Ah, mid-summer—the point when the initial burst of enthusiasm starts to fade faster than a teen’s Snapchat streak. As the novelty of summer activities wears thin, your volunteers might begin to feel less like superheroes and more like tired adults questioning their life choices. Don’t despair! Here are some fun and effective ways to reignite their passion and keep them enthusiastically engaged all summer long.

First things first: recognize and celebrate your volunteers often. Everyone loves to feel valued, especially when they’re juggling sweaty bus rides, endless snack duties, and emotional teen dramas. Surprise them with small tokens of appreciation—think iced coffee, gift cards, or goofy “Volunteer of the Week” certificates highlighting their quirky achievements (“Best Camper Wrangler” or “Ultimate Snack Ninja,” anyone?).

Next, inject some spontaneity into their routines. Even volunteers need a break from predictable schedules. Plan unexpected treats or spontaneous mini-events just for them—a surprise pizza party, a quick game of dodgeball after hours, or an impromptu ice cream outing. Breaking the routine adds a dash of excitement and shows your team you care about their well-being beyond their volunteer duties.

Another powerful motivator? Shared laughter. Create opportunities for volunteers to bond and share funny stories from the front lines. Regularly set aside time for “Volunteer Confessionals”—informal gatherings where your team can swap humorous tales of summer mishaps and triumphs. Laughter is a natural energizer and a great stress-reliever, turning moments of burnout into shared memories and camaraderie.

Finally, remind your volunteers regularly of the big picture—the genuine impact they’re making in the lives of your students. Share stories and testimonies from students about how their summer experiences have been meaningful, transformative, or just plain fun. Knowing they’re truly making a difference can reignite volunteers’ enthusiasm and motivation in profound ways.

With these strategies in hand, you’ll not only keep your volunteers motivated and engaged—you might even find they’re already eagerly signing up for next summer!