(Courtesy of DOROT) For those 65+ and ready for a fun and rewarding virtual experience this summer, DOROT’s 2021 Summer Teen Internship program awaits.

The program brings together adults 65+ with a diverse group of teens for a highly collaborative, mutually engaging summer of fun, friendship, skill-building and service during two four-week sessions: June 28-July 22 and July 27-August 17. Older adult volunteers participate for two to four hours per week per session.

“This intergenerational volunteer experience was so important to me,” said Amy Chasnow, a volunteer last summer. “The four weeks I spent with DOROT teens were the best part of my summer. I loved the small Zoom breakout rooms where I could talk freely and hear from the teens their thoughts in an honest manner. I loved hearing their perspectives on life through sharing their ideas, their poetry and their art. I felt there was no age gap. Interacting with these intelligent and personable young people was a breath of sunshine at this challenging time.”

Together with their high school partners, older adult volunteers participate in art sessions; improv and play-building; and discussion groups to explore subjects as diverse as current issues in the news, music trends, their own personal histories and much more.

“We engage teens and older adults in positive experiences to build social connections and to break down barriers caused by ageism,” said Judith Turner, senior program officer at DOROT. “This program is just one example of how DOROT brings the generations together to create strong bonds between people of all ages to promote a greater understanding between the generations. ”

For more information and to participate in DOROT’s Summer Teen Internship Program, please visit www.dorotusa.org.