Volunteer with BPRD

All volunteers need to complete a volunteer application. Students under age 18 need a parent/guardian to give their approval on the application in order for the student to participate with BPRD as a volunteer.

We are looking for volunteers that enjoy working with younger children, want to be involved and engaged, are willing to take initiative and can help create a positive, safe, inclusive and fun experience for everyone. If this sounds like you, we look forward to having you involved as a volunteer!

We want to set you up for success!

Teen volunteers are required to participate in an in-person or online orientation or training before volunteering. Orientation or training will provide volunteers with important information about working with younger children and how to help create a positive, inclusive and safe experience for everyone.

For the Junior Lifeguard and Swim Instructor Aide programs, this information will be offered during the training session that you register for.

For teens offering to volunteer with youth recreation programs, information about the orientation session will be sent to you by email after you register.

You can learn about the opportunities available by opening the tabs below and then visit the registration page to sign up!

Minimum age requirement and time commitment varies for each opportunity.

Junior Lifeguard

• Junior Lifeguard volunteers learn the skills, standards and expectations for being a lifeguard and then put that learning into practice by volunteering during rec swim sessions scheduled throughout the summer.
• Teens should be competent swimmers and will complete a swim skills assessment at the start of the program.
• Participants must attend training and volunteering is a required part of this program.

Swim Instructor Aide 

Summer Buddies – preschool program  

Volunteers assist staff and support participants with a variety of activities, games, crafts and more. Location, schedule and time commitment vary by opportunity.

These are the great recreation programs that teens can help with:

• Art-rageous Camp
• Cougar Camp 1
• GRO – therapeutic recreation day camp for elementary and middle school age children with disabilities
• Junior Lifeguard program
• Swim Instructor Aide program

Teens age 16 and over can help with the programs listed for volunteers age 14-16, plus these programs:

• GRO and EXCEL – day camps for elementary, middle and high school age children with disabilities
• Cougar Camp 2
• Cougar Camp 1 & 2 combo weeks

Location, schedule and time commitment varies by program.

Volunteers serve as hosts at community parks including Riley Ranch Nature Reserve, Shevlin Park, Alpenglow Park and Big Sky Park. Volunteer hosts offer information about the experiences that are available in the park and may share reminders about park rules when needed. These volunteers do not provide enforcement and need to be able to support a welcoming, respectful and inclusive experience for all park users.

Volunteer shifts are two hours each week. This opportunity is best for adult volunteers who are comfortable with being outdoors in a park setting in a variety of weather conditions.

Groups, businesses, schools, families or individuals can adopt a park, off leash area or section of Bend’s urban trail system and help with taking care of that site. Volunteers are asked to visit regularly all year to pick up litter, pull weeds and keep an eye out for vandalism and potential safety or maintenance concerns.

A variety of sites are available to adopt. Contact us for more information.

Current Adopt-a-Park and Trail volunteers: Click here to complete your monthly Adopt-a-Park/Trail Visit Report

Volunteer groups such as schools, businesses and clubs can make a big impact by picking up litter, pulling weeds and helping with other landscape maintenance projects in the parks.

• Projects may be available from mid-April through early October, depending on weather conditions and current park district needs.
• Volunteer projects are primarily scheduled on weekdays and groups are asked to commit to helping for at least 2 to 3 hours.
• The projects offered may include activities such as picking up litter, pulling weeds, raking and clean up of landscaped and natural areas, or spreading bark mulch. BPRD staff provides support, materials and most tools needed for the project.