Recreation Volunteer Opportunities

The City of Cleveland has a number of volunteer opportunities available at its recreation centers. Recreation center volunteers enrich the community in several areas including the arts, sports, education, and mentoring. These generous individuals are from diverse backgrounds and include all ages from recent graduates seeking practical experience, to retirees with spare time to give. City volunteers are generous and civic-minded and have a desire to improve the city through service, by contributing their time and expertise to help fellow residents. 

Volunteer Commitment

Potential volunteers are asked to apply in person at the recreation center of their choice. Open positions are listed below.  The center will work with each participant to familiarize them with the center itself as well as the requirements of the position. Once a volunteer commits, they are asked to be on time, show up as scheduled, and call ahead of time if running late or if an emergency causes them to cancel. Volunteer sports coaches commit to coach the entire season of each sport that s/he volunteered to coach. 

Pilot Classes

If the class is indicated as being a pilot class, the center will determine if it will continue at the end of the series or season. Continuation will depend on the number of people who enroll and are engaged in the material or activity. 

  

Arts

Arts & Crafts Instructor

The purpose of this activity is to stimulate an interest in creativity, promote an outlet to display student work, and build confidence in those who desire to develop/enhance creative abilities and skills. The art room is available for youth enjoyment. The instructor should possess artistic ability and have a plan of action for the day for projects and designing. They should also love working with kids and have the ability to keep their attention while working on projects.

Participants Location(s) Commitment Details Contact
Ages 8-17 Stella Walsh Must be available at least 3 to 5 days from 4:00pm to 7:00pm Walsh: 216.664.4658
Improvisational Theatre Instructor

Description: Teach/instruct improvisational techniques extensively in drama, comedy & non-comedic theatrical performances. Also teach skills of improvisation in the context of performing arts. Develop communication skills, creative problem solving, and supportive teamwork abilities.

Participants Location(s) Commitment Details Contact

Ages 8-17

 Clark The center is looking for someone to initiate this new program and  create a foundation that will include a lesson plan to prepare students to execute a mini performance for center patrons weekly. Clark: 216.664.4657
Loom Weaving Instructor

Description: The purpose of the Weaving Loom for Beginners program is to instruct students in the basic knowledge of working with a weaving loom. Instructor will be responsible for teaching students how to choose yarn, plan projects, create warps, dress the loom, solve problems, figure warp and weft calculations, read weaving drafts, threading, tieing-up, treadling and drawdown, plain weaving and its variations, twill weaves and variations, block theory, and overshot patterns.

Participants Location(s) Commitment Details Contact
Adult 18 and Over Cudell Fine Arts Year-round program for beginners, Mondays 6-7:30pm 216.664.4183
Recording Studio Engineer

Description: To teach youth the art of recording their own songs and videos. To meet twice weekly, if possible.

Participants Location(s) Commitment Details Contact
Youth Hamilton Also seeking equipment donations. Hamilton: 216.664.4121

Education and Life Skills

Baby-Sitting Program Instructor

Description: The instructor must be able to certify young teens so they may obtain a baby-sitter certification license. This class is for young teens ages 12-19, with the goal of training them to be employed as baby-sitters.

Participants Location(s) Commitment Details Contact
Ages 12-19 Michael Zone Design and instruct classes so that the students can succeed in obtaining baby-sitting licenses. (Instructor can set own dates and times) Zone: 216.664.3373
GED and Job Training Instructor

Description: This volunteer will help patrons prepare for the GED test and assist them in the job application process with the goal of securing employment. Ideally, the volunteer would be an organized instructor knowledgeable in GED prep and job readiness. This program would assist the growing number of local young people dropping out of high school, and guide them to better themselves and do something constructive during their visit to the rec center. These are community people that are already used to the center's environment.

Participants Location(s) Commitment Details Contact
Youth Cory (None) Cory: 216.664.3389
Homework Tutor

Description: Tutors will help children in subjects they have difficulty with. They will devise new methods of teaching for those having trouble learning through conventional methods, and can design workshops for children to learn in an atmosphere different from school. Tutors should have excellent communication skills. Most importantly, tutors need to be well-versed in the curriculum in the area they are helping students with. Grade improvement is the primary task. Volunteers are needed in a variety of subject matters including reading, math, social studies, science, history, writing, algebra, geometry, and Spanish.

