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8VKZBirthday Club
Eachmonth,the birthdaybashincludes cake,games, entertainment,anda specialgiftforevery childwithabirthday thatmonth.
14Military Discounts
LasVegasbusinessesgo aboveandbeyondto showtheirappreciation forlocalmilitary members.
16InsideRedFlag atNellis
Localkidgetsabehindthe-sceeneslookatone ofthelargesttraining exercisesinthesky.
24EasySouthern SweetPotato PoundCake
Theperfectfallcaketo makewithyourkids andperfectitforyour family’stastesforthe upcomingholidays.
25Pumpkin SwissRollRecipe
Alightandfluffycake thataddsatouchof warmthandsweetness.
28HikinginLas Vegas
Needanideaofwhere togowithoutthehassle oflengthytravel?
29Tipsfor Volunteeringin LasVegas
Beforeyoudivein,it's importanttoknowthe rules,restrictions,and whatthecharityor businesstrulyneeds.
31Thanksgiving GratitudeJournal Get80%off!
Publisher’s Note
WitheverynewissueofVKZMagazine,weareremindedof theincrediblecreativityandcouragethatouryoungwriters bringtothepages It’saproudmomenttosharethat, startingthisyear,VKZiswrittenbylocalkidswhoare steppingupasstorytellers,journalists,andphotographers, manyfortheveryfirsttime Theirwillingnesstopush beyondtheircomfortzonesandpursuetheirdream interviewsistrulyinspiring,andwe’rehonoredtoshowcase theirtalent,dedication,andpassion.
Thismonth,we’rethrilledtofeature11-year-oldLewis Layton,whoseboldinterviewwithaColonelatNellisAir ForceBaseopenedupnewperspectivesonleadershipand theexcitingoperationsofRedFlag.Gettingtostepinto suchaniconicspaceandconversewithinspiringfiguresis somethingLewiswillneverforget,andweknowourreaders willfeelhisexcitementandcuriosityineveryline We’realsobringingyouintoourreaders’kitchenswith recipesforfamilytraditions,includingaspecialcakerecipe closetoourVKZfamily’sheart There’ssomethingspecial abouthandingdownafamilyfavorite,andwe’rehoping theserecipeswillinspirenewculinarytraditionsinyour homestoo
Forpetowners,we’vegotahelpfulguideonhiringthebest petsitters,withadvicefromtheprofessionalsatByYour SidePetSittingtoensureyoufindthemostcaringand reliablecompanionsforyourfurryfamilymembers. Andwiththeholidaysfastapproaching,we’regivingyoua behind-the-sceneslookatthemagicofoneofthenation’s mostspectacularholidayconcerts!LocaldrummerandLas VegasresidentfromtheTrans-SiberianOrchestrashares storiesfromtourlifeandhisroleinbringingthesoundsof theseasontoaudiencesacrossthecountry
Theseyoungwritersarefearlessinpursuingtheirpassions, andwearesoproudtobringyoutheirvoices Thankyoufor joiningusincelebratingtheirstories,andhere’stomany moredreaminterviewsandnewtraditionstocome!
Kimberley
KIMBERLEY MCGEE Publisher
Join the VKZ Birthday Club
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Join us and 20 kids who share a January birthday on Jan. 4 for a special birthday bash with cake, games, entertainment, and a special gift for every child!
It's a fun way to make kids feel celebrated and bring families together for a memorable party experience!
*Tickets are $30 per child, $5 for siblings, and adults are free Subscribers – use your discount code at checkout to get your special deal!
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Benefits of Being a Kidpreneur
by Kimberley McGee
While they may not all become lemonade stand franchise owners, these young entrepreneurs are discovering how to harness their interests and talents, setting the stage for success in any field they choose in the future
Starting a business at a young age exposes kids to real-world situations and challenges, providing practical learning experiences beyond traditional classroom education. It allows children to tap into their natural creativity and innovation, offering them the freedom to develop fresh ideas without the constraints that adults might face
Entrepreneurship also teaches critical problemsolving skills as kids learn to make decisions and adapt to changing circumstances It introduces them to financial literacy early on, as they start to understand budgeting, managing expenses, and tracking profits This hands-on experience with money management lays a foundation for financial responsibility.
