The Pretend City Service Club at Aliso Niguel High School gives students the opportunity to help support early childhood development and education through hands-on volunteering at Pretend City Children’s Museum in Irvine.
Isabella Gurrola (12), the president of the Pretend City Service club, helps run the club and create voluntary service activities for those interested and who want to get involved in the Pretend City Service club.
The club aims to help young kids learn through play while also encouraging members to be socially responsible. It regularly meets on campus each month and organizes volunteer opportunities at Pretend City, where students can help staff, play with children and keep the environment safe and friendly.
Students can make a real difference by volunteering and getting involved with hands-on experience working with children. By volunteering, students can make a real difference and get hands-on experience working with children. They assist kids with interactive exhibits that help develop early skills such as communication, problem-solving and social interactions.
In addition to general volunteer work, Pretend City Children’s Museum offers several structured volunteer positions that allow students to help support the museum in different ways. Volunteers are required to complete a minimum of three hours of service per month and commit to 15 hours per year before signing up for training. Available positions include greater volunteers, who welcome families and help create a positive first impression, administrative volunteers who assist staff and exhibit support volunteers who help maintain interactive spaces and guide children through activities. Other opportunities offered include assisting with school field trips and helping during special events throughout the year.
According to the Pretend City website, “From helping a child learn a life skill through exhibit exploration, to supporting staff with a birthday party, or assisting with administrative tasks in the office, volunteers make a valuable contribution to help Pretend City reach our goals of educating young children and their families.”
Pretend City Children’s Museum is set up like a small city, offering spaces such as grocery stores, a post office and a medical center where children can pretend to do everyday tasks.
The club’s mission centers on supporting early childhood development, which research has shown to be a key to long-term academic and social success.
In addition to service, the club also helps students get involved and stay aware of what is happening on campus. Members can earn volunteer hours, experience and get to work with others in the community who share an interest in education and community service.
Students interested in joining the club or wanting to find out more about any upcoming volunteer opportunities can follow the club on Instagram at @pcserviceanhs. The club also uses Remind to keep members informed about meetings and events
Sophia Starr (12) says, “I am interested in joining the club because it is a better opportunity for me to help the community while also helping teach others. Being able to support early childhood development and help foster young minds seems meaningful and rewarding.