Participants Location(s) Commitment Details Contact

Clark: Ages 8-18

Thurgood Marshall: Ages 6-15

Clark
Marshall
George

Clark: Volunteer opportunities are available during the CMSD school year calendar, Monday-Thursday, afternoons from 4 to 6pm.

Thurgood Marshall: Volunteer opportunities are available during the CMSD school year calendar, Monday-Thursday, afternoons from 4 to 6pm. The instructor will be interviewed and asked to provide a resume to the center manager two weeks prior to the first tutoring session.

Clark: 216.664.4657

Marshall: 216.664.4045
Money Matters Instructor

Description: The instructor is responsible for developing his or her own classes. The purpose of the class is to promote financial awareness to youth. Instructor will expose them to topics including credit, investments and life insurance.

Participants Location(s) Commitment Details Contact
Youth 10 and older Earle B. Turner Fall and winter evenings from 5:30 to 6:30pm Turner: 216.420.8358
Parenting Class Instructor

Description: This volunteer will teach parenting classes for parents of at-risk youth who have become involved with negative influences. The volunteer will organize parenting groups and offer support, direction, and assistance with various parenting issues including issues common to single parents, divorced parents, parents of troubled youth, etc.

Participants Location(s) Commitment Details Contact
Adults Cory (None) Cory: 216.664.3389
Striving Scholars Instructor

Description: This volunteer teacher will provide personal growth and development to youth and young adults. The focus of the training should be relatable and transparent, help identify individual talent, and provide exposure in volunteerism with exciting activities. The purpose is to provide youth and young adults with a mentoring platform that can assist and guide them in the areas of personal performance, career setting and elevating self-confidence.

Participants Location(s) Commitment Details Contact
High School to Age 26 Collinwood One session per month lasting an hour and a half. Field trips provided, depending on the agenda for the month or if an opportunity is presented Collinwood: 216.420.8323
Teen Center Monitor/Instructor

Description: The volunteer opportunity is to help monitor the teen center while youth 13 thru 18 utilize it as they socialize, play video game systems and watch television. If possible, the monitor will speak with teens about current news, issues and life skills. The center is open year round and available to teen participants weekdays from 3pm to 7pm and on Saturdays from Noon to 4pm. The purpose of the teen center is to teach necessary social skills that will be a vital part of growing into mature adults. Teens will learn these skills by interacting with each other, staff and volunteers. Teens are responsible for cleaning and maintaining the entire teen area, which encourages team work, and a sense of usefulness and belonging.

Participants Location(s) Commitment Details Contact
Youth 13 thru 18 Glenville (None) Glenville: 216.664.2516

Sports

Baseball/T Ball Coach and Pitching Instructor

Description: Instructor will teach the fundamental skills of baseball while keeping in mind that baseball is a game, and all players should have fun. The goal is to help all players be the best they can be by creating an enjoyable, yet productive, practice environment and instructing the children on the skills needed to play.

Participants Location(s) Commitment Details Contact
Youth ages 4-13

Kovacic

Zone

Marshall

Estabrook

Collinwood

Halloran

Sterling

An 8 to 10 week commitment for games and practices. Coach will schedule and conduct weekly practices and collect all equipment after practices and games. Halloran: 8 to 12 year olds, games on Tuesday and Thursday mornings between 11 am and 1 pm in June and July

Thurgood Marshall: The instructor will be asked to provide a resume and lesson plan to the center manager 2 weeks prior to the first class.

Kovacic: 216.664.4140

Zone: 216.664.3373

Marshall: 216.664.4045

Estabrook: 216.664.4149

Collinwood: 216.420.8323

Halloran: 216.664.4187

Sterling: 216.664.2573
Basketball Coach/Instructor (League)

Description: Teach the fundamental skills of basketball while keeping in mind that basketball is a game, and players should have fun. The coach will help all players be the best they can be by creating a fun, yet productive, practice and game environment, and will instruct the children on the skills needed to play.