Running a business helps build confidence and selfesteem, as children see the direct impact of their efforts and learn that they can accomplish meaningful goals. Along the way, their communication skills improve, as they interact with customers, suppliers, and other stakeholders, learning both verbal and written communication techniques
Time management becomes essential, as kidpreneurs must balance school, extracurricular activities, and their business ventures They also gain exposure to valuable networking opportunities, connecting with mentors and other young entrepreneurs who can offer guidance and support
We invite you to join us in the Parentpreneur Green Room at each VKZ Kidpreneur Monthly Market. Here, you can learn more about how to support your child's growth and development as they navigate the exciting world of entrepreneurship!
Gameschooling For The Win
Gameschooling is gaining ground on living room floors and dining tables as more families realize the benefits of rolling the dice and following the rules for new and classic board games and video games. The rules for gameschooling for kids are there are no rules. There is no one way to gameschool, but there is so much to learn from games for kids
Meg Grooms started Homeschool Gameschool as a way to connect with other families who were using games as a way to teach not only math and reading but critical thinking, sharing, working with others and other life skills.
Many years ago my son was having trouble with subtraction,” Grooms said” I printed a game for him and he told me that he would rather play games to learn math. That gave me a huge idea.” Her tiny blog grew to a full-fledged website.
Gameschooling is also a great way to teach subjects you aren’t sure how to teach. Music Theory? Chemistry? Art? There is a game for that!
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Las Vegas businesses go above and beyond to show their appreciation for local military members...
Bouchon (Venetian): Military personnel gets a 15% discount with a valid ID.
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South Point Hotel, Casino & Spa: On Memorial Day, active military and veterans can enjoy a free buffet for two at the Garden Buffet, available for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Military ID or DD214 is required to redeem this offer (South Point Casino).
Fogo de Chão: Veterans and active-duty personnel dining in on Memorial Day receive 50% off their meal, and up to three guests get 10% off their meals (The Military Wallet).
Top 3 Military Discounts in
Las Vegas
A World Above
Top Flyers from Around the World Train at Nellis
WHOOSH! McDonnell Douglas AV-8B Harriers fly over Nellis Airforce Base while we are being escorted to the Red Flag building. Red Flag is a U.S. Airforce exercise where fighter squadrons from all around the world come to train under the 414th Combat training squadron, led by Col. Eric Winterbottom, Commander of the squadron.
At first, I was nervous when I entered his office, filled with wooden, glossy plaques from South Korea and Japan. As I was greeted with a friendly smile, the nervousness subsided. We shook hands, introduced ourselves, sat down and started the interview
As a young boy, he was inspired by Chuck Yeager after reading his self-titled book. He always wanted to be a pilot. He has fulfilled that dream and has had mentors help afford him wonderful opportunities to travel the world, a la the U.S. Air Force.
People from all over the U.S. and all over the world converge on Nellis Airforce Base to train in the sky. "The 414th is the organization that were on, is Red Flag, it's one of the Air Force's largest exercises in southern Nevada, where its effectively the opportunity to integrate the various capabilities of the Air Force as well as our joint partners and international partners centered around a big flying exercise " says Col i b
How do other countries get involved in our military training capabilities, you may wonder? Col Winterbottom explained, "When you do major combat operations you need to effectively operate with all the services not just the Air Force but the Navy, Marines, and the other countries' services ...If I had to break it down to one word, I would say integration. The ability to interoperate with all those capabilities is training you cannot get all that often." Nellis has hosted countries such as Israel, the UK, Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, and many more. The Red Flag exercises occur three times a year, and when one is completed, they must begin planning the next.
Col. Winterbottom explained, "If you looked at the flight line yesterday, a substantial portion of it was empty. But sometime this week you will see a bunch of aircraft show up for an exercise called Neptune on the flightline." The flight line is where the planes get serviced and stored in their hangars. Las Vegas locals may hear the jets flying overhead, and sometimes booms that are from the explosions of such training exercises. The jets drop inert (concrete bombs that do not blow up) and real bombs as well!
This operation has been running for almost half a century. "Red Flag next year celebrates its 50-year anniversary. [However], the Red Flag of 2024 is not the Red Flag of 1975. I can promise you they were not thinking of space capabilities and all those non- kinetic capabilities which we are now." Nonkinetic means warfare through a computer launching missiles, rockets, and bombs.
