Each year, nearly 400 people contribute their time and talents as volunteers at the New Canaan YMCA. 

All departments at the New Canaan YMCA depend on the efforts of volunteers; without their dedication, the Y simply would not exist.  There’s no such thing as a “typical” volunteer.  Some individuals help out once a year; others are here every week.  But all our volunteers share an equal passion for the YMCA’s work to build strong kids, strong families and a strong community.

The following is a listing of volunteer opportunities:

Monthly Teen Nights

Come relive your youth at Teen Night!   Teen Night is a monthly program designed for youth in grades six through eight.  Volunteers supervise such activities as basketball, arts and crafts, and special events.  Those with an interest in fitness may assist with racquetball or squash, and the YMCA also welcomes volunteers with special interests (e.g., music, face painting) to help out with Teen Night.

Rainbow Station

Rainbow Station is the YMCA’s full-day child care program for children aged six weeks through four years old.  

We are looking for volunteers with performing arts expertise (e.g., play an instrument, singing, storytelling. drama, puppetry).  We would love to have weekly, twice a month or a monthly regular program.  Program to be developed by the volunteer.

Number of Volunteers Needed: Open 

After-School Sports Instruction

Assist YMCA staff in instruction of diverse sports to children ages 5-10 years.  Each class is      approximately 45 minutes.

Class examples:  soccer, basketball, baseball, flag football, group games.

Number of Volunteers Needed: One to two volunteers per class.

Youth Sports Leagues

The New Canaan YMCA’s Youth Sports program provides children with the opportunity to play T-Ball and Basketball in a fun environment, where the emphasis is on learning good sportsmanship, as well as the YMCA’s core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.

Volunteers are needed to coach teams at regular practices and weekly games for the following programs:

T-Ball:   Ages 4, 5, and 6
Basketball:  Ages 5-18

Number of Volunteers Needed:  Open.

One-to-One Special Needs Assistants

Many children are enrolled in YMCA classes who need one-to-one assistance/supervision to be successful in the class.  Assistants play along with the child and the entire class group, but focus on the child with needs. 

Assignments vary depending on special needs enrollment.  Historically, one-on-one assistants have been utilized in such classes as crafts, cooking, gym, gymnastics and swimming.  One-to-one aides (Special Cares counselors) are also needed in the summer to work with campers on a one-to-one basis for two, four, six, or eight weeks.

Number of Volunteers Needed: Open

Bouncing Bears

Bouncing Bears is a preschool movement and gym class for children aged 1-5.  

Volunteers work along with YMCA staff to supervise child/guardian and child-only classes.  Classes include group circle time, singing, and movement fun.  Activities may include slides, climb-ons, balance beams, rings, parachute, etc.

Number of Volunteers Needed: 1-2 per class. Adult and High School Youth.

YMCA Swimming Lessons

The New Canaan YMCA offers swimming lessons to individuals of all ages, from infant to adult.

Volunteers work along with YMCA staff to assist in swim instruction.  No previous teaching experience required, but volunteers should be strong swimmers and comfortable working with people of all ages.

Number of Volunteers Needed: 1-2 per class.  Adult and High School Youth.

Kids Unlimited After School Program

Kids Unlimited is the New Canaan YMCA’s daily after school child care program for children in grades K-6.  Activities include organized gym, sports and games, swimming, arts and crafts, outdoor play, cooking, stories, music, special events, local trips, and homework assistance. 

Number of Volunteers Needed: Open

YMCA Playroom

Love little ones?  Volunteering in the YMCA Playroom is a great chance to play with babies, toddlers, and preschoolers.  Located in the YMCA facility, the Playroom is available for children ages 6 months and up whose parents/caregivers are using the facility or taking classes.  Great for teen and adult volunteers.

Number of Volunteers Needed: Open
 

Y Special Program Support Team

Special Program Support volunteers are always needed to help with various behind-the-scenes projects at the YMCA.  A regular commitment is not required, and opportunities include preparing collateral material for camp and after-school programs and special events.  No artistic or computer skills required, but any special talents are always welcome.

Number of Volunteers Needed: Open

If you have other ideas or interests, please contact Patty Roberts, Membership Director and Volunteer Coordinator at (203) 966-4528, ext. 166. Please click here for a printable Volunteer Application.