Volunteer

Volunteer involvement with BGC Ottawa is essential to ensure the effective delivery of our programs. Our volunteer opportunities are designed to create an experience that is rewarding to the volunteer. Volunteers gain valuable experience and develop their personal skill set, all while making a meaningful difference in the lives of children and youth in Ottawa.

Apply to be a Volunteer
A child reading with his mentor.Two happy BGC volunteers.

Ways to Get Involved

There are many ways that you can get involved as a BGC Ottawa volunteer:

  • Clubhouse volunteering
  • Student volunteering and placements
  • Special event volunteering
  • Group volunteering
A little girl reading with her mentor.

Clubhouse
Volunteering

Clubhouse Volunteers work directly with Members, providing program support in BGC Ottawa's engaging and accessible programs, with a minimum commitment of one volunteer shift per week (about 2 hours), contributing towards overall community leader development.
Young woman holding a young girl.

Student Volunteering & Placements

BGC Ottawa offers placements for post-secondary students that align with their curriculum. These placements primarily involve direct program support, customized to meet both the student's requirements and the organization's needs.


High School Students requiring 40 hours of volunteer service may have some opportunities too. Please visit the Clubhouse closest to you and speak with a Senior Youth Worker about available volunteer opportunities for high school students.

A group of people at a gala.

Special Event
Volunteering

BGC Ottawa hosts various special events throughout the year to raise funds for our programs while increasing community awareness about our organization and the services we offer. These volunteer opportunities are on an on-call basis, requiring a commitment of as little as a few days a year, where you can assist in various roles throughout the community.
A young woman cooking and smiling at the camera.

Group
Volunteering

BGC Ottawa hosts corporate and social groups at our Clubhouses and Camp Smitty throughout the year for Volunteer Days, where groups collaborate on projects that benefit BGC Ottawa. These projects may involve snack preparation, gardening and landscaping, program planning, and more. Volunteer Days are designed to benefit both BGC Ottawa and our Volunteer Groups.

Highest Priority Volunteer Needs

Tomlinson Family Foundation Clubhouse

Learn MoreLearn More
  • Snack Preparation (Monday to Friday 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM)
  • French & Math Support for Homework Help
  • Music & Dance Instructors

Taggart Parkes Family Clubhouse

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  • French & Math Support for Homework Help

Ron Kolbus Clubhouse

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  • Front Desk Assistance (Monday to Friday 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM)
  • Snack Preparation & Service (Monday to Friday 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM)
  • Homework Club (Monday to Friday 4:00 PM – 6:30 PM)
  • General Clubhouse Help (Monday to Friday 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM)
  • French & Math Support for Homework Help
  • Music & Dance Instructors

Don McGahan Clubhouse

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  • Snack Preparation (Monday to Friday 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM)
  • Homework Club (Monday to Friday 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM)
  • French & Math Support for Homework Help
  • Music & Dance Instructors
  • Tuesdays 3:30 PM – 6:00 PM from October to March
  • Must know how to play hockey and be able to drive to the rink near Vanier/Gloucester

Learn On is a mentoring program where high school youth and adult volunteers get paired up and meet weekly to work on homework, life skills, post-secondary support, and more.

  • Don McGahan Clubhouse: Tuesdays 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
  • Ron Kolbus Clubhouse: Wednesdays & Thursdays 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
  • Tomlinson Family Foundation Clubhouse: Thursdays 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

The Application Process

Apply to Volunteer

1
*Do not complete this form if you are a high-school student. Instead, please visit a Clubhouse and speak to a Senior Youth Worker about potential volunteer opportunities.
2

Attend Interview

Volunteer Services at BGCO reviews all Volunteer Applications and will contact successful candidates to attend an Interview. During the Interview, we like to  learn more about you in order to match your interests and skills with our needs.
3

Provide References

All Volunteer Candidates are asked to provide two references on their Application Form. References will be asked to complete an online reference form regarding the candidate’s suitability to volunteer with BGCO.
4

Police Check (PVSC)

BGCO requires volunteers to have a current PVSC or provide a Letter of Request. Completing PVSC online is encouraged for faster processing. An Authenticated Electronic Copy of PVSC is acceptable.
5

Confirm Details

During the Clubhouse tour, you will have the opportunity to become familiar with your location and meet the staff, volunteers, and members. Additionally, you can discuss availability and scheduling, as well as read through programs policies and procedures.
6

Make a Difference

Welcome to the BGCO Volunteer Team!
Apply to be a Volunteer
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