Volunteer with Parks and Recreation
VOLUNTEERS MAKE PROGRAMS HAPPEN!
For more information on how you, your group or your business can become a volunteer, contact Kim Ecenbarger at 349-3739 or ecenbark@bloomington.in.gov.
WINTER/SPRING 2012 VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNTIES
ONE-DAY SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES
Planes, Trains and DADDYmobiles
Tuesday, January 31
Ready, set, go with a pile of wood scraps and creative energy! Dads, granddads, uncles, and men bring their kids for an evening of designing, hammering, and building!
Duties: You don't have to be an automotive engineer or handy with carpentry tools. Simply bring your imagination, and be ready to roll up your sleeves and assist our participants in creating their DADDYmobiles.
Program Time: 5-7:30 p.m.
Training: Volunteers will be trained at the beginning of their shift.
Location: Banneker Community Center, 930 W. Seventh St.
Age of Volunteers: 18 yrs. and up
Number of Volunteers: 1-2
Volunteer for this event
Children's Expo
Friday, February 17 Set up
Saturday, February 18 Event
Barnyard Bash - It's the 27th annual Children's Expo and Health Fair featuring FREE health screenings for children ages five years and younger. Health screenings ensure that preschool children are ready to begin school with no barriers to learning. Parents can explore the expo hall with its interactive booths, live entertainment, and exhibitors with products and services just for children and families.
Duties: Calling all volunteers who are interested in child development. Assist with decorating for the Barnyard Bash theme, help professionals perform children's health screenings, assist with registration, provide vendor hospitality, and much more!
Program Time:
Friday setup, 4-7 p.m., Saturday Shift #1, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Saturday Shift #2, 2-6 p.m.
Training: Volunteers will be trained at the beginning of their shift.
Location: Fairview Elementary School, 500 W. Seventh St.
Age of Volunteers: 16 yrs. and up
Number of Volunteers: 15-20 per shift
Volunteer for this event
Family Fit Fest
Friday, February 24
If Mom and Dad have been stuck on the bleachers all season, this is their chance to get out on the court or field with the kids! It's the original family game night, scheduled just when the short, cold days are keeping everyone inside. The whole family can spend an active evening together at the TLRC. We'll host friendly competitions (hula hoop, anyone?), football and basketball games, a bounce house, and much more!
Volunteer Duties: Winter blahs can really affect your energy level. Get your adrenaline pumping and turn that around by volunteering at Family Fit Fest. Volunteers work with programming staff to run activities, engage family members in friendly competitions, and foster an all-around good time for everyone.
Volunteer shift: 5-9 p.m.
Training: Volunteers will be trained on site the day of the day of the event.
Age of volunteers: 18 yrs. and up
Location: Twin Lakes Recreation Center, 1700 W. Bloomfield Rd.
Number of volunteers: 8-10
Volunteer for this event
60 Seconds to Win!
Friday, March 2
Game shows are back-especially ones that are fun and challenging! Play our spin-off of TV game show "Minute to Win It". Contestants are randomly drawn from the audience to compete in 60-second games for a chance to win prizes from local businesses and restaurants.
Duties: Hurry, the clock is running out to serve as part of the hosting crew for the show. No stage experience necessary! Interact with audience members and help contestants navigate to and from their seats. Volunteers also help set up and tear down the game show environment.
Program Time: 5-10:30 p.m.
Training: Volunteers will be trained at the beginning of their shift.
Location: Buskirk-Chumley Theater, 114 E. Kirkwood Ave.
Age of Volunteers: 18 yrs. and up
Number of Volunteers: 10
Volunteer for this event
Seusspicious Behavior
Saturday, March 3
Come celebrate and eat some cake! You better hurry or you'll be late! Visit the Monroe County Public Library for a Read Across America birthday celebration for Dr. Seuss. See a Seusstacular live performance by Bloomington High School North students, make Seusspicious crafts, and play Seussrific games!
Duties: Seuss-like volunteers are needed to assist with hands-on activities that include crafts and games. In addition, assist with setup and teardown of the event.
Program Time: 12:30-4:30 p.m.
