Parks and Rec Volunteer Opportunities

Thanks for your interest in volunteering with us! The success for many of our programs depends on volunteers who share our same passion for people, sports, events, cultural arts, and recreation activities. This page has everything you need to know about our opportunities, expectations, roles.

Before getting started, keep these things in mind:

  • Some volunteer positions may require an interview and/or background check.
  • We require volunteers who want to drive to get background and driving history checks.
  • Make sure your schedule allows for your volunteer commitment.

Become a Volunteer

  • Learn more about the various volunteer opportunities available and our volunteer expectations.
  • Review the volunteer role descriptions below and decide which one(s) interest you.
  • Contact the supervisor listed on the volunteer role description to begin the process.

Fill out these forms:

  • Submitting an application doesn't guarantee your placement in a volunteer task or position. We'll contact you to let you know if you've been accepted.
  • We have three categories of volunteers within the Parks & Recreation Department.
  • We accept teens (ages 14-17) as well as adults (ages 18 and above). 
  • Background Check Release   
  • We ask volunteers who work with our vulnerable populations to complete and submit a background check and volunteer agreement at least five business days before beginning to volunteer.
  • Volunteers who want to drive are required to have background and driving history checks.
  • Once you applied to be a volunteer, our recreation specialists will contact you.
  • We value your feedback! Fill out this survey within one week of receiving it.

Volunteer Roles

Adapted Aquatics Volunteer

For more information, contact:
Marian Kaslovsky
Coordinator of Adapted Recreation
mkaslovsky@townofchapelhill.org
919-968-2813

Activities/Duties:               

Aid swim students with special needs ages 5-21 in learning to swim. Implement instructor strategies; help motivate the student. Listen with the student to the instructor’s directions and help the student practice assigned swim skills.

Qualifications:          

  1. Ages 16 years or older. 
  2. Comfortable in the water; able to aid in holding up a student who is learning to float in the water.
  3. Ability to hear soft-spoken students and the instructor for directions.
  4. Good customer service; positive, enthusiastic attitude.
  5. Due to the nature of this program, a background check is required.

When:  

You may choose from one of two session on Monday evenings:  

Dates: Feb. 23 - Mar. 30 and then April 6 - May 11.
Times:  4:30 p.m.-5:15 p.m.
             5:30 p.m.-6:15 p.m.
 

-Volunteer groups welcomed.

Where:  

Homestead Aquatic Center
300 Aquatic Drive (off of MLK and Homestead Road)

Commitment:     

5 Week Commitment, We prefer you commit to both time slots for one or both Sessions.

 

Adapted Friday Fun Night Assistant

For more information, contact:
Marian Kaslovsky
Coordinator of Adapted Recreation
mkaslovsky@townofchapelhill.org
919-968-2813

Activities / Duties:

Examples include: prepare refreshments; set up tables and clean up; assist with gym activities, arts, and crafts.
Help facilitate participants in activities and initiate interaction with their peers.

Qualifications:

  • Ages 18 years or older.
  • Enthusiasm, ability to engage individuals in a variety of activities.
  • Due to the nature of this program, we require a background check.

When:

Generally the first Friday of each month, 5:45 p.m.- 8:45 p.m.

Where:

Chapel Hill Community Center
120 South Estes Dr.

Commitment:

One monthly event or more.
Volunteer groups are welcome.

Adapted Recreation Program Assistant

For more information, contact:
Marian Kaslovsky
Coordinator of Adapted Recreation
mkaslovsky@townofchapelhill.org
919-968-2813

Activities / Duties:

  • Help a teacher run classes offered for children or adults with developmental disabilities. Times and dates vary. Commit to helping with one class for 5 or 6 weeks. Pass out or collect supplies, model class participation, support students. 

Qualification:

  • Ages 18 years or older.
  • Enthusiasm; ability to engage individuals in a variety of activities.
  • Due to the nature of this program, a background check is required.

When / Where:

  • Held at various Town and Recreation Center locations.
  • Times and dates vary. Commit to helping with one class for 5 or 6 weeks.
  • Pass out or collect supplies, model class participation, support students. 

Commitment:

Duration of the event time frame.
Volunteer groups are welcome.

Adventure Programs

For more information, contact:
Keith Dodson
Recreation Specialist
kdodson@townofchapelhill.org
(919)-969-5543

Activities / Duties:

Belay indoor climbers during programs and events.
Assist with hiking, camping, climbing, biking and/or paddling activities as needed.

Qualifications:

  • Ages 16 years or older.
  • Some knowledge of Adventure Programs, such as kayaking, canoeing, rock climbing, mountain biking, hiking, camping, and environmental education.
  • Current belay certification from Chapel Hill Parks and Recreation Community Center for our indoor climbing wall.
  • First Aid and CPR preferred.
  • Good customer service; positive, enthusiastic attitude.
  • Due to the nature of this program, a background check is required.

When:

Mainly afterschool and weekends; vacations, summer and teacher workdays.

