175 Years of Y Volunteering
This summer, the YMCA will celebrate 175 years of working together to strengthen the foundations of communities around the globe. The YMCA was founded by a young volunteer named George Williams in London, England who saw an opportunity to make the world a better place through building community. Volunteerism is an important part of the YMCA’s global history as well as an important part of the work we do locally throughout San Francisco, San Mateo and Marin counties.
April, National Volunteer Month provides a perfect opportunity to shout out the volunteers who help us fulfill our mission. We are thankful to our Board of Directors and Managers who volunteered more than 7,000 hours last year to their local branch and to the Association Office. Additionally, last program year, nearly 5,000 volunteers contributed 40,557 hours as program volunteers throughout our 14 branches. This summer, we have to opportunities to join the many individuals who help us live out our vision that the healthiest children in America will live in the Bay Area, building the skills and habits for a healthy life, being empowered to reach their highest potential, and making valuable contributions to the common cause. This summer, we have two signature events where you and your friends can volunteer for the Y and become part of 175 years of volunteering history:
Thingamajig® Invention Convention on Friday, June 28, 2019
We’re recruiting volunteers for our 5th Annual Thingamajig® Invention Convention! We are currently looking for groups and individuals to present to the campers, run activity stations during the event, or donate supplies, prizes, or time. We need 100 volunteers to help with setting up and cleaning up the venue, serving as guest judges for the Invention Competitions, as well as running activity stations. The Y is able to provide ideas for activity stations, but we welcome the input of ideas, supplies, and activities that are specific to you and your skills! This is a great opportunity for youth in our programs to have access to tools and equipment they may not otherwise get to engage with like robotics, coding, etc. Register your group today or contact Kaylé Barnes, Director of Grants and Corporate Engagement, for more information.
Camp Jamboree on Thursday, July 11, 2019
Y Camp Jamboree is a day of fun and friendship for Summer Camp participants from YMCA of San Francisco Day Camps. The day features hours of outdoor play with supervision and leadership provided by volunteers and camp counselors. We need 20 volunteers from 9 am to 3 pm to help with crowd control at the bounce house and lead activities such as an obstacle course, parachute games and more. This year’s activities incorporate games that foster a greater appreciation for nature and outdoor education. Camp Jamboree is an opportunity for participants to experience community, enrichment and of course, non-stop fun! Contact Sina Szabados, Director of Camp and Family Programs, to learn more about volunteering.