Training: Volunteers will be trained at the beginning of their shift.
Location: Monroe County Public Library, 303 E. Kirkwood Ave.
Age of Volunteers: 16 yrs. and up
Volunteer for this event
Community Gardens
Schedule a day, March-October
The Community Gardens Program grows both plants and community. Since 1984, the Parks and Recreation Department has offered community gardening opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds. A favorite venue of volunteer groups, the gardens benefit from a number of service projects throughout the year.
Duties: Volunteers assist the staff in maintaining paths, turning compost, weeding, and harvesting as well as creating and maintaining ornamental, wildlife, and demonstration plantings.
Program Time: Schedule your group for a three- to four-hour shift.
Training: Volunteers will be trained at the beginning of their shift.
Location: Willie Streeter, and Butler Park Gardens
Age of Volunteers: 12 yrs. and up
Number of Volunteers: 5-25
Register a group project
Other: Print form (PDF 136.91 KB), have everyone sign, and bring to scheduled service project.
Volunteer to Maintain our Natural Spaces
Schedule a Day, March-November
Help maintain and restore some of Bloomington's most scenic natural areas. Many individual and group volunteer projects are available throughout the Bloomington community. Help is needed in the parks listed below.
Duties: Staff will work with your group or organization to formulate a work plan. Duties may include applying woodchips or gravel to paths, removing invasive plant species, trimming obstructive vegetation, or re-routing trails.
Program Time: Schedule your group for a three- to four-hour shift.
Training: Volunteers will be trained at the beginning of their shift.
Location: Leonard Springs Nature Park Trail, Griffy Lake Nature Preserve Trail, Wapehani Mountain Bike Trail, Winslow Woods Trail, Twin Lakes Trail and the Bloomington Rail Trail
Age of Volunteers: 12 yrs. and up
Number of Volunteers: 5-25
Qualifies toward Citizen Scientist volunteer hours.
Register a group project
Other: Print form (PDF 136.91 KB), have everyone sign, and bring to scheduled service project.
Planes, Trains and DADDYmobiles
Monday, March 26
Ready, set, go with a pile of wood scraps and creative energy! Dads, granddads, uncles, and men bring their kids for an evening of designing, hammering, and building!
Duties: You don't have to be an automotive engineer or handy with carpentry tools. Simply bring your imagination, and be ready to roll up your sleeves and assist our participants in creating their DADDYmobiles.
Program Time: 5-7:30 p.m.
Training: Volunteers will be trained at the beginning of their shift.
Location: Banneker Community Center, 930 W. Seventh St.
Age of Volunteers: 18 yrs. and up
Number of Volunteers: 1-2
Volunteer for this event
Leonard Springs Nature Day
Tuesday, March 27
Volunteer to teach area sixth grade students about our awesome natural heritage through multiple stations including karst, creeks, wetlands, forests, and soils.
Duties: If you have an interest in the outdoors and enjoy working with children, sign up for our Leonard Springs Nature Day programs. Station facilitators and group leaders are needed.
Program Time: 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Training: Volunteers will be trained at the beginning of their shift.
Location: Leonard Springs Nature Park, 4685 S. Leonard Springs Rd.
Age of Volunteers: 18 yrs. and up
Number of Volunteers: 18 per day
Qualifies toward Citizen Scientist volunteer hours.
Volunteer for this event
Egg Scramble
Friday, March 30
Grab a basket or bag and don't forget your flashlight to take part in Bloomington's 14th annual Egg Scramble, an after-dark egg hunt for adults! Each of 3,000 plastic eggs is filled with a prize or piece of candy. Grand prize eggs are scattered throughout the course. Mr. Bunny has been working late for this very important date!
Duties: Hop on over and help Mr. Bunny with course construction, pre-scramble activities, registration, and teardown.
Program Time: 6:30-10 p.m.
Training: Volunteers will be trained at the beginning of their shift.
