainers/high-school
Project Open Hand
About: Delivering nutritious meals to the sick and vulnerable.
Address: 730 Polk St, San Francisco, CA 94109.
Commute from Archie Williams: 50 minutes.
When: Weekday meal prep and delivery shifts.
Requirements: Age 15+.
Website: openhand.org
Information is accurate as of February 2026. Programs and requirements are subject to change. Always verify on the organization’s website before signing up for volunteering.