Having been stationed here with his family a few times, Winterbottom considers himself a member of the Las Vegas community (as do we!) When he is not working, he enjoys traveling, hiking Mt. Charleston with his family, restoring cars, and sampling the local cuisine including the great food trucks, especially ones serving mac n cheese, his favorite food. He appreciates being part of the Las Vegas community which affords Nellis Air Force Base the ability to train and be a part of one of the biggest military exercises in the world
Interested in joining the military, but don't want to fly? You can join for 4 years and gain the skills necessary for the next step of your career path. You can stay in, and learn a trade like medical, cyber security, communications, or even flying aircraft.
There are many opportunities within the U.S. Military just make sure to keep those grades up! You can join the cadets or civil air patrol as a young student if you rather not wait. ��
Thank you, Colonel Winterbottom from Vegas Kid Zone Magazine!
About the Author
Lewis Layton is 11 years old and recently moved to Las Vegas from North Carolina. He is a military history buff and Marvel fan.
A Pet Sitter You Can Trust
Good pet sitters are gold in Las Vegas, and often hard to come by.
Lori Douglas, a retired Clark County worker and owner of By Your Side Pet Services, learned this firsthand after facing unreliable sitters who didn’t meet her standards of care
“I had 5 dogs, only one of them was actually mine,” said Douglas, who tended to be the dog whisperer among her friends and family, making her a go-to for taking in strays or their unruly pets.
“I had to go out of town and when I came back my stealth greyhounds were hot dogs, overfed, not walked and the house was dirty. You could tell the person didn’t clean their water bowls or pick upthe poop. Theyjust didn’t care.”
So she started her own company, which has swelled to a highly-trained team of 12 dedicated pet sitters who not only know how to properly care for your best friend at home while you are away, they know pet CPR.
Douglas has built a reputation for going above and beyond, becoming a true partner for pet parents who need dependable, compassionate care. Here are her top tips for finding the best sitter for your beloved pets. Go here for more.
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Check for Experience and Reputation
Experience Matters: Find out how long a pet sitter has been in business. Experienced sitters often have better problem-solving skills and understand how to handle various pet personalities.
Ask for References: A reputable pet sitter will be able to provide references from previous clients. Hearing firsthand from other pet parents can offer insight into the sitter’s reliability, communication, and level of care.
Background Checks and Vetting Processes
Know Who’s in Your Home: Verify that the pet-sitting company conducts thorough background checks. This ensures that the people entering your home are trustworthy and reliable.
Preparedness in Emergencies: Pet CPR and first aid training can be crucial. Knowing that a sitter is prepared for medical emergencies is especially important if your pet has health issues or is elderly
Clarify Services and Expectations
Pet Sitting vs. Pet Training: Some sitters may offer additional services, like basic training. Lori has been asked if she could train pets during her sitting time, and it’s worth asking if you’re interested in these services.
Expectations for Care: Make sure the sitter understands and is willing to uphold your standards. Lori stresses the importance of fresh water, clean food bowls, walks, and a tidy home Unfortunately, she’s encountered sitters who neglected these tasks, leading to dirty dishes, unrefreshed water bowls, and even pets that were overfed or not exercised properly.
The Mindful Momma
Cultivating Wellness: Daily Habits of an Active-Duty Woman in the Air Force
By Antoinnette Majors
In celebration of Veteran’s Day, I had the opportunity to interview SSgt Alecia Henderson for this month’s Women’s Wellness column. SSgt Alecia Henderson is an active-duty Airman and a former educator that now owns Sprouting Minds Tutoring Services.
Navigating life as an active-duty woman in the Air Force is no small feat, especially when balancing personal responsibilities and career demands. For one service member, establishing a solid daily routine has been key to maintaining mental wellness and resilience.
Morning Rituals for a Positive Start
Her day begins with a commitment to gratitude and self-care. "The first hour of my day is sacred," she explains. Rising early, she practices gentle yoga to awaken her body, followed by core-strengthening workouts with a medicine ball or kettlebell. This physical activity not only energizes her but also sets a positive tone for the day.
During this time, she reflects on what she’s grateful for and recites affirmations, mentally preparing herself for the challenges ahead. "I check in with myself to see how I feel—if I slept well, if my body is sore—and I drink water to hydrate and wake up my organs," she shares.
A Calm Commute
As she heads to work, the car ride is intentionally quiet or filled with uplifting music. "I avoid social media and texting in the morning. It’s about getting my mind ready for the day ahead," she notes.
Once at work, she shifts to instrumental music or positive podcasts, creating a peaceful atmosphere that helps her focus
Daily Structure and Self-Care
Throughout her workday, she prioritizes time for reflection, often writing down her tasks and affirmations in a daily agenda. "I pull three affirmations that resonate with me and focus on those," she explains. Lunchtime varies; she may socialize or find a quiet spot to decompress, listening to music or reading.