Location: Bryan Park, 1100 S. Woodlawn Ave. - Woodlawn Ave. Shelter
Age of Volunteers: 18 yrs. and up
Number of Volunteers: 15
Volunteer for this event
Leonard Springs Nature Day
Tuesday, April 3
Volunteer to teach area sixth grade students about our awesome natural heritage through multiple stations including karst, creeks, wetlands, forests, and soils.
Duties: If you have an interest in the outdoors and enjoy working with children, sign up for our Leonard Springs Nature Day programs. Station facilitators and group leaders are needed.
Program Time: 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Training: Volunteers will be trained at the beginning of their shift.
Location: Leonard Springs Nature Park, 4685 S. Leonard Springs Rd.
Age of Volunteers: 18 yrs. and up
Number of Volunteers: 18 per day
Qualifies toward Citizen Scientist volunteer hours.
Volunteer for this event
Bryan Park Creek Maintenance Days
Wednesday, April 4
The Parks and Recreation Department has earned Community Wildlife Habitat certification from the National Wildlife Federation. The Bryan Park Creek naturalized area played a key role in certification and requires periodic maintenance to control invasive plant species and ensure native plant success.
Duties: Volunteers assist with monthly upkeep of this natural along beautiful Bryan Park Creek. Help maintain native plants by cutting back overgrown brush, removing invasive plants, and collecting native plant seeds.
Program Time: 5:30-7 p.m.
Training: Volunteers will be trained at the beginning of their shift.
Location: Bryan Park, 1100 S. Woodlawn Ave. - Woodlawn Ave. Shelter
Age of Volunteers: 12 yrs. and up (Children under age 12 yrs. must be accompanied by an adult.)
Number of Volunteers: 5-30
Qualifies toward Citizen Scientist volunteer hours.
Volunteer for this event
Leonard Springs Nature Day
Tuesday, April 10
Volunteer to teach area sixth grade students about our awesome natural heritage through multiple stations including karst, creeks, wetlands, forests, and soils.
Duties: If you have an interest in the outdoors and enjoy working with children, sign up for our Leonard Springs Nature Day programs. Station facilitators and group leaders are needed.
Program Time: 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Training: Volunteers will be trained at the beginning of their shift.
Location: Leonard Springs Nature Park, 4685 S. Leonard Springs Rd.
Age of Volunteers: 18 yrs. and up
Number of Volunteers: 18 per day
Qualifies toward Citizen Scientist volunteer hours.
Volunteer for this event
Leonard Springs Nature Day
Tuesday, April 17
Volunteer to teach area sixth grade students about our awesome natural heritage through multiple stations including karst, creeks, wetlands, forests, and soils.
Duties: If you have an interest in the outdoors and enjoy working with children, sign up for our Leonard Springs Nature Day programs. Station facilitators and group leaders are needed.
Program Time: 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Training: Volunteers will be trained at the beginning of their shift.
Location: Leonard Springs Nature Park, 4685 S. Leonard Springs Rd.
Age of Volunteers: 18 yrs. and up
Number of Volunteers: 18 per day
Qualifies toward Citizen Scientist volunteer hours.
Volunteer for this event
Earth Week-Lake Cleanup
Thursday, April 19
Paddle around Griffy Lake and help clean up one of our most precious local resources on Earth Day.
Duties: Celebrate our Earth and its amazing natural resources by volunteering to help keep our local lake clean and sparkling. Bags, boats, and gloves are provided.
Program Time: 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Training: Volunteers will be trained at the beginning of their shift.
Location: Griffy Lake Nature Preserve, 3300 N. Headley Rd.
Age of Volunteers: For all ages (Children under age 14 yrs. must be accompanied by an adult.)
Number of Volunteers: 25-50
Qualifies toward Citizen Scientist volunteer hours.
Volunteer for this event
Earth Week-Trail Cleanup
Sunday, April 22
Celebrate Earth Week with a spring cleanup of the Lower Cascades Creek Trail.
Duties: Immerse yourself in the wonders of nature at one of Bloomington's most beautiful parks! Help us maintain our trails with a spring cleanup of Lower Cascades Creek Trail. We'll provide bags and gloves and together we'll keep our trails litter free.
Program Time: 1-3 p.m.
