Volunteer

Current volunteering opportunities

While most of our volunteers are Program Volunteers, there are a variety of ways you can get involved. Please indicate what type of volunteer opportunities and programs interest you on your Volunteer Application.

If you have any other professional skills or interests that are not listed above and would be interested in helping us out in other ways, please get in touch at: volunteers@elevationoutdoors.ca

What is required to volunteer with Elevation Outdoors?

1. Application
Complete your Volunteer Application.

2. Criminal Record Check
If you are applying to be a program volunteer, we will also require a Criminal Record Check.

3. Driver’s Licence
If you are applying to be a driver, we will need proof of your Class 4 Driver’s Licence as well as your driving record.

4. Training
Program volunteers are asked to complete the following training. Access to these training resources will be sent to you once you have submitted your Volunteer Application.

• Working with Youth and Exploring Group Dynamics – online, Zoom training provided by our team (2 hours, runs multiple times per year in the months leading up to each program)
• Respect in Sport Trainings x 4 – self-paced, online training program through Jumpstart
• Concussion Awareness Training Tool – self-paced, online training

Why volunteer with Elevation Outdoors?

Get Outside!

Volunteering with Elevation Outdoors is a great way to get outside while doing activities you love and passing along your passion for these activities to youth!

Support Youth

We work with a wide variety of youth, many who are struggling with life’s challenges and may not otherwise get the opportunity to participate in these sports without our support. Our volunteers have found meaning in building relationships with these youth, being a model and mentor to them, and increasing their experience working with youth from all types of backgrounds.

Valuable Experience

Whether you’re working towards being an outdoor guide or instructor, program facilitator, recreational therapy, or coach, the experience gained in Elevation is invaluable. We also see a lot of volunteers that are pursuing work in the social work, psychology, restorative justice, or teaching fields. You can gain experience working with groups of youth, many of whom struggle with mental health challenges, low-income barriers, or connection to probation, restorative justice or MCFD programs.

Volunteer Hours

Elevation is a great way to gain volunteer hours, experience working with youth (both one-on-one and in a group), and training certifications, which you can utilize when seeking jobs and education. It also allows you to build long-lasting relationships by joining a community of like-minded staff and volunteers!

Rewarding Results

Our volunteers get the fulfillment of seeing a youth succeed and benefit from a relationship with a positive adult. Seeing the positive effect that outdoor physical activity and relationship building has on the mental and physical health of the youth in our programs is the biggest reward our volunteers gain.

Hear from our past volunteers

“Elevation Outdoors has impacted my life in a number of positive, exciting and profound ways, some of which I could not have anticipated when starting. I have observed and experienced the tremendous positive ways in which outdoor physical activity and sport can directly impact the lives of youth in our community.

Many of these experiences have been very emotional for me, and on occasion have brought tears to my eyes. Their smiles, enthusiasm and joy while doing the sports, along with increased self- esteem and improved physical and mental wellbeing, say it all. The benefits for the youth are beyond being measurable and are hugely gratifying for both participants and volunteers alike.”

– John, Elevation Outdoors Volunteer

When do we need help?

Learn to Shred & Shred More Snowboarding Programs

When: January to March
Days: Tuesday or Thursday (afternoon/evening) + Sundays (full day)
Time Commitment: 1 day a week for 4 weeks

Get a Grip Rock Climbing Program

When: May
Days: Tuesday & Thursday (evenings) + 2 Sundays (full days)
Time Commitment: 1 day a week for 4 weeks

Live to Ride & Ride More Mountain Biking Programs

When: July to August
Days: Two weekday afternoons per week + two full Sundays each summer
Time Commitment: 1 day a week for 7 weeks

Take a Hike Hiking Program

When: April
Days: Tues/Thurs evenings
Time Commitment: 1 day a week for 4 weeks

Ready to Roll Skateboarding Program

When: September/October
Days: Tues/Thurs evenings
Time Commitment: 1 day a week for 4 weeks

Leaders in Action Leadership Program

When: August to June (10 months)
Days: 1-2 sessions per week
Time Commitment: You can volunteer for a certain activity (ie. rock climbing), a semester. (ie. Sept – Dec, once a week), or for the entire program if you participate in all of our activities. It’s a great way to build strong relationships with youth over a longer period of time.