Register

Career Center

Volunteer Opportunities

Useful Websites              See Below for Camps

Senior Project information: Remember, IF YOU HAVE FOUND A PLACE TO VOLUNTEER AND WISH TO USE IT AS YOUR SENIOR PROJECT, YOU MUST FIRST PETITION IN WRITING TO BE ALLOWED TO DO THIS PARTICULAR PROJECT. WE DO NOT ACCEPT ANY HOURS THAT HAVE NOT BEEN PREAPPROVED IN WRITING.
The service component of Senior project requires 30 hours. These hours may be performed with one or more organizations, and the service should have a logical connection to the paper. 15 hours must be hands-on and service-based. The other 15 hours may continue to be service or it can be the more flexible shadows, ride-alongs, training, observation, pre-approved classes, preparation time, etc. Refer to Service Suggestions in the online handbook for more tips on where to find service projects and how to approach potential mentors.
 
See Mrs. Hancock for more information.

USEFUL WEB SITES:

These sites may allow you to input zipcode to find volunteering opportunities locally.
 
211 Information Community Resources http://referweb.net/info/
Most of the agencies listed for 211 are for the people who need and use them; this site is provided so you can have names of agencies that you can call to see if there are, indeed, any volunteer oppotunities available.
 
 
Many opportunities for service are available through Project Service Leadership.
 
Gain valuable experience and learn something -- by volunteering! Idealist, a project of Action without Borders, is a global clearinghouse of nonprofit and volunteering resources offering a comprehensive directory of volunteer opportunities. It provides information and links to 20,000 nonprofit and community organizations in 140 countries. (from Bridges--Career Pro News Weekly -- November 28 to December 2, 2005)

Volunteering Opportunities

(This list has been compiled over a couple of years.  Some events may no longer exist.)
 
IMMEDIATE, LIMITED-TIME OPENINGS AS OF 4/24/13 (Call Human Services Council for more information 735-3683)
      1.  Daybreak Youth Services is looking for help on May for a fundraiser.
      2.  The Downtown (Vancouver) Spring Clean Up needs helpers. May register on-site, but if you need proof of volunteer hours, don't forget to bring your paperwork from RHS.  Can pre-register at www.solv.org/get-involved/events/dt-vancouver-spring-cleanup
 
American Red Cross-Vancouver
Volunteers are needed to teach the basics of babysitting creatively and safely for 11-15 year olds. Call Dianne at 693-5821.
 
Animal Aid, Inc.
Help with canine agility events in October as well as ongoing volunteer projects.  www.animalaidpdx.org
 
ARC of Clark County
Helps people with developmental and intellectual disabilities.  http://www.arcofclarkcounty.org/
Phone:  254-1562
 
Audubon Society of Portland
Phone:  971-222-6120
 
Audubon Society of Vancouver
 
Big Brothers/Big Sisters
Mentoring.  205 E. 11th St., Ste.102, Vancouver 98660.   lee.magner@bbs.org
 
Boys and Girls Club
Help with activities , coaching, tutoring, mentoring, special events year-round. 313-5700 Contact www.mybgc.org
 
Camps---See section below.
 
Carpenter's Garage
Very limited opportunities throughout the year for student mechanics to help.  882-7755
 
CARES Northwest
www.caresnw.org  Helps children who are victims of sexual violence. Debby Kernan, Volunteer/Prevention coordinator 503-276-9000
 
Cascades Raptor Center in Eugene, OR
Nature center and wildlife hospital for birds of prey. 541-485-1320
 
Catholic Community Services
Take people to medical appointment. Must have reliable transportation, good driving record, and insurance. Mileage provided at 34.5 cents per mile. Call Peggy at 750-6922.
 
Chinook Trail Association
Volunteer will help widen existing trails or build new trail following a flagged line. Utilization of hand tools. Bring own food, water, appropriate boots and clothing. Call Maria at 906-6769 to volunteer.
 