Training: Volunteers will be trained at the beginning of their shift.
Location: Lower Cascades Park, 2851 N. Old State Rd. 37-Waterfall Shelter
Age of Volunteers: 10 yrs. and up
Number of Volunteers: 5-25
Qualifies toward Citizen Scientist volunteer hours.
Volunteer for this event
Leonard Springs Nature Day
Tuesday, April 24
Volunteer to teach area sixth grade students about our awesome natural heritage through multiple stations including karst, creeks, wetlands, forests, and soils.
Duties: If you have an interest in the outdoors and enjoy working with children, sign up for our Leonard Springs Nature Day programs. Station facilitators and group leaders are needed.
Program Time: 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Training: Volunteers will be trained at the beginning of their shift.
Location: Leonard Springs Nature Park, 4685 S. Leonard Springs Rd.
Age of Volunteers: 18 yrs. and up
Number of Volunteers: 18 per day
Qualifies toward Citizen Scientist volunteer hours.
Volunteer for this event
Books in the Great Outdoors/Born Learning at the Clear Creek Trail
Thursday, April 26
Blankets, books and bornlearningTM at the Clear Creek Trail are waiting for preschoolers and parents! Practice reading the new trail signs and participate in the suggested activities. At the end of the trail participants get comfy under the shade trees and listen to some of the best children's books.
Duties: Warm spring breeze, excited giggles, and a good children's book, it doesn't get much better. Volunteers capture the attention of preschoolers by reading to them after they've actively traveled a part of the Clear Creek Trail.
Program Time: 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Training: Volunteers will be trained at the beginning of their shift.
Location: Clear Creek Trail, That Rd. trailhead
Age of Volunteers: 18 yrs. and up
Number of Volunteers: 2-4
Volunteer for this event
Switchyard Property Cleanup
Saturday, April 28
The Switchyard Property is a 28-acre parcel of land adjacent to the southern section of the B-Line Trail. Be a part of the effort to make the switchyard a cleaner and more attractive place! We'll share a short history of this former railroad property and talk about our ongoing studies of plants, wildlife, and water quality in the area.
Duties: Over the next several years, the Switchyard Property will transform from an abandoned railroad hub into a beautiful community park. Play a role in the early cleanup stage.
Program Time: 1-3 p.m.
Training: Volunteers will be trained at the beginning of their shift.
Location: Switchyard property, 245 W. Grimes Ln.
Age of Volunteers: 16 yrs. and up
Number of Volunteers: 40
Qualifies toward Citizen Scientist volunteer hours.
Volunteer for this event
Senior Expo 2011-Mardi Gras!
Tuesday, May 1/Event Setup
Wednesday, May 2/Event
The annual Senior Expo features free health screenings, plus an expo hall filled with exhibitors with information about products and services for seniors and their families.
Duties: Volunteers may decorate, direct exhibitors to their spaces, greet participants, distribute Senior Expo information, collect participant feedback, and tear down the event.
Program Time: Tuesday: 3-6 p.m. (10-12 volunteers)/Event setup
Wednesday: Shift #1, 7-11 a.m. (5-7 volunteers)/Exhibit assistants
Shift #2, 9:30 a.m.-Noon (2 volunteers)/Welcome table
Shift #3, 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. (2 volunteers)/General expo and evaluations
Shift #4, Noon-2:30 p.m. (2 volunteers)/Welcome table
Shift #5, 1-3 p.m. (2 volunteers)/General expo and evaluations
Shift #6, 3-4 p.m. (10 volunteers)/Event teardown
Training: Volunteers will be trained at the beginning of their shift.
Location: Twin Lakes Recreation Center, 1700 W. Bloomfield Rd.
Age of Volunteers: 16 yrs. and up
Volunteer for this event
Bryan Park Creek Maintenance Days
Wednesday, May 2
The Parks and Recreation Department has earned Community Wildlife Habitat certification from the National Wildlife Federation. The Bryan Park Creek naturalized area played a key role in certification and requires periodic maintenance to control invasive plant species and ensure native plant success.
