Pondering about what to do during the summer? Volunteer!
It’s been quite a while since Youth Week now (no, I have not been procrastinating on any blog posts…) but I thought it’ll be nice to share some organizations that were at the Youth Volunteer Fair and are currently offering volunteer opportunities in Calgary. Check out their linked websites for more opportunities.
I’m sure lots of you have heard this talk, but I personally do believe that volunteering is a great way to meet new people, gain experience, build self-confidence – and not to mention – you get to make a difference in the community, in someone else’s life!
1. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Calgary and Area
- Calgary After School Mentoring
Start something. Spend one to one time with a student 6 to 12 years old. Meet at a community location near your work or home at the end of the school day. Connect with your Little and share your love of learning through fun on-site activities.
Commitment: 1 to 2 hours, 1 time per week, 1 year or more
- In-School Teen Mentoring
Enrol a young person to give back to the community, build their resume and earn high school credits. Encourage a teen to join over 400 junior and senior high school students to mentor a child at an elementary school. Mentors are positive role models to a younger student while having fun.
Commitment: 1 hour, 1 time per week, 1 year or more
- Camp Bonaventure
If you are a positive role model and influence then consider volunteering for summer programs! As a volunteer, you will help our Group and Team Leaders in the care and supervision of a number of participants. You will also be expected to actively engage participants and get involved in scheduled programs such as horseback riding, canoeing, sailing and swimming. You will volunteer full days for a minimum of one week during the summer months of July and August. This is a great opportunity to enjoy the outdoors, impact your community, enhance your resume and develop your skills. It is also a fun way for high school students to earn required volunteer hours!
Dates: July 2 – August 24, 2012 Volunteers 12 years old and older are welcome to apply. Training provided.
- Camp Fun’zAmust
In partnership with Easter Seals Camp Horizon, we offer our members a one week long residential summer camp. During this week, participants will experience outdoor adventures in beautiful Kananaskis Country! As a volunteer you will asset the camp staff in the care and supervision of participants with disabilities. You will also actively engage with participants to maximize their camp experience. This is a unique outdoor recreational program in a safe, adapted and supportive environment. We are looking for enthusiastic, energetic, and responsible volunteers. Volunteers will be expected to remain at Camp Fun’zAmust for the duration of the week.
Date: August 6 – 11, 2012
3. Boys & Girls Clubs of Calgary
At Boys and Girls Clubs of Calgary, caring reaches across age, ethnicity and ability. We are for the whole child and provide opportunities for physical, intellectual, emotional and spiritual growth.
- Computer Technology
Help with programs that teach Microsoft Office, the Internet, and social media. Basic computer skills are required. Programs include Computer Duddies, CyberSeniors Connect, and Computer Technology Coaches.
- ESL Support
Welcome newcomers to Canada by introducing them to Canadian culture and helping them to practice their English speaking and listening skills. Fluency in English language is required. Programs include ESL Teen Talk and ESL Conversation Club.
- Literacy
Help people build reading, writing, or numeracy skills. Fluency in English language is required. Programs include Reading Buddies, Homebound REaders, Learning Advantage, and Read With Me.
5. Calgary’s Community Associations (CAs)
- Helping out at community events (seasonal festivals, stampede breakfasts, movies in the park)
- Participating in programs (recreation groups, “green” activities, cultural programs that welcome new Canadians)
- Helping out at the community centre (cleaning up at events, building community spirit through art, learning new skills)
6. ConnecTeen
Youth volunteers provide confidential peer support every day from 5 p.m. – 10 p.m. by phone, chat and email. Youth volunteers will use active listening, risk assessment techniques and help refer teens to other services that can help them in their situation. They provide comprehensive training, so every volunteer has the skills and knowledge to help.
You can help bring history to life at our many special events throughout the year. We’re always looking for great people to contribute during our summer season in the Historical Village, and throughout the year at our many special events that take place both in the Village and in Gasoline Alley Museum.
If you like to serve the greater good, thrive to see positive change in our communities, and are keen to inspire others, you are automatically part of the group. There is no permanent leadership or management, and so all can be strong leaders and all can be humble advocates. If you have an idea or event that supports our mission, please propose what you would like to do, and their “core” and group will support your every move.
9. TELUS Spark
You have special skills, talents and interests. Why not share them with others and make a real difference in a meaningful, fulfilling volunteer role? Telus Spark’s Enbridge Volunteers in Partnership Program is now recruiting people who’ll bring their life and professional experiences to their programs and services to encourage learning, creativity, imagination and play among our visitors.
Embrace opportunities to work in all aspects of our organization – from direct customer service to special events, from strategic planning and program prototyping to human resources development.
10. The Calgary Bridge Foundation for Youth
Want to meet new people, gain new skills and spend time getting active? Volunteering with The Calgary Bridge Foundation for Youth will provide all these benefits and more. You’ll have fun while feeling good about giving back to the community!They are seeking energetic, creative, outgoing and responsible Volunteers to make a difference for immigrant children and youth. They are looking for volunteers to work with students from Elementary, Junior High and Senior High School levels to help them adjust to school and Canadian life, while helping to build valuable leadership skills. Their programs are held “after school” in catholic and public schools, public libraries and housing complexes across Calgary. Volunteers are needed year round. Their next intake will be end of June 2012 for the Summer Program. They offer full training for all our volunteer positions.
Volunteer opportunities are varied. Listed below are a few of the opportunities. There are many other ways too for you to be involved:
– answer telephones, general office work
– enter data in computer
– assist in packing food hampers
– stocking shelves, sort toys
– sort clothes and price items at a thrift store
– ring the bells at Christmas (Christmas Kettles)
– assist with mailing projects and other seasonal activities at the local level
– assist seniors; be involved in sports activities etc.
– emergency disaster relief
12. Youth Central
Youth Central (formerly Child and Youth Friendly Calgary) envisions a society where all youth participate in shaping a vibrant community. This vision is based on the firm belief that young people who experience involvement and philanthropy at an early age grow up with an ongoing sense of responsibility. Youth in modern society are undervalued and should be challenged to do more: they need to be included in all aspects of community life.
- Calgary Youth Foundation
- ConocoPhillips Youth of Distinction Awards
- Mayor’s Youth Council
- Outreach
- Special Projects and Programs
- TD Youth Earth Ambassadors
- Youth Are Awesome
- Youth Volunteer Corps
- Youth Volunteer Corps in Schools
- Youth Week Calgary
We strive to engage volunteers in a diverse range of opportunities, from special events, fundraisers, and group opportunities to volunteering within one of our programs in the areas of domestic violence prevention, homelessness and poverty reduction, child and family services and health and wellness.