Clark College Career Clothing Closet
Needs professional clothing for people for interviews, etc. Jody Shulnak 992-2447
 
Clark County - miscellaneous departments
If there is a specific department that you would like to contact about possible volunteering opportunities, check the links within the directory at http://www.clark.wa.gov/findit/department-directory.html
 
Clark County Advisory Boards
There are youth advisory members, also. Contact Jennifer Clark 397-2232. http://www.clark.wa.gov/bocc/advisory_boards/advisory.html
 
Clark County Fair Junior Advisors
Work with Clark County Fair Board.  Contact John Morrison 397-6180
 
Clark County Museum
1511 Main Street, Vancouver, WA. Susan Tissot, Director. 993-5679, sgtissot@earthlink.net or cchm@pacifier.com
 
Coaching - misc. sports
Contact Terri Cochran, Ridgefield Community Ed., terri.cochran@ridge.k12.wa.us
 
Columbia Dance
1700 Broadway, Vancouver  737-1922  coldance@msn.com  Summer theatre day camps.  Productions, also, during school year.
 
Community Cycling Center
Repair donated bikes in Portland. www.communitycyclingcenter.org
 
Courts for Kids
Pay to go to other countries to help build sports courts, etc. See Mrs. Hancock.
 
Defibrillator Fundraiser
Raise money to buy automated external defibrillator for our two elementary schools. Contact Laurie Schmitz (RHS nurse).
 
Earth Day Celebration/Hazel Dell Gardens
Help get the Hazel Dell School garden ready for spring. 4/18/09, 9:30-12:00. 735-3683 or volunteerconnections@hsc-wa.org or kamamay@gmail.com

Faith in Action
Provides caregiving services in Hood River and Klickitat counties. Jill Dant 541-387-6404 or jill.dant@providence.org to see if opportunities have opened up in SW Washington or Oregon.
 
Fences for Fido
Organization builds fences for low-income people who would otherwise have to chain up their dogs.  503-230-0270, info@fencesforfido.org, www.fencesforfido.org
 
Fish First
Check and tend egg boxes. Les Greear 887-8206.
 
Fort Vancouver National Historic Reserve Trust
 
Fort Vancouver Lions Club Apple Event
Help pack apples into boxes and weigh for distribution in Oct. kamamay@gmail.ocm 503-747-5692
 
Fort Vancouver Regional Library
695-1566
 
Fort Vancouver Seafarers Center
Port of Vancouver. Your donations of toiletries, socks, and personal items are much needed. To contribute, call Carl at 694-9300.
 
Free Geek
(503) 232-9350.  Non-profit group that uses teenagers to tear apart and refit computers.
 
Friends of RNWR
 
Friends of the Carpenter
Woodcrafts within a homeless ministry.   Hours 9-4.  750-4752.
 
Friends of Trees
Many planting opportunities. 3117 NE MLKing, Jr., Blvd. Portland www.friendsoftrees.org
 
Furry Friends
Cat rescue and adoption organization.  www.furryfriendswa.org  993-1097
 
Girls Scouts
Debbie Stiles Lusk, Membership Manager (Ph. 503-598-6530; email: stilesd@juliette.org)  girlscouts@girlscoutsosw.org 800-338-5248
 
Habitat for Humanity
Contact volunteerconnections@hsc-wa.org or 360-735-3683
 
Habitat for Humanity, Evergreen
Need assistance with fund raising; office and clerical duties; and building & renovating homes which are sold to low-income people. Call for orientation info. Call Tricia at 737-1759.
 
Happy Trails Riding Center
Horseback lessons for children with physical and emotional disabilities. In West Linn. www.happy-trailsridingcenter.org  503-675-3005
 
Haven
Fundraising needed for an emergency shelter for people with pets.  Call 719-5850.
 
