Youth Opportunities
Young people make an enormous contribution to THPRD programs through their volunteer work in sports and at pools, after-school programs and summer camps. They volunteer alongside people with developmental disabilities, plant trees in parks, and help out at special events.
Students volunteer to gain work experience, meet school community service requirements, to simply help out in the community, and, of course, to have fun.
Junior lifeguards help keep our pools safe while student volunteers jump on the THPRD Rec Mobile to help bring sports and activities to Beaverton children.
Our minimum age requirement for youth is 12. However, many positions require volunteers to be 14 or 16. Youth under 14 may need to be accompanied by an adult. For group events, one adult must accompany every five volunteers under 14. All volunteers under 18 must bring a volunteer application signed by a parent or guardian. To volunteer, contact the person listed for each opportunity below. For general questions, contact Debra Fife, coordinator of Volunteer Services and Special Events at 503/645-6433 or e-mail volunteers@thprd.org.
After School Program (Ages 16+)
Volunteers support staff in providing leadership for youth through physical activities, arts and crafts, homework help and reading. After-school programs take place Monday-Thursday, 3-6 p.m., throughout the school year at:
Cedar Hills Recreation Center
Call Karin Madsen at 503/629-6340
Conestoga Recreation & Aquatic Center
Call Teresa Suyama at 503/629-6313
Garden Home Recreation Center
Call Spencer Chase at 503/629-6341
Developmentally Disabled Drop-in Recreation Programs
(Ages 16+)
The Elsie Stuhr Center runs a specialized recreation program for teens and adults with developmental disabilities. On Monday evenings from 6-8:30 p.m., volunteers assist with dancing, arts and crafts, cooking and a variety of other activities that enhance the socialization skills and personal well-being of these individuals. Call Leilani Galanto at 503/629-6342.
Developmentally/Physically Limited Swim Instructor
(Ages 16+)
Volunteers are trained by staff to assist and teach developmentally and physically challenged individuals to swim. Beaverton Swim Center is the only THPRD swim center that offers this program. Call Sharron Patapoff at 503/629-6312.
Habitat Steward (Ages 16+)
Are you interested in learning restoration techniques that will increase the beauty and ecological health of the Tualatin Hills Nature Park? As a habitat steward, you will learn to identify native plants, enhance and restore native habitats by monitoring and maintaining a specific area of the park, and have the opportunity to meet new people. Contact Melissa Marcum at 503/629-6305 Ext. 2953 or at mmarcum@thprd.org.
Internships (Ages 16+)
A small number of student internships are available with the Park District. For more information about student internship opportunities, contact the Volunteer & Special Activities coordinator at 503/645-6433 or volunteer@thprd.org.
Interpretive Center Assistant (Ages 16+)
Work in the Tualatin Hills Nature Park Interpretive Center welcoming visitors, giving information and performing office tasks. This position is an excellent way to meet a wide variety of people, work indoors, and learn about the natural world. For more information, contact Melissa Marcum at 503-629-6305 Ext. 2953 or at mmarcum@thprd.org.
Junior Lifeguard (Ages 12+)
Junior lifeguards are welcome at all eight of our aquatic centers. To qualify, you must complete training for Junior Lifeguard Certification. This training is offered in the spring and sometimes in the fall. Contact these centers about Fall 2008 classes: Beaverton Swim Center, Conestoga Recreation & Aquatic Center, Sunset Swim Center. If you are already a certified junior lifeguard, please contact the swim center where you are most interested in volunteering.
Leaders-In-Training Experience (LITE)
(Must be 13-17 years old and complete the 8th grade by June 30)
Our Leaders-In-Training Experience program is a volunteer workshop in which teens develop the necessary leadership and communications skills to volunteer at our summer camps. Volunteers are coached in camp safety, volunteer expectations, group dynamics, age appropriate learning and lots more. They gain valuable work experience, earn school community service requirements and have lots of fun!
Volunteers must complete the 8th grade by June 30th, attend an interview, attend a training workshop, enjoy working with children, have a positive attitude, pay a $25 fee (due at workshop and covers cost of training supplies), and make a minimum 80 hour volunteer commitment following successful completion of the workshop.