Where:

We travel to places within a 50-mile radius but always meet at the Community Center, 120 South Estes Dr., prior to leaving.

Commitment:

For the length of the program activity.
Volunteer groups welcome.

After School Volunteer

For more information, contact:
Andre Boynton
Assistant Recreation Supervisor
aboynton@townofchapelhill.org
919-969-2057

Activities / Duties:

Help students with homework assignments and school projects.
Assist staff with student free-play activities, field trips, and special projects.

Qualifications:

  • Ages 18 years or older.
  • Willing to help students 1:1 with reading, computer and/or social skills.
  • Good customer service; positive, enthusiastic attitude.
  • Due to the nature of this program, a background check is required.

When: 

  • End of Aug. through mid-Jan
    OR
  • Mid-Jan. through mid-June

Monday through Friday during the school year, 3 p.m. - 5 p.m. Closed during public school holidays.

Where:

Hargraves Community Center
216 North Roberson Street

Commitment

At least one session.

Athletics Coaches

Basketball, Softball, Baseball, Flag & Tackle Football

For more information, contact:
Mike Troutman
Recreation Specialist
mtroutman@townofchapelhill.org
919-968-2736

  • Baseball / Softball Coach
  • Basketball Coach

Activities / Duties:

Provide team supervision/sports instruction at practices and games for kids ages 7-18 yrs; communicate with parents/participants regarding game and practice schedules; liaison to program supervisors.
Drills/practices/game strategy resources/equipment available.

Qualifications:

  • Ages 16 years or older.
  • Some knowledge of the sport helpful but not required.
  • Good customer service; positive, enthusiastic attitude.
  • Due to the nature of this program, we require a background check.

When / Where:

  • Basketball
    • Rashkis, Lincoln Center, Hargraves, Community Center
    • November to February
  • Softball and Baseball
    • Cedar Falls, Hargraves
    • March to early June.
  • Flag & Tackle Football
    • Cedar Falls
    • August to November
    • Some out-of-town travel required for games (only) in surrounding Chatham, Orange, Alamance, and Randolph counties. 

Commitment:

Generally 8-12 weeks per sport.
Volunteer groups welcome.

Chapel Hill Youth Council

For more information, contact:
Deaver Smith
Teen Center Supervisor/Youth Council Adviser
dsmith3@townofchapelhill.org
919-968-2732

Learn more and Apply

Activities / Duties:

Advocate youth views and opinions, influence local decision making, serve as liaison to local teens, and develop community-oriented service projects and social activities.
Minimum two monthly meetings (required) plus regular service projects.
Involvement in CHYC also gives youth the opportunity to apply for youth liaison positions with Town boards and commissions.

Qualifications:

  • Ages 14-19 years.
  • Live in the Chapel Hill-Carrboro area.
  • Must provide own transportation.

When:

1st and 3rd Mondays for monthly meetings (required) from 6 p.m. - 7 p.m. Optional monthly projects within Orange County.

Where:

The Corner Teen Center, 179 East Franklin Street (below downtown Post Office).

Commitment:

Current school year, September to early June.
Volunteers accepted on a rolling basis.

Special Events Support - Hargraves Center

For more information, contact:

Spring Break Tournament and Family Fun Day
Andre Boynton
Assistant Recreation Supervisor
aboynton@townofchapelhill.org
919-969-2057

Other Events
Robbin Justice-Jones
Recreation Specialist
rjjones@townofchapelhill.org
919-969-6961

Learn more and Apply

Activities / Duties:

Help supervise participants; set up decorations/tables/chairs; clean up; serve food; help facilitate activities.
Training provided on the day of the event prior to the activity.

Qualifications:

  • Ages 16 years or older.
  • Follows instructions.
  • Good customer service; positive, enthusiastic attitude.

When / Where:

All events held at the Hargraves Community Center, 216 North Roberson Street.

  • Black History program: February
  • Spring Break for Youth: March/April
  • Senior Citizen May Day program: May
  • Back-to-School Book Pack Program: August
  • Family Fun Day: August
  • Senior Citizens Fall Carnival: October
  • Halloween Carnival: October
  • Senior Citizen Holiday Luncheon: December 

Commitment

Duration of the assigned event.
Volunteer groups welcome.

Special Olympics Activity Coach

For more information, contact:
Colleen Lanigan
Special Olympics Orange County Coordinator
clanigan@townofchapelhill.org
919-968-2810

Learn more at the Special Olympics Orange County website or on Facebook at Special Olympics Orange County

Apply

Activities / Duties:

  • Head Coaches provide team supervision at practices/games; communicate with parents and participants regarding games/ practices; liaison to Program Supervisor.
  • Assistant Coaches generally work 1:1 as a peer partner with participants to provide specific sports instruction. Help facilitate practices.

Qualification Requirements

  • Ages 12 years or older.
  • Some knowledge of the sport helpful but not required. Drills/practices/game strategy resources/equipment available.
  • Good customer service; positive, enthusiastic attitude.
  • Due to the nature of this program, a background check is required.