Healing Winds Riding Center
A therapeutic riding center specializing in instruction for special needs children and adults.  www.healingwinds.org  254-5387 or 903-1265  12414 NE 212th Ave., Brush Prairie, WA  98606
 
Hope on the Slopes.  Ski & Ride for a Cure--an American Cancer Society Event.  March 1 & 2, 2013.  Register at www.hopeontheslopes.net
 
Humane Society of SW Washington
Customer service, meet and greet patrons and provide customer service. Training provided. Commitment required. Call Cassy at 693-4746
 
Innovative Services
Respite and recreation for special needs children. 892-5142.
 
Jaxon's Cure Organization
Help raise money. Jaxon is a real child who has a very rare and usually fatal form of measles. The organization’s mission is to raise money and awareness for the disease. www.jaxonscure.org
 
Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation
Help organize a fund-raising walk.  Elizabeth Squires, Special Events Manager esquires@jdrf.org

Lutheran Community Services Northwest
 
Leukemia and Lymphoma Society School and Youth Program--Pennies for Patients
Help raise money in honor of a local child survivor.  The Society helps get you started.  www.schoolandyouth.org Call Eric Tweed at 800-466-6572 or email him at eric.tweed@lls.org
 
Maintain RHS Nature Trail
Contact Craig Johnson at RHS.
 
Make a Wish Foundation
1-800-934-9474 ext 26, ask for Kara.
 
Mindful PLLC
Supportive services for older adults. Also brain training classes for people with Alzheimer's and younger people wih brain injuries. 2417 Broadway, Vancouver. Judy Canter 903-7415 mindful@wwestsky.net
 
Monika's House
Shelter for abuse victims.  503-640-5352.  http://sheltervrc.webjump.com
 
Mount TumTum Native American Encampment
Amboy, Washington. Contact Chamber of Commerce.
 
Multicultural Community Services
Participate in one of three service learning projects: an immigration program marketing project, a video project, and a large event. Joe 694-5624. (jasbridge@lcsnw.org)
 
Must love dogs Northwest
Dog rescue and placement organization.  www.mustlovedogsnw.com  info@mustlovedogsnw.com  866-990-DOGS
 
Neighbors Helping Neighbors
Local group that collects food and clothing for the needy.  887-3354
 
Northwest Children's Outreach
Organization collects clothes for needy children. 576-8024. Could fundraise or do a children's clothing drive.
 
Oak Woodland Restoration Project
Help remove invasive plants, establish a foot trail, and prep the Oak Woodland for native plants. In Silverton, OR 11/15/08. Contact Luca DeStefanis 503- 399-5741-ext 128
 
OMSI Rising Stars volunteer
Six weeks, 3 days a week in the summer (up to 90 hours of service and flex)  $250 fee.  503-797-4615 or volunteerservices@omsi.edu   www.omsi.edu DEADLINE: 4/15/13
 
Open House Ministries and other organizations
737-0300.  Deals with homeless. www.sheltered.org
 
Operation Shore Patrol
Contact the Chamber of Commerce of the Washington State ocean beach cities.
 
Orphanages
Direct, compassionate care to children in foreign countries. 3 month service commitment. www.orphanagesupport.org/volunteers.html

Parks' Foundation
Help with fundraising, organizing, office help, etc. for organization that helps to find money and build parks. Contact Marianne Barrus - 887-8369.
 
Pearson Air Museum
Good for projects dealing with air-anything, mechanics, history, military.  694-7026. 
 
Quilts for Kids
 
Red Cross
Help with blood drives, warehouse help.  693-5821
 
Renovating Pioneer Grange
Artists/sign-makers to design, possible make, seal, and hang signs; landscape designers (software available) and landscape workers; painters.
 
Ridgefield High School/LEAP
Athletes:  Work on a committee to help with WIAA.
 
Ridgefield Little League***NEED NOW  posted 3.1.2013
Need umpires, scorekeepers, announcers, and people to help maintain fields and work in the concessions stands. 16 and over.  Call Jennifer at 503-334-9106 or rllwashington@gmail.com 
 
Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge
The Friends of the RNWR (the non-profit branch that deals with educational programs at the Refuge) is looking for students to help with data entry.  Call 609-5569.  The Refuge itself also needs volunteers for upkeep, maintenance, trail-clearing, etc.
 