After work, she channels her passion for education into her tutoring business, seeking to give back to the community. "I miss working with children, so tutoring is my way of staying connected," she says
Evening Wind Down
Her evenings are equally structured, often including physical activity like kickboxing or core workouts. After dinner, she enjoys a relaxing shower with stress-relief products before unwinding with a cup of tart cherry juice or herbal tea. "I like to keep the lights low and either watch TV or journal to help my mind settle," she adds.
About the Author
Antoinnette Majors is the owner of Momma Mindframe, a prenatal mindset coaching practice that helps expecting mothers access their innate power and intuition so that they are empowered to create the birthing experience they desire
Mental Wellness and Self-Care Tips
Her advice for fellow women in the military emphasizes the importance of a strong support system "Find trusted friends and consider therapy; it’s essential to have a safe space to vent," she advises. Engaging in hobbies like hiking, yoga, and exploring new experiences can also enhance the military experience.
Additionally, she encourages women to embrace self-care practices, such as setting personal boundaries and speaking up for themselves in professional settings. "Don’t hesitate to take mental health days. They’re vital for your well-being," she asserts.
Navigating the Military Landscape
For those entering the military, she recommends being clear about personal goals and finding mentors who align with those aspirations "Interview potential mentors to ensure they can support your career objectives," she suggests.
Ultimately, the key to thriving as a woman in the military lies in self-awareness, selfadvocacy, and leveraging available resources. "Make the most of what the Air Force offers be it health benefits, education, or travel opportunities," she concludes. With the right mindset and habits, it’s possible to cultivate a fulfilling and balanced life, both in and out of uniform.
Home for the Holidays
Local drummer for TransSiberian Orchestra shares insight on the band’s return to Las Vegas after 15 years.
Waves of heat from the pyrotechnics onstage waft over the cheering audience as laser beams play over the dancers and cold snowflakes fall from the concert ceiling Everyone is in the holiday spirit as they watch, mesmerized by the talented performers Blas Elias, the drummer of the west coast Trans-Siberian Orchestra, has the best seat in the house to take in the one-ofa-kind production TSO is known for. The popular yearly rock-opera Christmas show is finally headed to Las Vegas after 15 years, with classic holiday hits such as “Christmas Canon”, “Wizards in Winter”, and “Christmas Eve Sarajevo 12/24.”
“I’m super excited to be back here playing my hometown,” Elias, a longtime local, said. “I think there are probably a lot of people here who have never seen it, and don’t know what it is or what to expect, I hope we get to see some new faces in the crowd along with old fans” “It's super exciting to finally be able to play here for my hometown friends and family”
For this show, they are conducting a story they haven’t done in quite a while called “The Lost Christmas Eve”“For the people who have never seen us, they’ll get to experience a brand-new production,” Elias said
They will get to see world class musicians and singers, along with a unique production filled with pyrotechnics, lights, lasers, and even a few surprises. “I always love getting to perform with such talented people, and being the drummer, I get the best seat in the house to see all the craziness,” Elias said, “I love looking out and seeing people's faces light up during the shows.”
There is something in this show for everyone: they have catchy music, a touching Christmas story, and gifted singers
“We have a couple new singers this year, and I think people will love them,” Elias said TSO shows are special with the effects they use “The intro is cool, and the finale when we have all of the pyro and lasers going full blast is a lot of fun,” Elias said “I have new favorite songs to play every year, but playing ‘Christmas Eve Sarajevo 12/24’ is always a highlight.”
TSO has produced Christmas songs that are a necessity for the holiday playlist for fans.
“I think people have different reasons for coming back year after year,” Elias said “Up until Covid, we were doing open meet and greets for anyone who wanted to meet the performers, so a lot of people started to feel like family” For many people, going to watch a TSO show is an annual tradition
“I think it gets people in the mood for the holiday season, and of course just seeing such a great show with great performers,” Elias said, “there is really nothing else like it.”
Touring with TSO since 2017, Elias is a skilled drummer who also drums for other popular bands, including Slaughter.
