Volunteer

We appreciate your willingness to share your talents and time with the youth at Take a Hike! 

Below is a summary of positions that outline what a volunteer may be doing with us. Feel free to share that you are interested in multiple roles and we will discuss what the needs of the organization are at the time.  

Each program is different so we invite applicants who are adaptable to the needs of the youth. 

VOLUNTEER POSITIONS:  

1. In-class volunteers will assist staff in day-to-day activities, which include helping youth with their schoolwork and achieving their academic goals for the year (i.e. tutoring, mini-lessons, sitting with students) 

1. Land-Based Learning Volunteers will support youth and staff in Land Band Based Learning experiences, and will have a strong interest and ability in activities like hiking, paddling, etc. (i.e. supporting or mentoring in-school skills acquisition or running activities outside) 

1. Specialty Volunteers have a special skill or talent that they would like to offer to the program(s), in one or a short series of sessions. They will be able to provide a detailed outline of the activities (i.e. Educational nature walk, in-class science experience). 

1. Gear Maintenance Volunteers have an essential role in supporting Land Based Learning Specialists maintain the organization and cleanliness of the gear. This role is best for folks who want to learn about or know technical outdoor gear but prefer to be working alongside staff 

1. Event & Basecamp Volunteers can be available weekends and evenings to support outreach events, administrative support in the office or with programs, and more! This role can be flexible to those who would like to interact with the public or prefer a more independent way of supporting Take a Hike. 

1. Practicum Placements* from Post-Secondary Institutions (Education & Social Work) 

*Counselling Practicums:  Unfortunately at this time, we are not accepting any counselling practicums. Please check back in June 2025 for any changes 

We look for practicum students that are doing a three-week to one year placement and we are adaptable to what your requirements may be. Acceptance into a Take a Hike placement requires documentation and information on your practicum outline and requirements. 

QUALIFICATIONS 

• Strong communication skills 

• Positive attitude; ability and interest in dealing with complex youth needs 

• Highly adaptable, independent and willing to take initiative 

• Experience working with youth in an academic setting, and/or experience in back-country/outdoor activities 

• Applicant age requirement: 21 years old 

TIME COMMITMENT 

We encourage consistency from volunteers where possible. Take a Hike youth often lack continuity in their lives, and we want to provide a stable and comfortable environment for youth. This will also help ensure there is time to develop trust and positive relationships. 

• Volunteers should commit to volunteering with the Take a Hike program for a minimum of half a school year (October to December or January to June). Volunteers will volunteer on a weekly basis for approximately 2-6 hours per visit. 
• We begin volunteers in October to allow the class to create a safe container of relationships prior to external people coming in (practicums are the exception) 
• Volunteer hours will take place from Monday through Friday between 8:30 am and 3:00 pm. We follow the same schedule and breaks as the school district. Specialty volunteers are an exception to this, as this can be a 1-hour activity. 
• Event and Basecamp volunteers can be during evenings and weekends for events, or the volunteers schedule depending on the work. 

APPLICATION PROCESS: 

• Complete an online application 

• Relevant applicants will be contacted for a pre-interview with the volunteer coordinator to understand your skill set and expectations 

• Second interview with the relevant program staff and Program Manager 

• If accepted, submit paperwork including a criminal record check as well as provide us with two professional or personal references 

• 3 week trial in the role 

If you have any questions or would like more information about how you can share your time, skills, and experience please contact us via email at volunteers@takeahikefoundation.org.