Summer Activities + Volunteering Suggestions

Yes, I know I’m rather late to the scene.
And yes, I know I’m only a rising 9th grader. I am by no means launching myself into “get into college” mode just yet, and I am not throwing my childhood away, I absolutely assure you.

But since I spend most of my summers bored and not knowing what to do with my time, I thought I might as well get down some volunteering hours for the good of my application to a certain prestigious high school in the state.
(The mascot is a unicorn? Located in Durham, NC? I think you know what I’m referring to.) I’m applying in two years.

Alas, my local hospital is already filled up, and you have to be at least 15 to volunteer at my nearby libraries. So close and yet so far.
I’d be very willing to volunteer at the Humane Society, but you need a guardian to volunteer with you, and do you really think I should drag my mom to the shelter several times a week on a regular basis during the summer? I don’t find that fair.

I’m already planning on expanding my writing skills, and hopefully submitting some creative writing to magazines made specifically for teenagers/kids. Which is good in and of itself. But I’d like a little something more.

Does anyone have any other volunteering/activity suggestions for me? I’d appreciate any help, still a bit clueless when it comes to such things.

Do you belong to a house of worship? Can you volunteer there? Or even if there is one down the street or someone you know belongs to one. They often have Vacation Bible School (1 week camp) that need volunteers.

Can you go to camp or be a counselor in training at a camp?

Can you be a mother’s helper…help with littler kids over the summer?

Can you take a class at your local community college or community center? They have camp/classes for your age.