Top 10 Careers For Helping Kids

Cool Career: Counselor

We know, we know – school’s out, so why bother thinking about what you wanna be when you grow up? Well, without the stress and strain of math tests and climbing ropes in gym class, summer’s actually the perfect time to clear your mind and think about the things you’re really interested in.

For many kids helping other kids out, especially those in need, is a big passion in life. If doing things for others and giving people a hand when they need it most is right up your alley, check out our Top 10 list of careers that will let you help kids in need.

1. Youth Counselor: There are literally dozens of places for counselors to work: suicide prevention hotlines, hospitals, schools, youth centers, youth shelters, camps - the list goes on and on.

2. Social Worker: Like counseling, there are almost too many jobs to count! Here are a few: helping children with HIV/AIDS or kids who are orphaned or homeless or even becoming a child rights activist with a group like UNICEF.

3. Make A Wish Coordinator: You know the Make A Wish Foundation? The group that lets terminally ill children do something they've always wanted, for free? Imagine yourself working behind-the-scenes to help send a child with leukemia to Disney World. Go to www.wish.org for more inspiration.

4. Director of a YMCA Program: If you played YMCA tee-ball when you were a kid, you might remember the adults who played with you. From helping with registration to being a coach, hundreds of people get involved in YMCA programs for kids.

5. Youth Correspondent: Ever watch MTV? How about becoming a youth reporter and covering a wide range of stories and topics - everything from teens and drug addiction to computer hacking. You'll be an advocate for kid-related issues.

6. Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA): These volunteers are paired up with abused and neglected children by a judge and advocate for that child until they find a safe, stable and permanent home. Go to www.nationalcasa.org for more information.

7. 4-H Council Director: 4-H's motto is "to make the best better," and you can help by coordinating projects with youth. 4-H projects are designed to help the community while allowing teens to develop leadership skills for the future.

8. Site Producer for a Teen Website: Oversee the creation of a website for kids, tweens and teens and work with a bunch of other motivated people who really care about helping youth make a difference for their own generation.

9. Team Sports Director: The YMCA isn't the only game in town if you're looking to help out with youth sports programs. Anything from Pop Warner football to volunteering to help on a middle or high school tennis team are possibilities for people who want to help develop leadership and sportsmanship skills in kids.

10. Teacher: If you're really committed to making a difference in kids' lives, then give some serious thought to going into education. Even though teachers don't get the credit they deserve, the impact they make is enormous. Everyone can probably recall at least one special teacher who made a difference in his or her life.