Volunteer Project Catalog
West Suburban YMCA
Job description The West Suburban YMCA is hiring for a Early Childhood Education Intern to join our team! When you work for the Y, you join an inclusive, welcoming, and fun environment where you can do meaningful work and make an impact in the community. Internship Job Title: Early Childhood Education Intern Supervisor: Preschool Director Revision Date: January 2025 Start Date: February 2025/flexible End Date: June 2025/flexible Total Hours: 150 hours Typical Schedule: Consistent weekly schedule, flexible OUR CULTURE: Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger beginning with you. POSITION SUMMARY: The Early Childhood Education Intern will work within our Preschool for Youth Development program at the West Suburban YMCA, alongside our preschool leadership staff. During the internship, the Early Childhood Education Intern will gain exposure to the basic inner workings of the preschool department. Your time spent learning how the Preschool operates will build skill sets and experience to further set you up for your future! TASKS/PROJECTS: Help assist our teachers and lead teachers deliver daily curriculum based on social/emotional skills and literacy. Learn how to build engaging curriculum and lessons plans. Encourage children’s social, emotional, cognitive, language and physical development skills through positive interactions. Assist with the basic needs of children. Follow all center policies and guidelines. Work with children experiencing difficulty as assigned. Assists our teachers in helping make schedules. Learn and help with admin responsibilities with an EEC Certified program. Develop organizational skillsets to help further your experience as a teacher in the classroom. Get CPR and First Aid Certified. Organization and taking inventory of preschool supplies. Other relevant tasks as assigned by supervisor. SKILLS ACQUIRED: We hope to build valuable skillsets during your time at the West Suburban YMCA, which will help build your work experience and resume. These skills include, but are not limited to: Teamwork, critical thinking and problem-solving skills, adaptability, communication skills, time management (planning/prioritizing), software/systems education, project management and building your network. NECESSARY KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES: Interns must be able to work in a team setting with patience, enthusiasm and respect for children. Coursework in Child Development, Psychology, Social Work, Human Services or related field preferred. An awareness of or a desire to learn about the needs and development of children. Experience working with diverse populations and young children preferred. Ability to apply in practice the knowledge and skills acquired in the academic setting. Basic working knowledge of computer and a willingness to learn new technology. Commitment to consistent, agreed upon schedule. Team player. Ability to relate effectively to diverse groups of people from all social and economic segments of the community. WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an intern encounters while performing the essential tasks listed above. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This internship operates in a professional office environment and/or preschool/playground/gym/pool setting. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands and fingers, handle, feel or operate objects, tools or controls and reach with hands and arms. The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, talk or hear, sit, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl and smell. Ability to continuously stand or walk for length of shift. Ability to bend, squat, run, climb stairs, and lift up to 25 lbs.
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West Suburban YMCA
Job description The West Suburban YMCA is hiring for a Fitness & Wellness Intern to join our team! When you work for the Y, you join an inclusive, welcoming, and fun environment where you can do meaningful work and make an impact in the community. Supervisor: Fitness & Wellness Director Revision Date: January 2025 Start Date: February 2025/flexible End Date: June 2025/flexible Total Hours: 150 hours Typical Schedule: Flexible schedule, but typically M-F during workday OUR CULTURE: Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger beginning with you. POSITION SUMMARY: The Fitness & Wellness Intern will work within our Fitness & Wellness department at the West Suburban YMCA, alongside our Fitness & Wellness leadership staff. During the internship, the Fitness & Wellness Intern will gain exposure to the basic inner workings of the wellness department. Your time spent learning how the wellness department operates will build skill sets and experience to further set you up for your future! TASKS AND PROJECTS INCLUDE: Assist with the operation and implementation of health, wellness, and fitness programs, events, and services provided by the WSY. Assist in compiling participation data and the completion of necessary reports. Job shadow a WSY Personal Trainer. Work in the Fitness Center as needed. Develop and/or implement at least one special program/event each semester for WSY staff related to exercise, wellness, and sport. Job shadow a WSY Group Exercise Instructor. Demonstrate ability to teach a minimum of one group exercise class format through team teaching, subbing, or placement on the group exercise teaching schedule. Promote the mission of the Y in action and spirit. Assist in critical analysis of operational processes that we are reviewing to improve overall customer service. You will be encouraged to provide feedback and detect problems that could improve the overall customer experience. Receiving and helping go through and organize member comments. Other relevant tasks as assigned by supervisor. SKILLS ACQUIRED: We hope to build valuable skillsets during your time at the West Suburban YMCA, which will help build your work experience and resume. These skills include, but are not limited to: Teamwork, critical thinking and problem-solving skills, adaptability, communication skills, time management (planning/prioritizing), software/systems education, project management and building your network. NECESSARY KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES: Pursuing a degree in Exercise Science, Wellness Health Promotion, or related health field. Ability to apply in practice the knowledge and skills acquired in the academic setting. High customer orientation and friendliness. Experience and interest in the fitness/wellness field. Exceptional written and verbal communication skills. Must possess good organizational skills and be efficient in multitasking. Ability to work independently and in a group setting. Ability to work in a dynamic, changing, and diverse environment. Commitment to consistent, agreed upon schedule. Team player. Ability to relate effectively to diverse groups of people from all social and economic segments of the community. WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an intern encounters while performing the essential tasks listed above. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This internship operates in a professional office environment and fitness and wellness center. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands and fingers, handle, feel or operate objects, tools or controls and reach with hands and arms. The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, talk or hear, sit, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl and smell. Ability to continuously stand or walk for length of shift. Ability to bend, squat, run, climb stairs, and lift up to 25 lbs.
