Volunteer Opportunities

VOLUNTEER AT THE Y

Across the United States, more than 500,000 business leaders, community advocates, parents, teens and individuals who want to give back and support their neighbors volunteer at the Y. That’s because in 10,000 neighborhoods nationwide, we have the presence and partnerships to not just promise, but deliver positive personal and social change.
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With a focus on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, Y volunteers give men, women and children of all ages and from all walks of life the resources and support they need to be healthy, confident, connected and secure.

ACTIVITY CLUBS

We’re looking for volunteers to start and lead activities for youth and teens, based upon their areas of interest. Whether you like to paint, make slime, play chess, walk, bike or play mahjong, we’re looking for you! Please complete the form below if you’d like to start or join a YMCA Activity Club.

All applications will be reviewed and if approved, be assigned a time and space for the group to meet either at the Wilkes-Barre, Pittston or Camp Kresge YMCA locations.

Please contact Abrianna Killino with questions at [email protected]

VOLUNTEERS OF THE YMCA

  • Lead our boards of directors and committees
  • Raise funds to ensure the Y is accessible to all members of the community
  • Coach our sports teams and teach many of our classes
  • Motivate and support youth in building the character strengths, skills and
  • relationships that lead to positive behaviors, better health, smart life choices and the pursuit of higher education and goals
  • Extend a hand to help adults who want to do more, be more or live healthier
  • Advocate for the Y’s efforts to influence policies and initiatives that positively impact societal issues of importance to the nation, and your community
  • Participate in opportunities to give back and support neighbors

VOLUNTEER REQUIREMENTS

To help ensure the safety of everyone in our programs, the YMCA has several state-mandated and YMCA-related policy requirements that volunteers are required to fulfill:

• Volunteers who help out with one-time events such as HKD, Bernies Run, triathlons, swim meets, etc. are required to complete our One Time/Non-Youth Volunteer form; please make sure to submit the completed form in its entirety (front and back) to your YMCA contact before you volunteer.

• Volunteers who help out with multiple events, on a consistent basis, or in a capacity working directly with any of our youth, wellness or senior programs are required to complete our volunteer packet; submit PA State Police, PA Child Abuse and NSOR clearances from within the past 6 months; and complete multiple trainings. Please also review our Volunteer Handbook prior to volunteering so you can discuss any questions or concerns with your volunteer supervisor; you will need to sign and turn in the acknowledgements page

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How old do I have to be to volunteer? 
Volunteers must be 16 years or older to volunteer. 

What volunteer options are available?
Program Volunteers: Assist with programs based on an 8-week session or a league schedule. Examples of opportunities might be assisting with coaching or sport assistant or reading to students
Event Volunteers: Sign up for annual events offered at the GWVA YMCA. 

Do you complete any reference checks or background checks?
Volunteer applicants 16 and older must complete the criminal record, PA child abuse, NSOR clearances. Volunteers, ages 16 and older, are required to submit 3 references.

Do I get a free membership to the Y?
The YMCA does not offer free memberships to volunteers. However, there are many benefits volunteers receive such as free event t-shirts and food. 

I need to fulfill community service hours for high school/college. Can I complete them at the YMCA?
Yes you can! Some students start as early as they can to get a head start on large numbers of assigned hours. We’ve had students complete as many as 150 hours. We also have students that just need 10 hours for a certain class. In any event, the process is still the same. Please allow time for your application to be processed. Plan ahead for the hours you need!  

Do I need to complete any training to volunteer at the Y?
Yes! There are certain volunteer assignments that you will benefit from. You will receive a list and as long as you complete the training here, it will count towards your volunteer hours! 

What should I wear?
Some basic essentials of appropriate attire include wearing socks and shoes. Clothing should be neat and clean. Volunteers should avoid wearing tight or short pants, tank tops, halter tops or any extreme in dress, accessories, fragrances or hair. Clothing with inappropriate slogans are prohibited. You must wear a solid shirt. A lanyard will be given and you will be required to wear it during your scheduled volunteer hours. 

If I am under the age of 18 will I be leading a program alone?
No, A YMCA staff member will be with you at all times.

If I am over the age of 18 will I be leading a program alone?
Yes, after some in the field training, it is possible you will lead a program alone.

Volunteer inquiries should be submitted to Michele Schasberger