The Season of Service: While summer in the Northwest is synonymous with road trips and backyard BBQs, it is also the most impactful time for families to give back. With school out of session, summer offers a unique window for parents to model civic responsibility and for children to see the direct results of their labor—whether that’s seeing a park become cleaner or helping a local food bank stock up for neighbors in need.
Volunteering as a family doesn’t just benefit the community; it builds lasting memories and teaches kids valuable lessons in empathy and environmental stewardship. From the shores of North Idaho to the valleys of Western Montana, there are countless ways to turn your summer leisure into a season of legacy.
Western Idaho (Treasure Valley)
The Boise WaterShed
Engage in family-friendly education and conservation projects across the valley. boisewatershed.org
Bogus Basin Stewardship
Work on trail restoration and mountain beautification in the Boise foothills. bogusbasin.org
The Magic Valley
The Idaho Foodbank
Help bridge the “summer hunger gap” by packing meals for local Twin Falls families. idahofoodbank.org
People for Pets
Support the Magic Valley Humane Society with summer adoption and care events. people4pets.com
North Idaho
Idaho Trails Association
Help maintain the beautiful hiking paths around Sandpoint and Coeur d’Alene. idahotrailsassociation.org
Kootenai Environmental Alliance
Protect Lake Coeur d’Alene through water monitoring and shoreline cleanups. kealliance.org
Eastern Idaho
Idaho Rivers United
Lead the charge in keeping the Snake River corridor clean for future generations. idahofrivers.org
Teton Valley Trails & Pathways
Steward the trail systems connecting Driggs, Victor, and the Teton range. tvtap.org
Eastern Washington
Inland Northwest Land Conservancy
Join restoration projects that preserve the unique Inland Empire landscapes. inlandnwland.org
SpoCanopy
Help plant and maintain the urban tree canopy across Spokane neighborhoods. my.spokanecity.org/parksrec
Western Montana
Land to Hand MT
Support local food systems through gardening and distribution in the Flathead Valley. landtohandmt.org
Missoula YMCA / City Parks
Contribute to park maintenance and youth recreation programs in Missoula. ymcamissoula.org
While the organizations listed here are some of our favorites, they are just the beginning. The Northwest is home to thousands of smaller grassroots nonprofits, neighborhood gardens, and community centers that rely on the passion of local residents. We encourage you to explore VolunteerMatch.org or JustServe.org to find hyper-local opportunities that match your family’s unique interests. No matter where you choose to serve, your contribution helps ensure our communities remain the best places to call home.