Duties: Volunteers assist with monthly upkeep of this natural along beautiful Bryan Park Creek. Help maintain native plants by cutting back overgrown brush, removing invasive plants, and collecting native plant seeds.
Program Time: 5:30-7 p.m.
Training: Volunteers will be trained at the beginning of their shift.
Location: Bryan Park, 1100 S. Woodlawn Ave. - Woodlawn Ave. Shelter
Age of Volunteers: 12 yrs. and up (Children under age 12 yrs. must be accompanied by an adult.)
Number of Volunteers: 5-30
Qualifies toward Citizen Scientist volunteer hours.
Volunteer for this event
Learn to Ride
Tuesday-Thursday, May 8-10 and May 15-17
Children will spend the entire summer cruising on their bicycles after this Bloomington Bikes Week program. Participants learn how to confidently and safely ride their bikes through individual instruction, and also learn about bike maintenance, road safety, and proper bike and helmet fittings.
Duties: Proper instruction is an important aspect of bicycle riding. Help teach children riding etiquette and techniques that will keep them safe as they ride their bikes.
Program Time: 4-5:30 p.m.
Training: Volunteers will be trained at the beginning of their shift.
Location: Bryan Park Pool, 1100 S. Woodlawn Ave.-parking lot
Age of Volunteers: 16 yrs. and up
Number of Volunteers: 8 per day
Other: Sign up for one or both sessions of Learn to Ride. Volunteers will do a lot of running. Class will be rescheduled in case of inclement weather.
Volunteer for this event
Leonard Springs Nature Day
Tuesday, May 15 (rain date)
Volunteer to teach area sixth grade students about our awesome natural heritage through multiple stations including karst, creeks, wetlands, forests, and soils.
Duties: If you have an interest in the outdoors and enjoy working with children, sign up for our Leonard Springs Nature Day programs. Station facilitators and group leaders are needed.
Program Time: 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Training: Volunteers will be trained at the beginning of their shift.
Location: Leonard Springs Nature Park, 4685 S. Leonard Springs Rd.
Age of Volunteers: 18 yrs. and up
Number of Volunteers: 18 per day
Qualifies toward Citizen Scientist volunteer hours.
Volunteer for this event
ONGOING SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES
Banneker at the View
Weekly, January 3-May 25
Help local youth interested in learning new things, experiencing different activities, and having an all-around great time in our after-school program. This program also includes built-in tutoring time, structured clubs, and snacks daily.
Duties: Whether you enjoy working with youth or have professional aspirations to, this service opportunity gives you hands-on experience. Assist staff in implementing a variety of children's activities.
Program Time: Option #1, 3:30-5 p.m., Tutoring twice weekly
Option #2, 3:30-6 p.m., Tutoring and club participation once weekly
Training: Volunteers are required to attend an orientation prior to the program.
Location: Fairview Elementary School, 500 W. Eighth St.
Age of Volunteers: 18 yrs. and up
Number of Volunteers: 5-7 per day, Monday-Thursday
Other: We ask that you commit to one or two days a week for the entire semester.
Sign-up to volunteer
Banneker Tutoring
Two days per week, January 3-May 25
Help local middle school students experiencing difficulty in school excel in academics.
Duties: Whether you enjoy working with youth or have professional aspirations to, this service opportunity gives you hands-on experience in tutoring.
Program Time: 3:45-4:45 p.m.
Training: Volunteers are required to attend an orientation prior to the program.
Location: Banneker Community Center, 930 W. Seventh St.
Age of Volunteers: 18 yrs. and up
Number of Volunteers: 2
Other: We ask that you commit to a minimum of two days a week for the duration of the semester.
Sign-up to volunteer
Rhino's After-School Teen Programs
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, or Friday, January 3-May 25
Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department and Rhino's/Harmony School partner to offer teens various after-school programming opportunities. These programs introduce youth to various fields and provide them with hands-on experiences to explore possible career options.
Duties: Creative volunteers are needed to share their skills and interests and to mentor teens in the following program areas:
Youth Video-Monday
Youth Visual Arts-Tuesday
Youth Radio-Thursday
Open Studio-Friday
Program Time: 3-6 p.m.
