The Badge Archive

General Safety Reminder: Always meet in a public place and during daylight hours when working for someone new. Let your parent or guardian know where you’ll be, who you’re meeting, and what time you expect to return. Never share personal information beyond your first name and a contact method like a phone number or email. Avoid giving out your home address, school name, or other identifying details.

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Yard work is a great way for teens to earn money on weekends, school breaks, and during seasonal cleanups. Families often need help with outdoor tasks that don’t require heavy tools or professional landscaping, just time, effort, and attention to detail. With basic supplies and a good attitude, beginner teens can offer affordable support to busy homeowners.

1. What Yard Work Includes (at a Starter Level)
You’re offering simple cleanup and routine tasks, not construction or chemical treatments. Common beginner-friendly jobs include:

• Raking leaves or bagging yard debris
• Sweeping patios, driveways, walkways
• Pulling weeds (without chemicals)
• Watering flowers or garden beds
• Tidying up fence lines or porches
• Assisting with garden prep (non-specialized tasks)

Always ask what the homeowner expects and which tools are available. Most tasks should be completed in one visit or combined into a basic package.

2. Supplies You Might Use
Beginner teens can start with tools they already have or borrow from a family member or neighbor:

• Rake, broom, dustpan
• Trash bags or yard bin
• Gardening gloves and water bottle
• Clippers or scoopers (if helping with weeds)

If homeowners prefer you to use their supplies, always ask for safety tips first.

3. Rates for Beginner Yard Work Services
Here’s a fair guide for teens with little experience:

Task Type	Estimated Rate
Raking or leaf bagging	$10–$15
Sweeping patio or walkways	$10–$15
Watering garden beds	$10–$15
Light weeding or fence cleanup	$15–$20
2–3 tasks combined (bundle)	$20–$30

You can offer trial jobs at lower rates, then raise pricing after 5–10 successful jobs or when offering seasonal services like spring or fall cleanup.

4. How to Find Jobs in Your Area

• Ask neighbors, teachers, or family friends
• Make a flyer and leave it in approved community spaces
• Post a message in family Facebook groups or Nextdoor (with adult help)
• Offer one-time help and ask for referrals afterward
• Track each job using a basic notebook or phone spreadsheet

Sample Message for Flyers or Local Posts:
Hi! I’m a high school student offering yard work for families in the neighborhood. I help with raking, sweeping, weeding, and garden cleanup — perfect for busy weekends or seasonal refresh. Rates start at $10–$30 depending on yard size and task, and I always check in to make sure the job meets your expectations. Let me know how I can help this week!

5. Safety Guidelines for Yard Work

• Work only during daylight hours
• Wear gloves, sunscreen, and closed-toe shoes
• Stay hydrated and take breaks in hot weather
• Never use chemicals, ladders, or power tools
• Always let a parent or guardian know where you’ll be and when you expect to finish

Sample Flyer

Yard Work Help – Local High School Student Available

Need help keeping your outdoor space neat and clean? I’m a dependable high school student offering basic yard work services in the neighborhood. Whether you need leaf raking, walkway sweeping, or help watering plants, I’m here to make your yard look its best, no heavy landscaping or big equipment required.

Services Offered:

• Raking leaves and light yard cleanup
• Sweeping patios, walkways, and driveways
• Bagging debris and organizing bins
• Light weeding (non-chemical)
• Watering gardens or flower beds

Starter Rates:

Service Type	Rate
Light raking or sweeping	$10–$15
Yard cleanup with bagging	$15–$20
Garden watering or fence tidy-up	$10–$15
2–3 task combo (bundle deal)	$20–$30

Availability:

• Weekends, holidays, and after school
• Bring your own tools or use homeowner’s supplies with permission
• Trial jobs welcome — I’ll always check to make sure the work meets expectations

About Me:

• Reliable and respectful
• Happy to walk through jobs beforehand
• Keeps notes on tasks completed and client preferences
• References available upon request

Contact Info:
[Your Full Name]
[Email Address or Parent’s Phone Number]
[Optional: Neighborhood name or general area]

Let me know what your yard needs — I’d be happy to help this week!

Sample Rates

Rates by Experience Level

Service Type	Beginner Teen (0–5 jobs)	Experienced Teen (6+ jobs or 1+ season)	Professional Services
Raking leaves or bagging debris	$10–$15	$15–$20	$30–$50
Sweeping patios and walkways	$10–$15	$15–$20	$25–$40
Light weeding (no chemicals)	$10–$15	$15–$25	$40+ (often hourly)
Garden watering	$10–$15	$15–$20	Often bundled with larger services
Fence line or porch cleanup	$15–$20	$20–$30	$40–$60
Seasonal bundle (2–3 combined tasks)	$20–$30	$30–$45	$60–$100+

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Notes:

• Rates vary based on yard size, complexity, and available tools.
• Beginner teens should start with small jobs and increase pricing as they build experience and references.
• Professionals often charge more due to insurance, equipment, and licensing—but families appreciate affordable teen help for basic tasks.

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