If you’re looking for a great way to get involved in the community, volunteer at the Champaign Park District!
To ensure a smooth and organized experience, all volunteers, whether participating individually or as part of a group, are required to create an account on the Champaign Park District Volunteer Portal. This allows us to keep track of participation, share important updates, and support you throughout your volunteer journey.
Questions? Email zachary.longden@champaignparks.org
Overview
Sports Coaches – Are you passionate about sports? Be a volunteer coach and share your love of the game with kids in the community. In our youth sports programs, we believe that winning has less to do with the scoreboard and more to do with core values of Sportsmanship, Opportunity, Fun and Instruction.
Special Events – We have a variety of opportunities available at numerous events throughout the year. Become Santa for one night to make children smile, stuff and scatter Easter eggs, and more.
Prairie Farm – Volunteers are needed May – August that love to work with animals and want to learn all about life down on the farm.
Virginia Theatre – Do you like movies, concerts, comedians, and plays? If so, the Virginia is the perfect place for you to volunteer! Act as an usher, take tickets, work in concessions and merchandise sales, and act as crowd control as needed.
CUSR – Champaign-Urbana Special Recreation is looking for fun energetic people to help with everything from one-time special events to weekly Special Olympics sports practices to daily after school programs.
Cultural Arts – We have a variety of programs from pottery to belly dancing that can always use a helping hand. We also invite instructors to volunteer their time to teach art classes of their own.
Preschool – Our early childhood programs include our art-focused Art Smart Kids, our kindergarten readiness program, Busy Bees, and our relaxed activities program, Creative Playtime. We also need help in the summer months with our kids ages 3-6!
Summer Explorers/Afterschool programs – Our summer explorers and afterschool programs are looking for responsible leaders to help with daily activities. We host summer explorers at Douglass Community Center, Leonhard Recreation Center, and Springer Cultural Center. Champaign-Urbana Special Recreation also needs volunteers to help with their summer and afterschool programs.
Adult and Senior Programs – The Adult and Senior Programs are always looking for volunteers to assist with games, activities, potlucks, and more to support engaging and enjoyable experiences for participants.
Teen Volunteering
If you are at least 13 years of age, enthusiastic, hardworking, and willing to learn, we can coordinate volunteer hours for you. This is a great opportunity to acquire new skills, gain valuable work experience, and complete high school volunteer hours.
Teen volunteers are only permitted to work a maximum of 25 hours per week.
For more information, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator at volunteer@champaignparks.org.
Group Volunteering
Group volunteering is a powerful way to make memories, make a difference, and spend time with family members, co-workers, and friends. We love our volunteer groups and offer many opportunities throughout the year, including special projects in our parks, special events, fitness events, races, and more!
Please note that all group members must create their own individual accounts within our volunteer portal. Additionally, the group leader should reach out to our volunteer coordinator by emailing volunteer@champaignparks.org to coordinate the group’s participation.
Volunteer Newsletter
Interested in volunteering at Special Events, Prairie Farms, the Virginia Theatre, or Champaign-Urbana Special Recreation? Then sign up for the volunteer mailing list as well as fill out an application using the links below. Volunteer emails will be sent out on a monthly basis detailing upcoming volunteer opportunities.