When:

  • Alpine Skiing: Dec.-Feb.; weekends only.
  • Basketball: Dec.-March; Saturdays and/or Sundays.
  • Bocce: Aug.-Oct.; Tuesday nights.
  • Bowling: Jan.-May; Mon and Wed mornings.
  • Cycling: Aug.-Oct.; Sundays.
  • Disc Golf: April-May; Wednesday nights.
  • Golf: Aug.-Oct.; Wednesday nights.
  • Soccer: Aug.-Oct.; Sundays.
  • Softball: March-May; Sundays.
  • Swimming: June-Aug., Tue and Thu nights; Sept.-Dec., Mon and Wed mornings.
  • Swim Team: Jan.-May; Thu and Sun nights.
  • Tennis: Aug.-Oct.; Saturdays.
  • Track & Field: March-May; Tue and Thu nights.
  • Unified Flag Football: Sept.-Nov.; nights.
  • Unified Kickball: March-April; Wednesday nights.

Where:

Town facilities or Orange County locations. Exception: Alpine skiing held out-of-Town.

Commitment:

10-12 weeks with practices once per week for 1-1.5 hours depending on the sport.
Volunteer groups welcome.

Special Olympics Events Volunteer

For more information, contact:
Colleen Lanigan
Special Olympics Orange County Coordinator
clanigan@townofchapelhill.org
919-968-2810

Learn more at the Special Olympics Orange County website or on Facebook at Special Olympics Orange County

Apply - Volunteer groups welcome

Activities / Duties:

Examples include: scorekeepers, officials, food distribution, medical (nurses, med students, athletic trainers), set-up and break down decorations/ tables/chairs/equipment, registration or clerical assistance, and awards distribution.

Qualifications:

  • Ages 12 years or older.
  • Good customer service; positive, enthusiastic attitude.
  • Due to the nature of this program, a background check is required.

When:

Times vary depending on the event. Most held on Saturdays.

Where:

Town facilities or locations within Orange County.

Commitment:

Usually a 2-4 hour block of time on the day of the event.
Volunteer groups welcome.

Swim Coach Assistant

For more information, contact:
Anne Nicholson
Aquatic Supervisor
anicholson@townofchapelhill.org
919-969-4889

Activities / Duties:

Help coaches facilitate team practices/ competitions; promote team spirit; help with schedule flow; assist students with swim techniques and stroke improvements; help put away equipment after each session.

Qualifications:

  • Ages 15 years or older.
    • Volunteers 15 years require three references
    • 16 years and older a background check is required.
  • Past swim team experience; knowledge of the four key swim stokes.
  • Good customer service; positive, enthusiastic attitude.

When:

  • Fall (Sept.-Oct.)
  • Spring (April- May)
  • Summer (May-July): Mon, Wed, Fri, 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. and/or 7:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.; summer has occasional Saturday meets.

Where:

Homestead Aquatic Center for practices, 300 Aquatic Drive
Competitions may be at Hollow Rock Racquet & Swim Club and Heritage Hills Recreation Club.

Commitment:

At least one swim season (Fall, Spring, or Summer).

Swim Instructor Assistant

For more information, contact:
Anne Nicholson
Aquatic Supervisor
anicholson@townofchapelhill.org
919-969-4889

Activities / Duties:

Assist swim instructor with community swim classes for Parent-Tot (6 mo-3 yrs), Preschool (3-5 yrs), Youth (6-12 yrs).
Examples: take class attendance, welcome students, help with class transitions, and assist students in the water.

Qualifications:

  • Ages 14 years or older.
    • Volunteers 14-15 years will require three references
    • 16 years and older a background check is required.
  • Familiarity with basic swimming strokes; comfortable in the water.
  • Good customer service; positive, enthusiastic attitude.

When:

Classes generally held Tuesday and Thursday mornings and evenings; and Saturday mornings. 

Where:

Homestead Aquatic Center; Community Center; AD Clark pool (summer only).

Commitment:

At least one swim session, which is six classes. Each class is approximately 45 minutes. Applicants can volunteer for more than one class.
Volunteer groups welcome.

Teen Program Event Support

For more information, contact:
Deaver Smith
Teen Center Supervisor/Youth Council Adviser
dsmith3@townofchapelhill.org
919-968-2732

Activities / Duties:

Assist with program and/or events support at The Corner Teen Center such as academic tutoring, special teen events, field trips.

Qualifications:

  • Ages 16 years or older.
  • Experience working with adolescent/teens preferred.
  • Good customer service; positive, enthusiastic attitude.
  • Due to the nature of this program, a background check is required.

When:

Generally Monday through Friday, 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. 

Where

The Corner Teen Center, 179 East Franklin Street (below downtown Post Office).

Commitment

Usually during the school year (September - early June) depending on programs being offered.
Volunteer groups welcome.

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