Participants Location(s) Commitment Details Contact
Youth ages 9-16

Kovacic

Marshall

Estabrook

Sterling

Clark

An 8 to 10 week commitment for games and practices. Coach will schedule and conduct weekly practices and collect all equipment after practices and games. December thru March

Thurgood Marshall: The instructor will be asked to provide a resume and lesson plan to the center manager 2 weeks prior to the first class.

Clark: Girls basketball, junior and senior leagues.

Kovacic: 216.664.4140

Marshall: 216.664.4045

Estabrook: 216.664.4149

Sterling: 216.664.2573

Clark: 216.664.4657
Boxing Instructor (Youth League, Certified)

Description: This program allows youth to learn some self-discipline while learning a new sport. They can get an understanding of what boxing really means other than the ability to fight. Must be able to teach youth ages 8-17 the introduction of boxing through advanced techniques.

Participants Location(s) Commitment Details Contact
Youth ages 8-17 Central Hours: 5 to 6:30pm in fall, winter, and spring. Central: 216.664.4241
Coed- Recreational Softball Travel Volunteer

Description: Teach youth basics of softball safety, prepare lesson plans for practice/game days.  Teach youth teamwork, commitment and enhance mental and physical knowledge of game.

Participants Location(s) Commitment Details Contact
Ages 11 to 14

Clark

Season: June 6th-June 29th , 2017

Clark: 216.664.4657
Dodgeball Assistant/Coach

Description: This instructor teaches the fundamentals, including hand eye coordination and the general rules of the game. This is a dodgeball league, and the goal is to create an atmosphere where young students can compete and have fun in a non-traditional game or sport other than basketball.

Participants Location(s) Commitment Details Contact
Youth ages 11-14 JFK (None) Kennedy: 216.664.2572
Figure Skating Instructor

Description: The volunteer figure skating instructor will teach weekly group figure skating lessons to youth ages 5+ or adult groups at Halloran Ice Skating Rink. Classes are held on Friday evenings and Saturday mornings during the months of November to March, and are in 6 week increments.

Participants Location(s) Commitment Details Contact
Ages 5 to Adult Halloran (None) Halloran: 216.664.4187
Flag Football Coach/Instructor

Description: Teach the fundamental skills of flag football while keeping in mind that flag football is a game, and therefore, you want to be sure that your players have fun. The coach will help all players be the best they can be by creating a fun, yet productive, practice and game environment, and will instruct the children on the skills needed to play.

Participants Location(s) Commitment Details Contact
Ages 4-13

Kovacic

Marshall

Estabrook

Sterling

Clark

An 8 to 10 week commitment August through October for games and practices. Coach will schedule and conduct weekly practices and collect all equipment after practices and games.

Thurgood Marshall: The instructor will be asked to provide a resume and lesson plan to the center manager 2 weeks prior to the first class.

Clark: Midgets

Kovacic: 216.664.4140

Marshall: 216.664.4045

Estabrook: 216.664.4149

Sterling: 216.664.2573

Clark: 
216.664.4657
Hockey Coach

Description: Volunteer couch will provide coaching and instruction to youth ages at Halloran ice skating rink. Practices are held on Monday and Thursday evenings and Saturday afternoons from November to March. Games vary as they are scheduled and can change weekly. 

Participants Location(s) Commitment Details Contact
Ages 8-15 Halloran The coach is expected to conduct weekly practices and be available for games. Halloran: 216.664.4187
Martial Arts Instructor

Description: The purpose of the training is to give youth an opportunity to learn self-defense/martial arts skills. The instructor will teach youth the basic skills of martial arts, and is responsible for recruitment/promotion and weekly lessons plans. The instructor should be qualified in the martial art, and be able to work with children ages 8-18.

Participants Location(s) Commitment Details Contact

Michael Zone: Ages 8 to 18
Thurgood Marshall: Ages 8 to 17

Zone

Marshall

 (None)

Zone: 216.664.3373

Marshall: 216.664.4045
Soccer Coach (Indoor)

Description: The coach will teach fundamental skills of indoor soccer while keeping in mind that soccer is a game, and players should have fun. All players should be coached to be the best they can be with the coach creating a fun, yet productive, practice and game environment. This is an eight to ten week commitment for games and practices. The coach should ensure the kids have fun and that they learn.

