Being a volunteer with Bend Park & Recreation District is a great way to build your skills and gain experience, satisfy school requirements for community service, make a difference for younger kids and have fun!
Steps to Being a Great Volunteer
Complete a volunteer application
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.
Attend orientation
We want to set you up for success!
Teens are required to attend an orientation or training session before volunteering. Orientation or training will help volunteers learn 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 training.
For teens offering to volunteer with youth recreation programs, information on how to sign up for an orientation session will be sent by email after you register to volunteer.
Be committed
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!
Decide which opportunity is right for you
We have several options for volunteering!
Minimum age requirement and time commitment varies for each opportunity. You can learn more about the opportunities available by opening the tabs below and then click here to sign up! summer volunteer opportunities.
Summer Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteers age 12 to 15
Junior Lifeguard
Volunteer at the pool and be part of the BPRD aquatics team this summer!
Teen 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
Be part of the team that provides swim lessons at Juniper Swim & Fitness Center and Larkspur Community Center this summer!
Swim Instructor Aides assist trained instructors with leading swimming lessons and teaching water safety for young children. Volunteers will learn what it takes to be a swim instructor and put their knowledge into practice with supervised volunteering throughout the summer. Volunteers must be competent swimmers, be responsible and enjoy working with young children. Training is required and volunteering is an expected part of the program.
Summer Buddies – preschool program
Volunteer with preschool age kids at Juniper Swim & Fitness Center!
Volunteers help with games, crafts and activities, and get in the pool with the younger children during daily swim time. Getting in the pool with the young participants is a required as part of volunteering with this program. BPRD staff is always in the pool with the group.
Volunteers age 14 to 16
Make a difference and have fun by volunteering with some great kids!
Volunteers assist staff and support participants with a variety of activities, games, crafts and more! Location, schedule and time commitment vary by opportunity.
Here’s some of the great programs you can help with:
- Art-rageous Camp
- Cougar Camp 1
- GRO – therapeutic recreation day camp for children with disabilities
- Summer Buddies preschool
- Junior Lifeguard program
- Swim Instructor Aide program
Volunteers age 16+
Teens age 16 and over can help with the programs listed for volunteers age 14-16, plus these programs:
- Cougar Camp 2
- Cougar Camp 1 & 2 combo weeks
Location, schedule and time commitment varies by program.
Volunteer experience is a big plus!
Volunteering is a great way to gain some experience, practice skills and learn about your interests.
When you are ready to look for paid job, we encourage you to take a look at the opportunities available with Bend Park & Recreation District. BPRD hires many seasonal and part time employees each summer for a variety of positions. There may be jobs available during the school year that can fit your schedule too. Click on the “jobs” tab on the homepage to see the list of current opportunities.
Having experience as a volunteer with BPRD is not a guarantee for hiring, but it’s definitely great information to list on your application!
