Volunteer for a Youth Program

What programs can I volunteer for?

Work at a summer sports camp

We accept 1 to 2 volunteer camp counselors age 14 and older for each of our summer lacrosse, soccer, track & field, and basketball camps. You can apply from April 1 to May 31 to be a counselor for that summer.

Contact: TK

Phone: 315-473-4330

Email: TK

Become a youth basketball coach

Our Junior A.C.T.I.O.N League takes place from November to January. We need volunteer coaches to teach basketball and to help players learn life skills like sportsmanship.

Contact Jesse Brantley

Phone: 315-473-4330 extension 3035

Email: jbrantley@syrgov.net

Help kids with homework

Homework volunteers help kids and teens ages 7 to 13 do their homework at our after-school programs at city schools. Homework sessions happen between 3:30 and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday when school is in session. Participating schools include:

  • Kirk Park
  • Wilson Park
  • McChesney Park
  • Schiller Park
  • Ed Smith School

Contact: TK

Phone: 315-473-4330

Email: TK

Propose your own idea for a youth program

We’re always interested in ideas for new programs. In addition to filling out the general volunteer application, please submit a proposal that includes:

  • The name of your program and its objective
  • A description of your program, including who the program is for and what supplies you need
  • Program dates, location, and time

By Mail

Step 1.Review the requirements

To be a youth volunteer, you must complete the application below, get a background check, and commit to volunteering with a program for XX [period of time]. If you’re accepted, you’ll also need to go to orientation and — in some cases — do some additional training.

Step 2.Decide which program you want to volunteer for

You can find details about the available programs at the top of this page.

Step 3.Fill out the volunteer application

Download, print, and complete the application.

Download Application(PDF, 77KB)

Step 4.Wait 2-4 weeks to hear from us

Once we receive your application, we’ll review it and contact you if we have any open spots within 2 to 4 weeks.

Step 5.Complete your background check

If you’re approved, you’ll need to do a background check. Parents or guardians will need to help youth applying to be volunteers complete their background check.

Step 6.Attend orientation and training

If you’re accepted, you’ll need to go to orientation and — in some cases — do some additional training.

Contact Us

Phone

315-473-4330

Fax

315-428-8513

Email

jbrantley@syrgov.net

Location

Department of Parks, Recreation & Youth Programs
412 Spencer Street
Syracuse, NY
13204
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