American Red Cross Youth Volunteers in Korea: Building Skills, Leadership, and Community
- Sarah Masters
- Oct 15
- 6 min read
Military-connected teens say service brings confidence, friendships, and a sense of belonging.
Why Youth Volunteering with the American Red Cross in Korea Matters
In Daegu, South Korea, Gyan S. Park and Erica Garringer, two young members of the American Red Cross Youth Club in Korea, began volunteering in a small capacity, but it quickly became a significant part of their lives.
Park joined the youth club in November 2023, calling it “one of the best decisions of my middle school years.” Every Tuesday after school, he reported to the Soldier Support Center for hands-on work: maintaining CPR manikins, preparing for training sessions, setting up community events, and sorting donations.
“At first, I was nervous,” Park said. “I was the newest and youngest member, surrounded by upperclassmen I didn’t know. But that quickly changed.”
With encouragement from mentors and fellow volunteers, Park said he gained confidence, learned how to lead, and discovered the power of teamwork. Along the way, he earned certifications in First Aid/CPR/AED and Hands-Only CPR at no cost.
“What truly made the experience special was the community,” he said. “Our supervisors created a warm, welcoming environment. Their kindness motivated me to give back even more.”
For Erica, a high school JROTC cadet, volunteering began in January 2024 as a way to fulfill a service hour requirement, five hours per quarter. But over time, she said, it became something she looked forward to each week.
“I started because I had to, but I kept going because I wanted to.”
Her work with the Red Cross has included supporting blood drives, participating in disaster preparedness activities, and helping with community health initiatives. She also completed First Aid and CPR training, which she said will help her pursue her goal of becoming a doctor.
Some moments have been memorable for their simplicity or humor, such as reassembling a bulletin board at the Red Cross office or naming a CPR training mannequin “Billy” during a class exercise.
“Service isn’t just about big gestures,” she said. “It’s about consistency, compassion, and finding joy in the little things.”
Military-Connected Teens Gain Confidence and Skills Through Red Cross Youth Programs in Korea
Both Park and Erica said the Youth Club has given them valuable skills, meaningful friendships, and a chance to make a difference on military bases across the peninsula.
American Red Cross Youth Volunteers in Korea are discovering that service is more than just an activity—it’s a pathway to confidence, leadership, and belonging.
Opportunities for American Red Cross Youth Volunteers in Korea
The American Red Cross doesn’t just support service members and families; it also invests in the next generation of leaders. Across military bases in Korea, youth volunteers play a vital role in carrying forward the mission of service, compassion, and community. Whether through year-round programs, leadership campaigns, or summer opportunities, the Red Cross offers meaningful ways for students to get involved, develop skills, and make a lasting impact.
Red Cross Youth Club in Korea: Leadership and Community Service
The Youth Club is a year-round service organization where students can connect with peers, learn leadership skills, and give back to their base communities. Members assist with:
Supporting base events such as blood drives, health fairs, and family days.
Helping with preparedness and resiliency training programs.
Engaging in community outreach projects that strengthen ties between U.S. forces, families, and host-nation partners.
Youth Club participation builds teamwork, confidence, and a sense of belonging while making service a part of everyday life.
Youth Action Campaign (YAC): Advocacy and Humanitarian Leadership
The YAC is a leadership and advocacy program that challenges students to explore humanitarian issues and find creative ways to share them with their community. Each year, participants learn about topics such as International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and then:
Create original campaigns that raise awareness on base and online.
Deliver presentations at schools, community events, and youth clubs.
Develop public speaking, research, and project management skills.
By giving youth a platform to educate and inspire others, YAC builds strong advocates for humanitarian values and global citizenship.
VolunTEEN Program in Korea: Summer Service and Career Skills
The summer VolunTEEN Program allows high school students to gain hands-on professional experience while serving their community. Teens are placed in:
Clinics and hospitals, where they assist staff, greet patients, and learn about healthcare.
Administrative offices supporting projects that keep Red Cross services running smoothly.
Community programs, giving them a behind-the-scenes look at how the Red Cross operates on military installations.
In addition to gaining valuable work experience, VolunTEENs build their resumes, earn service hours, and form mentorship connections with Red Cross staff and volunteers.
