Phillyanthropy

Get Out, Get Ip, Get Involved

by Molly Dickinson

Neighborhood BikeWorks Summer Camp

July 9-Sept. 3

Hey, all you cyclists: West Philly-based nonprofit Neighborhood Bike Works needs people to help kids ages 8 to 16 learn to ride, assist with neighborhood field trips and teach bicycle safety and maintenance. No mechanical skills are necessary, but you'll need a helmet and upbeat attitude. Call Nadine Vassallo at 215-386-0316, e-mail volunteers@neighborhoodbikeworks.org or visit www.neighborhoodbikeworks.org for more info.

Aug. 6-11

Got some girl power to share? This rockin' summer camp, held on the campus of Philly's Girard College, is now recruiting counselors to help future Janis Joplins get in touch with their inner stars. Volunteers will teach campers how to play guitar, bass, drums and keyboard, as well as market their bands and design edgy, kick-ass merch. Sorry, fellas, this club is girls-only. Deadline for application June 30. Call 215- 525-9927, e-mail volunteer@girlsrockphilly.org or visit www.girlsrockphilly.org for more info.

Every Tue., Wed. and Thu. throughout the summer

Have a knack for interpretive dance? How about scrapbooking, acting, charcoal drawing and foreign languages? Whatever your interest, share it with the budding li'l artists at Center City's homeless shelter. The hours are flexible, and the students are ready and willing to learn. In addition to your time and talent, the shelter also welcomes financial donations and art supplies. E-mail Kim at kberk7@juno.com for more info.

Through Dec. 31

Spend a day by the water without the sunburn! Guides are needed to lead visitors through the piranha-infested waters of the Academy of Natural Sciences' current exhibit, "Amazon Voyage: Vicious Fishes & Other Riches," a celebration of the Amazon and the creatures who inhabit it. You'll learn all about biodiversity and resource management while honing the ability to simultaneously talk and walk backward. Volunteers must be at least 15 years old and be able to work three hours per week. Call Lois Kuter at 215-299-1029 or visit www.ansp.org for more info.

July 12-24

The gay and lesbian film fest is coming to town! And, as always, it needs your help. Veteran volunteers and new recruits alike are asked to attend one or more of the mandatory training sessions, which are happening now through July 5, to learn the ins and outs of ushering, distributing programs, selling tickets and managing venues. In addition to getting a peek at all the behind-the-scenes action, helpers will score free movie passes and even some all-access badges. Call Parinda Patel at 215-733-0608, ext. 205, e-mail volunteer@phillyfests.com or visit www.phillyfests.com for more info.