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West Suburban YMCA
The West Suburban YMCA is hiring for a Marketing & Communications Intern to join our team! When you work for the Y, you join an inclusive, welcoming, and fun environment where you can do meaningful work and make an impact in the community. Internship Job Title: Marketing & Communications Intern Supervisor: Marketing Director Revision Date: January 2025 Start Date: Flexible End Date: Flexible Total Hours: 150 hours/flexible Typical Schedule: Consistent weekly schedule, flexible OUR CULTURE: Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger beginning with you. POSITION SUMMARY: Marketing & Communications Intern will work within our Marketing & Communications department at the West Suburban YMCA, alongside our Asst. Director and Director of Marketing. During the internship, the Marketing & Communications Intern will gain exposure to the basic inner workings of the marketing and communications department for one of the leading non-profits, the YMCA. Your time spent learning how the Y markets and disseminates information will build skill sets and experience to further set you up for your future! TASKS/PROJECTS: Assist with the daily operations of the Marketing and Communications department. The ideal candidate will be a highly motivated self-starter interested in the fields of marketing, advertising and media relations. Strong verbal and written communication skills and the ability to interact professionally with the media, the public and YMCA team members are required. Assist in publishing WSY events to online events calendars. Fulfill requests for marketing materials, brochures and images. Researching and sorting of photographs for the WSY image database. Assist with content and contests on social media, such as Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. Creative brainstorming and storyboarding for upcoming WSY programs. Opportunity to witness and assist in large scale campaigns, such as annual campaigns Assist with on and offsite media opportunities Drafting press releases and media advisories and helping to pitch them to the media. Assist with writing short copy for internal and external marketing materials. Get CPR and First Aid Certified. Other relevant tasks as assigned by supervisor. SKILLS ACQUIRED: We hope to build valuable skillsets during your time at the West Suburban YMCA, which will help build your work experience and resume. These skills include, but are not limited to: Teamwork, critical thinking and problem-solving skills, adaptability, communication skills, time management (planning/prioritizing), software/systems education, project management and building your network. NECESSARY KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES: Interns must be able to work in a team setting with patience, enthusiasm and respect for staff and members. Requires minimum of 2 years of completed undergraduate study. Interest in the fields of marketing, advertising, communications, and media relations. Self-motivated and detail-oriented; strong analytical, critical thinking, problem-solving abilities; ability to work independently as well as on a team. Strong interpersonal, organizational, communication (verbal and written), and relationship building skills. Demonstrated experience working in a fast-paced environment. Proficiency with MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint required. Commitment to consistent, agreed upon schedule. Team player. Ability to relate effectively to diverse groups of people from all social and economic segments of the community. WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an intern encounters while performing the essential tasks listed above. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This internship operates in a professional office environment and/or preschool/playground/gym/pool setting. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands and fingers, handle, feel or operate objects, tools or controls and reach with hands and arms. The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, talk or hear, sit, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl and smell. Ability to continuously stand or walk for length of shift. Ability to bend, squat, run, climb stairs, and lift up to 25 lbs.