Why Military-Connected Youth Should Volunteer with the Red Cross in Korea
Youth volunteering builds confidence, leadership skills, and professional readiness. It teaches time management, teamwork, and communication, all while giving students a way to stand out on college and scholarship applications. For military-connected youth, it also offers a consistent sense of purpose and community, no matter how often their family moves.
How Red Cross Youth Volunteers Strengthen the Military Community in Korea
Youth volunteers help sustain essential Red Cross programs on military installations, from disaster preparedness to health and safety training. Their contributions strengthen the readiness and resilience of the military community while fostering connections between service members, families, and the local population.
For more information on joining a youth program, contact the American Red Cross at your military installation (Daegu, Osan, Camp Humphreys, Kunsan, etc...) or visit www.redcross.org/saf
American Red Cross Programs Supporting Military Families in Korea
The American Red Cross has a long history of standing alongside service members, veterans, and their families. Across military installations worldwide, Red Cross staff and volunteers provide critical services, from emergency communications during deployments to resiliency workshops, blood drives, disaster response, and support for daily life in the military community.
The Red Cross is more than a safety net; it’s a place where people can contribute their time and skills to strengthen the military community they live in.
How Adults Can Volunteer with the American Red Cross in Korea
Adults play a vital role in sustaining Red Cross programs overseas and on base. Becoming a volunteer is simple:
Sign up online at redcross.org/volunteer or connect with your local Red Cross office on base.
Complete an application and background check. This ensures the safety of our volunteers and the communities we serve.
Choose your role. Options range from supporting hospital patients, assisting at community events, teaching preparedness classes, serving as a caseworker for military families, or providing administrative support.
Get trained and start serving. Training is provided, and schedules are flexible to fit military life.
Adult Volunteers Supporting Red Cross Youth Programs in Korea
Youth Red Cross clubs are an exciting way for teens to learn leadership, service, and resiliency skills. Adult volunteers help make this possible by serving as mentors, advisors, and coordinators. They provide guidance while youth lead their own projects, such as organizing blood drives, care-package collections, or community service days.
Adults also support youth through:
Supervising meetings and events.
Teaching Red Cross values of compassion and service.
Connecting youth programs with base leadership or other organizations.
This partnership between youth energy and adult mentorship ensures the next generation of volunteers carries the Red Cross mission forward.
Red Cross Programs Supporting Clubs, Units, and Organizations on Military Bases in Korea
The Red Cross doesn’t just support individuals; we can strengthen your group or club, too. Our trained staff and volunteers can deliver:
Preparedness workshops (CPR awareness, first aid, disaster readiness, resiliency training).
Guest speakers on topics like deployment readiness, reconnecting with family after separation, or stress management.
Volunteer opportunities for your members to earn service hours, build teamwork, and make an impact.
Partnership in events such as health fairs, blood drives, or morale-building activities.
Whether it’s a unit, spouses’ club, a scout troop, a sports team, or a community organization, the Red Cross can tailor its programs to add value and help your members thrive.
The Lasting Impact of American Red Cross Youth Volunteers in Korea
Every Red Cross volunteer, program, and partnership contributes to a stronger, more connected military community. By volunteering, mentoring youth, or inviting the Red Cross into your group’s activities, you’re not just supporting a mission — you’re building resilience, hope, and connection for those who serve and their families.
Connect with American Red Cross Programs Across Korea
Getting involved with the American Red Cross in Korea doesn’t have to feel overwhelming—sometimes it just starts with finding the right place to connect. Each base has its own Red Cross team dedicated to supporting service members, families, and youth. Whether you’re stationed in Daegu, Osan, Humphreys, Yongsan-Casey, or Kunsan, there are local chapters ready to welcome new volunteers, mentors, and supporters.
Follow their pages to stay up to date on events, programs, and opportunities to serve:
Beyond youth programs, the Red Cross also offers unique opportunities to grow professional skills. For example, the American Red Cross Dental Assistant Program in Korea provides hands-on training that can open doors to healthcare careers while serving the military community.
No matter where you’re located, there’s a place for you in the Red Cross family. Every hour volunteered, every event supported, and every skill shared makes a difference on base and in the wider community.
Ready to get involved? Reach out to your local chapter today, follow their updates, and take the first step toward service that truly matters.
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