Participants Location(s) Commitment Details Contact
Ages 4 to 13

Marshall

Estabrook

Clark

Collect all equipment after practices and games. Runs from September through December.

Thurgood Marshall: The instructor will be asked to provide a resume and lesson plan to the center manager 2 weeks prior to the first class.

Marshall: 216.664.4045

Estabrook: 216.664.4149 

Clark: 216.664.4657
Tot Program Assistant

Description: Teach young children fundamental skills in various sports. The emphasis will be on skill development, learning to follow directions, teamwork, sportsmanship, and fun. Teacher must provide a safe and positive environment for youth to learn and play, as well as reinforce and reward positive behavior. Volunteer will teach age appropriate skills for each sport that is in season. All materials will be provided by the center. Volunteer must have a desire to work with children, be energetic, patient, dependable, and able to provide a positive atmosphere. Classes will be held indoors or outdoors, weather permitting.

Participants Location(s) Commitment Details Contact
Youth 4 to 7

Marshall

Estabrook

Collect all equipment after practices and games. Runs from September through December.

Thurgood Marshall: The instructor will be asked to provide a resume and lesson plan to the center manager 2 weeks prior to the first class.

Marshall: 216.664.4045

Estabrook: 216.664.4149
Volleyball Coach

Description: The coach will teach fundamental skills of volleyball while keeping in mind that volleyball is a game, and players should have fun. All players should be coached to be the best they can be with the coach creating a fun, yet productive, practice and game environment. This is an eight to ten week commitment for games and practices. The coach must be on time for and collect all equipment after games and practices, and ensure the kids have fun and learn.

Participants Location(s) Commitment Details Contact
Ages 8-17

Marshall

Clark

 Thurgood Marshall: The instructor will be asked to provide a resume and lesson plan to the center manager 2 weeks prior to the first class.

Marshall: 216.664.4045

Clark: 216.664.4657
Youth Sports Instructor

Description: This instructor will teach basic sports fundamentals so individuals can develop worth ethic, discipline, and build character. This will keep youth active and interested in something that is meaningful which they can embrace with ownership. The volunteer will guide participants in various sports; teaching them the fundamentals of each sport and proper techniques of the game; while introducing a non-traditional sport not currently offered at the facility (i.e. lacrosse, bubble soccer, fencing, etc.) Instructor will be provided with all supplies for the class, including sports equipment.

Participants Location(s) Commitment Details Contact
Ages 8 to 17 Thurgood Marshall Thurgood Marshall: The instructor will be asked to provide a lesson plan and sports schedule to the center manager 2 weeks prior to the first class Marshall: 216.664.4045

Exercise and Fitness

Bootcamp Fitness Instructor

Description: This workout is a type of interval training — bursts of intense activity alternated with intervals of lighter activity. Volunteer instructor will be responsible for implementing a high intensity fitness class, and bring workout plans and strategies to enhance patron’s fitness levels. The recreation center will provide the room as well as exercise mats if needed. Class will include advanced calisthenics such as pullups, pushups, lunges and crunches, as well as drills and sprints.

Participants Location(s) Commitment Details Contact
Adults Fairfax Pilot program, Mondays and Fridays from 5:30-6:30. Fairfax: 216.664.4142 
Fitness Instructor

Description: The instructor will guide, lead and choreograph group aerobics exercise classes, teach calisthenics, monitor the safety of staff members, monitor participants' breathing movement, and help strengthen the overall health of each participant. The instructor will be provided with all supplies for the class, including aerobics equipment.

Participants Location(s) Commitment Details Contact
Adults

Marshall

Cory

Burten

JFK

 Thurgood Marshall: 6 week pilot class starting in April 2017, Mondays at noon. The instructor will be asked to provide basic course training plan to the center manager 2 weeks prior to the first class.

Marshall: 216.664.4045

Cory: 216.664.338

Burten: 216.664.4139

Kennedy: 216.664.2572
Line Dancing Instructor

Description: The volunteer will instruct patrons in line dancing for the purpose of fun and exercise. They will choose music and choreograph the sessions. The goal for patrons is to have fun dancing while achieving physical fitness.

