Spring is a great time to think about summer youth volunteering.
If you, or the teen in your family, have free time over the summer, volunteering is a great way to contribute to your community and participate in an enriching experience.
There are a number of local opportunities to get you started.
University Neighbourhoods Association
For youth looking to get involved in their community, every summer, the UNA typically has 30-50 youth volunteers, aged 13-18 years old. Volunteering opportunities are mostly located at the Wesbrook and Old Barn community centres.
One-off opportunities include being a volunteer for events such as movie nights, Canada Day celebrations, birthday parties, and Neighbours’ Day. At the events, volunteers work together to help with setup, takedown, and assist with activities during the event.
The UNA also recruits trainee leaders for a variety of full-day weeklong camps, which include sports, arts, and education- themed camps. UNA Volunteer Coordinator Hannie Chia says anyone is welcome to volunteer, and a good volunteer is one who shows up on time, is fully present and creates a good atmosphere in their workplace.
Learn more about UNA volunteering and sign up online at myuna.ca/volunteering/.
UBC Farm
UBC Farm offers a variety of volunteer opportunities for those who like getting their hands dirty growing things.
The farm, adjacent to the Wesbrook Place neighbourhood, is a certified organic, mixed vegetable farm engaged in research, food production, and education.
The farm’s two main volunteering programs – Busy Bees and Humble Harvesters – are open to volunteers aged 14 and up. (Younger volunteers are welcome if accompanied).
Busy Bees is for volunteers who can commit to multiple shifts per month. Humble Harvesters is for people who prefer the flexibility to sign up for occasional shifts.
Activities include harvesting different kinds of fruits and vegetables, weeding and hoeing beds, transplanting crops, setting up for market days, and helping out at seasonal events.
According to Volunteer and Field Coordinator Jenn Bywater, the farm is “more than just a place to grow food, it’s a place where (youth) can connect with the land, gain hands-on experience in sustainable agriculture, and be part of a movement working toward food security and environmental stewardship.”
The volunteer program runs between May and October, Tuesday through Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. No prior experience is needed, but there is a required orientation session for volunteers. Learn more about the UBC Farm and sign up to volunteer at the farm’s volunteer portal: ubcfarm.ubc.ca/volunteer-program/.
Pacific Spirit Park Society
The Pacific Spirit Park Society (PSPS) is a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting and improving Pacific Spirit Regional Park.
PSPS has many volunteering opportunities in environmental restoration and environmental monitoring. Prospective volunteers can indicate their interest in nine different programs, including eagle nest monitoring, the society’s EcoWALKS program which offers nature walks, the EcoTABLE welcome hub, ecological restoration, photography, and writing.
Depending on the activity, volunteering times can range from a few hours a week to once or twice a year, typically in groups. According to the PSPS website, “Whether you are a seasoned environmentalist or just starting your journey, there are countless ways to get involved.”
Learn more about the The Pacific Spirit Park Society’s volunteer programs, and sign up by indicating your interests using their online form: pacificspiritparksociety.org/get-involved/.
These are just a few of the summer volunteering opportunities for youth near campus. One final, opportunity (might we say, we saved the best for last) for writers is with your very own local paper. The Campus Resident offers opportunities for writers who are interested in local stories.
Get in touch at editor@thecampusresident.ca. Get out there and volunteer this year!
PERMENIA REA IS A GRADE 8 STUDENT AT IDEAL MINI SCHOOL.