Ridgefield Public Library (Ft. Van. Reg. Lib. branch)
887-8281
 
Riverside Performing Arts
Year-round camps, dance, drama, theatre, music.  500 Washington St., Vancouver. 694-8662  info@riversidepa.com
 
Rocksolid Teen Center
Work in café, check in students at computer, assist with homework, light cleaning duties, run movies in theater. Food handlers permit a plus, but not a must. On bus line. During school year only.  12919 NE 159th St., Brush Prairie.   Requires background check. rocksolidteencenter@comcast.net Call Kari at 360-885-2181  
 
Second Step Housing
Transitional housing and links to community services and employment. Some clerical volunteer opportunities exist. Contact Megan Dixon at 360-993-5301 ext. 118 or mdixon@secondstephousing.org. http://www.secondstephousing.org/
 
Silver Buckle Youth Equestrian Center
11611 NE 152nd Ave., Brush Prairie  260-8932  info@silverbuckle.org
 
Sixth Street Gallery
105 W. 6th St. Vancouver 693-7430  infor@sixthstreetgallery.com.  year-round arts and crafts; all ages.
 
Soccer coaches (little kids, fall)
Lewis River Soccer - contact Helen Stay 887-3056
 
Soup Kitchen
at St. John's Lutheran Church on Highway 99 in Salmon Creek. Contact Sally Carroll 574-1948 or Cindy Sieck 546-1082
 
SOUTH RIDGE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (NEED IMMEDIATELY.  POSTED 3.1.13)
Need teens to help at the South Ridge carnival. email deborahmcgravey@yahoo.com or Call 666-0223.
 
Southwest Washington Advocates for Youth
Youth visitation program--a youth drug prevention program. Elaine Haver, 117 E. 35th St., Vancovuer. 695-5356 swayvan@aol.com
 
Special Olympics, Washington
256-5570 or 1-800-752-7559 x202  http://www.sowa.org/
 
Stream Team Tree Planting
Register with Lisa Beranek 992-8585 or kamamay@gmail.com
 
Student Conservation Association
Be part of 6-8 high school student conservation crew. Ages allowed are 15-19. There is no tuition, and travel grants are available to qualified students. www.thesca.org
 
TeenTalk Clark County
Call-in support system for teens. 32 hours training required. Call Kris Henriksen, 397-2130 ext. 5199; http://www.ccteentalk.clark.wa.gov/.
 
Tobacco Prevention Programs
James Kissee, SW Health.
 
Trail repair on Mt. St. Helens
 
Trauma Intervention Program (TIP)
Assist other volunteers who help the police, fire, and emergency  medical crews in traumas involving  teenagers. Quite a bit of training is involved.  www.tipnw.org

Vancouver Housing Authority
Provide on-site childcare in separate room during parent meeting, must work well with children of all ages, direct children's activities, training provided. >>Call Kathi at 992-0206.
 
Vancouver Parks & Recreation
Kids first afterschool program. Program held at different schools. Call 619-1111 for more information. SUMMER - Summer day camp with children with disabilities. Teresa 487-7060 or Rachel 907-0616
 
Volleyball Coaches
Volleyball Coaches needed for 5th and 6th grade girls' teams. Contact Terri at Ridgefield Comm.Education, 619- 1303.
 
Washington State Parks - SW Region in Olympia
Contact Mike Sternback 360-956-4805, mike.sternback@parks.wa.gov or kathy.hale@parks.wa.gov
 
Water Resources Education Center
4600 SE Columbia Way, Vancouver  487-7111.  Environmental projects.
 
Washington Trails Association
From short term to summer youth volunteer vacations. www.wta.org/volunteer/youth  krista@wta.org 206-625-1367.
 
Woodland Community Service Center
225-9998
 
Youth House
http://www.clark.wa.gov/youth-family/house.html or call DeDe Sieler at 397-2130, x7860.
 