Training: Volunteers are required to attend an orientation prior to the program.
Location: Rhino's Youth Center, 331 S. Walnut St.
Age of Volunteers: 18 yrs. and up
Number of Volunteers: 1-2 per day
Sign-up to volunteer
Bloomington Developmental and Skilled League Youth Basketball - Season 3
January 6-April 2
Bloomington Parks and Recreation runs two youth basketball programs at the Twin Lakes Recreation Center. The Developmental League focuses on building self-esteem, teamwork, and developing the basic fundamentals of basketball. The Skilled League is for the child that can already dribble, shoot, and pass. Both seasons include weekly practices and games. The seasons conclude with a single-elimination tournament. Join us for the satisfaction of playing in a fun and positive setting where everyone learns the game of basketball.
Duties: We are seeking coaches who can commit to once-or twice-weekly practices and one game per week or weekend. Times and days of practices are determined by grade level. Volunteer coaches will enjoy making a difference in the lives of kids and can help develop our next big IU basketball star. (We suggest two coaches per team.)
Timeline: Prospective coaches must sign up by Monday, January 2.
Mandatory coaches' training on Thursday, January 5 at 6 p.m. at the Twin Lakes Recreation Center.
Player evaluation days take place on January 9, 10, and 11.
Practices begin the week of January 16.
Program Time: Coaches plan and lead one or two one-hour practices per week and one, one-hour game per week or weekend.
Location: Twin Lakes Recreation Center, 1700 W. Bloomfield Rd.
Age of Volunteers: 18 yrs. and up
Number of Volunteers: 40
Other: Returning coaches and parents of youth players have first priority for placement.
Sign-up to coach
Bloomington Parks and Recreation Park Ambassador Program
May 2012-April 2013 - Weekly inspections/One-year commitment
The Park Ambassador Program promotes community stewardship and bridges the communication between the community and our Department, and sends a message that the community cares about its parks.
Duties: Park Ambassadors become public stewards of the Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department. Through weekly visits to local parks, Ambassadors document maintenance needs, report acts of vandalism, interact with park users, promote park safety, and encourage the overall positive use of public space.
Program Time: Each visit requires approximately a one-hour assessment followed by the completion of a brief observation report.
Timeline:
Volunteers must submit an online application and participate in an interview. Applications must be submitted by February 29, interviews take place through March, and orientation takes place in April. One year appointment starts May 1.
Location: Various parks are available.
Age of volunteers: 21 yrs. and up
Number of volunteers: 1 volunteer per identified park
Submit a Park Ambassador application
Adopt-A-Trail
March 2012-March 2013/Monthly inspections/One-year commitment
More than 30 trail miles in Bloomington's city parks need periodic inspections and maintenance to remain safe and usable. Volunteers have been valuable in establishing and maintaining our trails for many years. Parks and Recreation staff provide training and equipment to volunteer groups of any size for monthly trail monitoring and annual trail maintenance.
Duties: Inspect adopted trail at least once a month. Complete and submit reports on trail status. Provide maintenance as needed. Do at least one work day per year. Staff works with your group or organization to formulate a work plan.
Program Time: Trail inspections can be completed at your leisure. Schedule your trail work day with the Adopt-a-Trail coordinator.
Timeline:
Volunteers must submit an online application by February 3. An orientation takes place in late February. One year appointment starts March 1.
Location: Various trails are available for adoption.
Age of Volunteers: 12 yrs. and up
Number of Volunteers: Groups of all sizes.
Qualifies toward Citizen Scientist volunteer hours.
Submit an Adopt-a-Trail application
Soccer Sport Shorties
Tuesdays, February 7-March 6
The indoor turf field at the Twin Lakes Recreation Center is the ideal place for preschool athletes to learn the basic skills of team soccer! Athletes take part in fun, recreational drills to develop kicking, passing, and ball handling skills in this weekly program.
Duties: Are you a soccer fanatic? Do you like children at the adorable ages of 3-6 yrs.? Here is your chance to help us develop our next IU soccer superstar.