“Every band I’ve been with has its own unique relationships With TSO, we are coming from a lot of different backgrounds and styles, so it’s cool having that diversity of people to hang out with and perform with,” Elias said
“Most of his other bands are rock, but TSO has a rock band in addition to classical players, blues and jazz, and Opera singers The audience at a Trans Siberian Orchestra show is just as diverse, if not more than the performers
“It’s a really unique blend of people,” Elias said “We have a lot of families with multiple generations at the shows You’ll see rock fans in Savatage shirts sitting next to people in formal wear or wearing Santa suits.”
Blas Elias Vegas Faves
Favorite restaurant:
I love the “Bootlegger Bistro” for great authentic Italian. “Taj Palace” on Eastern has a great Indian Buffet. I haven’t found any good Tex-Mex here yet but I'm still looking.
Favorite venue:
I love watching concerts at Planet Hollywood theater I think it was the old “Alladin Theater” I saw a bunch of great shows there
Favorite family activity:
We like hiking at Mt Charleston and stand up paddling at Willow Beach Also riding bikes on the River Mountain Loop trail.
Favorite new attraction:
We love haunted houses, so we’re all really looking forward to the new Universal Haunted house experience opening next year. It’s like the Universal Haunted Halloween experience except it will be year round
Kids in the Kitchen = Better Nutrition
Gain independence, creativity, and confidence
Involving kids in the kitchen is a fantastic way to teach them about food, safety, and nutrition
Studies show kids who help out in the kitchen from an early age are more likely to try new foods
Ages 2-3: Intro to the Kitchen
Little ones can help with basic tasks that don’t involve sharp or hot tools. A learning tower can help them reach the counter safely. They can:
Wash fruits and veggies
Tear lettuce for salads
Stir ingredients in a bowl
Sprinkle toppings like cheese or seeds
. Ages 4-5: Basic Prep Skills
Preschoolers are ready for slightly more complex tasks, with supervision Try:
Measuring and mixing ingredients
Mashing soft foods like bananas or avocados
Cutting soft foods with a plastic knife
Setting the table
Peanut
2cupssugar
3/4cupevaporatedmilk 1cuppeanutbutter
Inamedium-sizedsaucepan,combinesugar andevaporatedmilk&bringtoaboil.Boilon lowfor5minutes,stirringconstantly(don’tletit overflowthepot).Occasionally,liftspoonandlet mixturedrip(watchthespeedatwhichitfalls). After5minutes,watchforthespeedatwhich themixturedripstoslowdownorchange.(This shouldhappenwithin1-2minutes.)Addpeanut putterandstirquickly Pourcombinationinto 9x9panandletset Letcool&Enjoy!
Ages 6-7: Simple Cooking Tasks
With close supervision, these tasks can foster independence and kitchen confidence.
Crack eggs
Pour ingredients with measuring cups
Use a peeler for carrots or cucumbers
Assemble simple recipes like salads
Ages 8-10: More Advanced Prep
Explore their interest & learn safety and timing.:
Use a paring knife with guidance
Begin stovetop tasks like stirring or flipping
Follow simple recipes with few steps
Measure and mix ingredients with fractions
Ages 11+: Independent Skills
Depending on maturity, they can:
Use the oven and stove with minimal supervision
Chop and dice ingredients
Plan and prepare simple meals
Follow multi-step recipes
Add their own spices and flavors to recipes
Creatememoriesandgain confidenceinthekitchenwith therecipesonthefollowing pages.
SweetTradition
Easy Southern Sweet Potato Pound Cake
2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup butter, softened
4 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon cookie nip flavoring (or 15 teaspoons of cookie butter flavor)
2 cups cooked and mashed sweet potatoes (4-5 medium potatoes)
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon salt
Find the whole recipe here
Directions
Free
Recipe Card for Kids to Personalize!
Heat the oven to 350 degrees. Spray bundt pan with nonstick spray. Combine dry ingredients (flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and nutmeg), mix and set aside
Place butter and granulated sugar in a bowl and beat on high for 1-2 mins until light and fluffy Add eggs one at a time, beating to incorporate after each Add in the mashed sweet potato and vanilla extract Mix until well incorporated Add in half of the dry ingredients and mix well Add the remaining Mix until just incorporated. Don’t overmix or it will be gluey. Use your spatula to scrape down the bowl and make sure everything is incorporated. Spoon into the bundt pan.
Bake for 45-50 mins or until knife or skewer comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool for 10 mins in the pan, then flip it out onto the cake plate. Allow cooling for at least a total of 30 mins before adding the glaze.
This is the perfect fall cake that you can make with your kids and perfect it for your family’s tastes for the upcoming holidays.