Youth Meth Action Team
Daniel Hart, C. C. Sheriffs Office at Fairgrounds; Meth Action Team.
 
Youth Special Olympics
Volunteering for any Special Olympics event works for projects that deal with any sports, disabilities, children, and many other topics. http://www.soor.org/nikego
 
YWCA Children’s Advocacy Program
(CAP) assistant. Help with recreational activities for kids staying at a domestic violence center. 696-0167,Stephanie Barr
 
YWCA Y’s Care/Child Care Program
696-0167, Stephanie Barr
 

CAMPS

This information has been taken from the Oregonian Summer Camp and Family Fun Guide. It is not inclusive. Similar information from the Columbian will be entered as soon as they publish it. Students should check online at both these publications to see all the information. www.oregonlive.com/ospecials and http://www.columbian.com. Mrs. Hancock has a copy of their publication in the Career Center, also.

Students wishing to volunteer at a summer camp are urged to contact the camps immediately. Be aware that certain organizations require the volunteers to pay a fee, or to pay for their room and board at camp.

Vancouver Area
Camp Opportunity provides summer camps for abused and neglected children who are referred by the Washington State Division of Children and Family Services. 993-7900-Peggy
Christian Youth Theater Summer Camps offer a supportive environment for kids and teens who love to be on stage; or who are interested to learn what it is like to be on stage for the first time. http://www.cytvanport.org/
Vancouver Parks and Recreation  http://www.vanclarkparks-rec.org/
YMCA Youth Sports  Clark County Family YMCA  11324 NE 51st Circle  885-9622

Oregon
Audubon Society of Portland http://www.audubonportland.org 971-222-6120
Camp Agape (residential family camp for children with cancer). http://www.campagapeportland.com 503-234-0468
Camp Namanu  Resident camp.  www.campnamanu.org
Campfire USA: Camp Namanu http://www.portlandcampfire.org 503-224-7800
Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum http://www.evergreenmuseum.org 503-434-4005
Fine Art Camp.  http://www.fineartcamp.com  503-723-9661
Friendly House   "Friendly House creates a thriving community by connecting people of all ages and backgrounds through quality educational, recreational and   other life-sustaining services."  2617 NW Savier St., 1737 NW 26th, Portland, OR www.friendlyhouseinc.org  503- 228-4391
Kids Community Learning Center Summer Day Camp  http://www.kidscommunitypdx.com  503-916-6367
Metroarts Kids Camp. http://www.metroartsinc.org 503-245-4885
Northwest Children's Theatre and School. http://www.nwcts.org 503-222-2190
Northwest Film Center. http://www.nwfilm.org 503-221-1156
Omsi www.omsi.edu/camps-classes 503-797-4661
Oregon College of Arts and Crafts.  www.ocac.edu
Oregon Coast Aquarium.  2820 SE Ferry Slip Road, Newport, OR. info@aquarium.org or 541-867-3474, ext. 5301.
Oregon Parks and Recreation. www.oregon.gov/OPRD/VOL/index.shtml 877-225-9803 or 503-986-0752
Oregon Episcopal School www.oes.edu/summer
Portland Center Stage www.pcs.org/summer_camp 503-445-3793
Portland Children's Museum Summer Art Camps. http://www.portlandcm.org 503-471-9923
Portland Environmental Engagement Program (PEEP). http://www.portlandpeeps.org 503-234-2383
Saturday Academy.  Science, English, misc. topics. http://www.saturdayacademy.org, 503-200-5858.
School of Rock Music. http://www.schoolofrock.com 503-231-2945
Science Adventures http://www.scienceadventures.com 888-458-1812
Willowbrook Outdoor Arts Camp.  http://www.willowbrookartscamp.org  503-691-6132
YMCA Camp Silver Creek  http://www.salemmymcacamps.com  503-399-2759
YMCA Columbia/Willamette Summer Camp http://www.ymca-portland.org or http://www.campcollins.org 503-663-5813
 
Last Modified on April 25, 2013