The LITE application process for 2011 opened on March 1 and closes April 1 (or earlier if program capacity is reached). Find LITE application and information here.
Safety Town (Ages 12-15)
Responsible, enthusiastic volunteers are needed to help provide a safety education program for preschool children.
Volunteers lead a variety of activities including arts and crafts, games, songs, outdoor and other recreational activities that are designed to teach children 4-6 years of age how to be safe while still having lots of fun!
Volunteers gain valuable work experience while developing leadership skills and increasing student community service hour records!
Volunteers must attend a staff led training session held early in the summer and make a two-week volunteer commitment.
These camps are held mid-June through July. To request an information packet or for more information, call Cedar Hills Recreation Center at 503/629-6340. Find Youth Summer Camp Volunteer information here.
Natural Resource Activities
(must be at least 14 years old unless accompanied by an adult)
For a complete listing of our environmental work parties and how you can volunteer, visit our environmental page, or call Melissa Marcum at 503/629-6305 Ext. 2953, or send an e-mail to volunteer@thprd.org
Nature Education Assistant
(volunteers must be ages 16+)
The Nature Education Assistant program at the Tualatin Hills Nature Park is a great opportunity to help instill a sense of wonder and respect for the natural world. This volunteer position helps with planning and preparation, leading activities, and supervising program participants. Contact Melissa Marcum at 503/629-6305 Ext. 2953 or at mmarcum@thprd.org
Preschool
(volunteers must be ages 16+)
Conestoga Recreation & Aquatic Center
Volunteers support staff in this fun recreational preschool program where children enjoy making friends and improve their gross and fine motor skills, as well as social and learning skills.
Monday-Friday, 8:30-11:30 a.m.
Monday-Thursday, 12:15-2:45 p.m.
Call Teresa Suyama at 503/629-6313
Tualatin Hills Nature Park
Volunteers support staff as preschool children learn about nature through art, singing, basic academics, friendships and fun. They are needed Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9:30 a.m. to noon For more information contact Melissa Marcum at 503/629-6305 Ext. 2953 or at mmarcum@thprd.org.
Mobile Summer Program
Jump on the bus! The Rec Mobile travels to Beaverton elementary schools and high-density neighborhood housing locations to provide free sports and activities to youth! Patient and enthusiastic volunteers who enjoy working with children are needed to assist staff as they engage local youth in fun activities, which include arts and crafts, recreation and sports games. Adults and youth 16 years of age and older who enjoy the magic of childhood are invited to apply for this special activity. For more information and to apply, contact Lindsay Bjork at 503/629-6340 Ext. 1923 or at lbjork@thprd.org.
Special Events
(14 and older, depending on the event)
Concerts In The Park
Community Celebrations
Sports Events
Natural Resource Activities
Volunteer teams and individuals are needed to help at one-day special events scheduled throughout the year at various locations. Volunteers have a chance to try something new at every event. Activities include event set-up and break-down, parking support, registration and information booth, food services, face painting, arts and crafts and other projects. View current special events. To receive information on upcoming events, contact Debra Fife at 503/645-6433 or at volunteer@thprd.org.
Sports (Ages 16+)
Coaches, instructors and support volunteers are needed in the following sports programs:
Basketball coaches
(must be accompanied by an adult if under 18)
Basketball coaches support our 5th grade and middle school basketball leagues. Volunteers are needed November-March each year. Call the Athletic Center at 503/629-6330.
Basketball evaluators
(must be accompanied by an adult if under 18)
Basketball evaluators evaluate the skill ability of the youth and place them on appropriate teams. Volunteers are needed for several evenings during the month of November. Call the Athletic Center at 503/629-6330.
Tennis instructor
The THPRD Tennis Center holds a training program for volunteer instructors in early spring and fall each year. Participants should play at the 3.0 level and be willing to attend extensive training followed by a volunteer commitment of several months. Call the Tennis Center at 503/629-6331.
Track and field assistant coaches and track meet officials
Our middle school and open track and field programs happen in spring and early summer each year. No experience is necessary to volunteer as an official. Individuals and groups are welcome to volunteer at one or more track meets organized by THPRD's Cedar Hills Recreation Center. Call Matt Reimer at 503/629-6330.