Program Time: 9:30-11 a.m.
Location: Twin Lakes Recreation Center, 1700 W. Bloomfield Rd.
Age of Volunteers: 16 yrs. and up
Number of Volunteers: 2
Training: Coaches' Orientation-Tuesday, February 7, 9 a.m. at the Twin Lakes Recreation Center.
Sign-up to volunteer
Bloomington Girls Softball
April 1-June 25
Designed for the beginning through advanced player, this league focuses on responsible competition, including skill building and a complete understanding of the game. This league offers several levels of play ranging from tee ball to fastpitch for players ages 4-15 yrs.
Duties: Pitch, hit, field, and throw. Volunteers step up to the plate as a season-long coach and teach the game of fastpitch softball. Coaches plan practices by integrating various drills and prepare their teams for game competition. Here is your chance to put your mark on tomorrow's athlete.
Prospective coaches must sign up by Friday, March 23 and must attend the coachs' training at Lower Cascades Park located at 3601 N. Old State Road 37 on Sunday, April 1 from 10-11:15 a.m.
Team placement occurs Sunday, April 1 between 1-6:30 p.m. at Lower Cascades ballfields, 3601 N. Old State Road 37.
Program Time: Coaches will be assigned one or two one-hour practices per week and one, one-hour game per week. Looking for coaches in all age groups. Must be willing to become NYSCA certified and work from a set practice schedule from April 2-June 25.
Location: Winslow Sports Complex, 2800 S. Highland Ave. and Lower Cascades Softball fields, 2851 N. Old State Road 37
Age of Volunteers: 18 yrs. and up
Number of volunteers: 30-35
Sign-up to coach
Bloomington Community Farmers' Market
Saturdays, April 7-November 24
From April through November, farmers and vendors fill Showers Common with locally grown produce, annual and perennial plants, and freshly baked bread for the Saturday morning Market. Local musicians perform while thousands of people find their way among the corn and tomatoes, local dairy products, and warm scents of fresh herbs. The Market often feels like equal parts shopping, socializing, and treasure hunt.
Duties: If you enjoy the ambiance of the Farmers' Market, this is the volunteer opportunity for you! Assist with the supervision of the Market and distribute Bloomington Parks and Recreation material.
Program Time: 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Training: Volunteers are required to attend a volunteer orientation prior to the program.
Location: Showers Common, Eighth and Morton Streets
Age of Volunteers: 18 yrs. and up
Number of Volunteers: 1-4
Other: Volunteer from one to four Saturdays a month.
Sign-up to volunteer
Tee Ball Sport Shorties
Saturdays, April 28-June 16
Sport Shortie participants learn the basic skills of baseball in a fun and safe atmosphere where parent participation is welcomed and encouraged.
Duties: Children experience the FUNdamentals of team sports at an early age. Are you a sports fanatic? Do you like children at the adorable ages of 3-6 yrs.? Do you think you may want to be a next generation IU coach? Here's your chance to help develop our next Albert Pujols, Derek Jeter, or Derrek Lee.
Program Time: Coaches assigned one, one-hour shift between 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Training: Coaches Orientation: Thursday, April 19, 6-7 p.m. at the Banneker Community Center, 930 W. Seventh St.
Location: Lower Cascades Park, 3601 N. Old State Rd. 37
Age of Volunteers: 18 yrs. and up
Number of Volunteers: 15
Other: No games on May 26.
Sign-up to coach
Leisure Companion
January-April
The Leisure Companion Program is a service in which participants with disabilities are partnered with a volunteer companion who provides additional support during participation in inclusive activities. The level of support will vary according to the specific needs of each individual.
Duties: As a Leisure Companion, you facilitate inclusion by advocating for the participant, providing support during activities, protecting the dignity of the participant, emphasizing similarities of participants, creating an environment for success, encouraging independent participation, and most of all, being a supportive friend!
Program Time: Dates and times will vary according to program needs.
Training: Volunteers are required to attend an orientation prior to the program.
Location: Location of events and programs vary depending on program registration.
Age of volunteers: 16 yrs. and up
Sign-up to volunteer