MapleGlaze
1 cup sifted confectioners’ sugar
2 tbsp maple syrup
2-4 tbsp heavy cream or milk
Add powdered sugar and maple syrup to a bowl or cup Mix and add in the milk or heavy cream until it reaches the consistency of a thick glaze
Spoon (or pour) over the top of the cake Serve and enjoy
Indulge in the essence of autumn with a scrumptious Pumpkin Swiss Roll. This delightful dessert features a light and fluffy pumpkinflavored sponge cake, rolled perfectly with a creamy, spiced filling that adds a touch of warmth and sweetness.
Pumpkin Swiss Roll
Cake
1 cup sugar
2/3 cup pumpkin puree
3 large eggs
1/2 tsp cinnamon
3/4 cup flour
1 tsp baking soda
Icing
8oz cream cheese
1 cup powdered sugar
2 TBSP butter (softened)
1/4 tsp vanilla
Combine sugar, pumpkin puree, eggs, & cinnamon. Mix in flour & baking soda
Pour into 10x15 jelly roll pan and bake at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes. Then let cool for 5 minutes.
Invert cake onto cloth & roll. Let cool in a rolled position for 15 minutes (While the cake cools, mix icing ingredients)
Unroll cake & spread icing to edges Reroll cake and wrap in plastic wrap Refrigerate until fully cooled
Sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving.
Fall is a season often with bountiful squash. This is a GREAT and easy dinner option that brings the scent of fall to the kitchen
One of my husband’s FAVORITES!
-Author, Rae Randall
Zucchini Casserole
4 cups chopped zucchini (1inch chunks)
1 small onion chopped
1 cup sour cream
1 stick of butter
2 cans of cream of chicken (or mushroom) soup
1 cup carrots (grated)
1 package of Stove Top stuffing
15 cups shredded chickencooked (optional)
Salt and Pepper to taste
In a large saucepan boil zucchini and onion for 5 minutes, then drain.
In a 9x13 pan, mix soup, sour cream, and carrots. Mix in zucchini and onion (and shredded chicken seasoned with salt and pepper - optional). Add salt and pepper to taste and stir
Melt butter in microwave Then, in a separate bowl, pour butter on top of stuffing and mix
Place stuffing in 9x13 pan on top of mixture
Bake at 350 degrees uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes
HIKING SPOTS IN LAS VEGAS
Need an idea of where to go without the hassle of lengthy travel?
Southern Nevada has numerous spots to hike that are ideal for families Local freelance writer Mya Constantino gathered a handful of places where you can get out of town without the strenuously long drive all 4 hours or less from Las Vegas!
Author: Mya Constantino
to learn more
Tips for Volunteering in Las Vegas
Volunteering in the Las Vegas valley offers an exciting opportunity for kids and families to get involved, make new friends, and learn valuable life skills. Whether it's helping out at a large food pantry or supporting small local businesses, there are countless ways to give back to the community.
Before you dive in, it's important to know the rules, restrictions, and what the charity or business truly needs. Get your free kit here.
By getting involved with local organizations, you’ll not only put your time to good use but also step out of your comfort zone in a fun and positive environment. You’ll meet new people, gain hands-on experience, and discover new passions all while making a real difference. Volunteering is for everyone, no matter your skills or interests, and it’s a great way to learn something new while giving back.
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Start Small
If it's your child's first time volunteering, start with short, simple projects to keep them engaged and avoid overwhelming them, such as a local park clean-up or sorting donations.
Make It Fun
Volunteering should feel like a rewarding experience, not a chore Look for opportunities that incorporate fun elements, such as working at events, interacting with other children, or crafting. Make it a day of bonding and learning, not just work.
Teach Empathy
Use volunteering as a chance to teach empathy and compassion. Help your kids understand the importance of giving back by explaining how their efforts make a difference in the lives of others.
Be Prepared
Depending on the volunteer activity, bring water, snacks, sunscreen, or any materials your child might need to stay comfortable and happy. Some organizations may require specific paperwork or safety guidelines, so make sure to review those ahead of time.
The Just Serve organization has an ongoing list of volunteer projects through 2023 and beyond, so there's always something to get involved in. Just be sure to call ahead to get the best information and find the right fit for you!
THANKSGIVING GRATITUDE JOURNAL
EnjoyafunandfamilyorientedThanksgiving gamesandjournal pageskitthatwill creatememoriesand becomeafavorite traditioneachholiday!
Spot the Difference
