Columbia News

Conrad Johnson began volunteering with the City of Columbia this summer through the City’s youth volunteer program, Youth in Action. This program is aimed at youths ages 12-15 to help provide valuable volunteer opportunities. It allows them to get involved in their community, make new friends, and gain new skills and experiences.

Conrad stated that his older brother was a Youth in Action volunteer, which inspired him to get involved with the program. “It sounded like fun, so I joined and now love it,” Conrad said.

This summer, Conrad volunteered alongside Recycling Ambassadors at Orr Street Farm and Art Market, Fire in the Sky, and—what he says was his personal favorite—paint consolidation at Household Hazardous Waste. “I have met people and learned about them, and I have helped the community, obviously. I got a t-shirt. I learned a good work ethic by volunteering on Saturday morning, and it was fun to do,” Conrad said.

Conrad is entering seventh grade and enjoys games of all kinds, playing with friends, traveling, and playing the flute, saxophone, and piano. He is also a member of Jabberwocky Studios and has performed at several public events in the city, including March March, the kickoff parade to the True/False Film Festival.

For those thinking about volunteering, Conrad said: “You should absolutely do it in order to get to know people and help the community out. And if you don’t like the volunteer activity that you did, try a new one!”

To learn more about Youth in Action or volunteering with the City of Columbia, visit the City’s Volunteer page.

Article written by volunteer Tara O’Reilly.

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