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West Suburban YMCA
POSITION SUMMARY: The Member Services Intern will work within our Membership department at the West Suburban YMCA, alongside our Membership leadership staff. During the internship, the Member Service Intern will gain exposure to the basic inner workings of the membership department. Your time spent learning how the Membership department operates will build skill sets and experience to further set you up for your future! Tasks and projects could include: • Welcoming members to the facility and answering the phone (or emails). • Follow-up of customer experience. • Develop new ways to track customer experience. • Providing an impeccable service to members in order to retain them. • Answering questions, suggestions, remarks from members. • Assist in critical analysis of operational processes that we are reviewing to improve overall customer service. • You will be encouraged to provide feedback and detect problems that could improve the overall customer experience. • Receiving and helping go through and organize member comments. • Other relevant tasks as assigned by supervisor. SKILLS ACQUIRED: We hope to build valuable skillsets during your time at the West Suburban YMCA, which will help build your work experience and resume. These skills include, but are not limited to: Teamwork, critical thinking and problem-solving skills, adaptability, communication skills, time management (planning/prioritizing), software/systems education, project management and building your network. OUR CULTURE: Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger beginning with you. Start Date: Week of February 17th End Date: Week of April 7th Schedule: Tuesdays & Thursdays 9 am – 12 pm Location: 276 Church Street
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West Suburban YMCA
POSITION SUMMARY: The Junior Camp Counselor will assist the Camp Counselor and co-supervise and effectively co-lead a group of campers in daily camp activities. They will have a positive outlook on resident camp and willing to help children grow to their potentials. Junior Camp Counselors will provide a safe and nurturing environment for campers and will be actively involved and have a positive attitude about all camp formalities and activities. OUR CULTURE: Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger beginning with you. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Supervise all aspects of the camper’s day including waking up, cabin/unit clean up, meals, siesta, evening activities, getting ready for bed, overnights, and after hours duty as assigned. Follow all camp rules, regulations and policies and enforce them among peers. Help out with all camp activities and participate as a member of the camp staff team. Participate in traditional camp programs, color war, plaque races and other events as assigned. Co-Teach and assist in activity periods as assigned. Plan cabin activities with Head Counselor and campers as appropriate. Plan and lead a reflection for campers each night as needed. Actively participate in staff training, meetings, etc. Provide opportunities for the cabin group so that each individual experiences success. Maintain positive public relations with parents, visitors, and the general public at all times. Respond to and provide opportunities for discussion of individual or group problems and concerns. Assist each camper with meeting personal goals and those established by the camp for camper development. Follow established procedures for supervising camper health and enforcing all safety regulations. Instruct campers in emergency procedures including fire, severe weather, lost camper and lost swimmer. If qualified, serve as a lifeguard or lookout at the waterfront as assigned. Routine cleaning responsibilities related to the camp’s health and safety protocols. Follow established health and safety standards of the YMCA, ACA and Dept. of Public Health. Demonstrate and teach the values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility to all campers and staff. Able to visually and audibly identify and respond to environmental and other hazards related to assigned activities. Capable to respond appropriately to emergencies and situations requiring first aid and/or CPR. Submit all required paperwork on time. Willingness to go above and beyond your written job description. QUALIFICATIONS: At least 17 years old Ability and experience in supervising children or in a Residential Summer Camp setting Desire and ability to live and work in a camp setting Good role model, high integrity, and adaptable Ability to understand and follow directions Positive attitude and ability to build a cohesive team Preferred Certifications: CPR for the Professional Rescuer, AED, Basic First Aid, Emergency Oxygen and Lifeguard Training. Physical Demands: Hear noises and work in fast paced environment that requires patience, focus and diligence. Meet strength and lifting requirements of 25lbs. See and observe all sections of an assigned zone or area of responsibility. LENGTH OF TIME: Commitment of one and a half weeks of pre-camp training in June Commitment to all sessions (6 weeks) of camp. Please allow 1-2 weeks prior to start date for paperwork, background checks, and online trainings to get completed. Start Time: June
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West Suburban YMCA
At the Y, we recognize that successful youth development requires a holistic approach focused on achieving certain social-emotional, cognitive and physical milestones. Youth need positive adult and peer role models, and they need to feel physically and emotionally safe to thrive. We put caring people in children’s lives and nurture them along their journey to adulthood, so they can become active, thriving and contributing members of society. In order to ensure the safety of children in our care, our volunteers and youth aides are required to complete the following application and steps. Please hit apply below and follow instructions. Please review appropriate steps with Directors/Staff in WSY programming on your first day to ensure understanding of our child protection policies.
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