Participants Location(s) Commitment Details Contact

Zone: Young Adults to Seniors
Cory: All Ages
Estabrook: Seniors

Zone

Cory

Estabrook

 Estabrook: This is a 6-8 week pilot class beginning in June, 2017

Zone: 216.664.3373

Cory: 216.664.3389

Estabrook: 216.664.4149
Strength and Conditioning Coach

Description: The coach will make appointments with patrons to properly weight train and to utilize the weight room properly, and will assist them with fitness/health/motivation as it relates to well-being. The coach will teach patrons to control their own level of conditioning and strength training and assist them in achieving goals.

Participants Location(s) Commitment Details Contact
Adults Michael Zone To be available to the patrons as needed thru appointments made. Zone: 216.664.3373
Zumba/Dancing Instructor

Description: Zumba is a fun way to promote exercise for recreation center patrons. A good Zumba instructor gets the crowd moving. His or her enthusiasm is contagious, and they address the group during the session. The instructor will be responsible for guiding and instructing students on the Zumba exercise dance class. S/he will select appropriate music, not be afraid to speak to large groups and be able to perform all Zumba moves with ease and for extended periods. The Zumba method suggests 70% Latin and 30% modern music.

Participants Location(s) Commitment Details Contact
Kovacic & Cudell: Adult

Marshall: 16 and older

Johnson: 10 and older

 Kovacic

Cudell

Marshall

Glenville

Burten

Johnson

Kovacic: 8 to 10 week pilot class starting in June, 2017 in the early evening.

Cudell: Friday evenings from 6:00-7:30 pm. Instructor should have a backup person.

Thurgood Marshall: 6 week pilot class on Wednesday nights at 6pm beginning in April, 2017. The instructor will be asked to provide a Zumba Basic Steps Level 1 course training to the center manager 2 weeks prior to the first class.

Glenville: Thursday evenings from 6 to 7 pm

Kenneth L. Johnson: Fall and Winter from 6 to 7 pm

Kovacic: 216.664.4140

Cudell: 216.664.4137

Marshall: 216.664.4045

Glenville: 216.664.2516

Burten: 216.664.4139

Johnson: 216.664.4124

Computer

Computer Lab Instructor/Tutor

Description: The instructor will help students to use computers for homework assistance and/ or tutoring. The goal is to help youth achieve better grades and the understanding of their homework while assisting them with computer skills. This person should possess the ability to work with children from various backgrounds and levels of leaning. They should have basic computer skills and the ability to probe for areas of academic weaknesses and provide academic insight with the ability to tutor different subjects. Depending on the center, may also assist youth with board games and craft activities (all supplies provided by the center).

Participants Location(s) Commitment Details Contact
Ages 8 to 17

Zone

Walsh

Fairfax

Estabrook

Clark

 To open the lab and make it available for youth weekdays after school to utilize for school assignments and /or tutoring purposes.

Zone: 216.664.3373

Walsh: 216.664.4658

Fairfax: 216.664.4142

Estabrook: 216.664.4149

Clark: 216.664.4657
Computer Lab Tech

Description: This volunteer will help to maintain the operation of a computer lab, and instruct students and staff in the use of computer lab technology and software applications. Tech will monitor student activities in order to maintain a safe environment conducive to learning. The computer lab is open to all recreation center patrons from ages 10 to adult. Daytime and evening volunteer times are available.

Participants Location(s) Commitment Details Contact
Ages 10 to Adult

Earle B. Turner

Kenneth L. Johnson

 (None)

Turner: 216.420.8358

Johnson: 216.664.4124
Computer Skills Instructor (Basic)

Description: This volunteer will guide and teach participants basic computer skills, including: surfing the internet, typing activities and lessons, using Microsoft excel, Microsoft Word, Adobe, Photoshop, and report writing. The instructor will be provided with all materials for the class, including computer components. The goal is to teach basic computer skills so that individuals can start to develop a foundation of education in a computer and technology interest. The focus is to increase the awareness and help youth learn a new skill while the older generation can learn practical skills that will enhance their knowledge of computers.

Participants Location(s) Commitment Details Contact
Ages 8 to Adult Marshall

Cory

Cudell

Thurgood Marshall: 6 week pilot class. The instructor will be asked to provide a lesson plan to the center manager 2 weeks prior to the first class. Class is starting in April 2017, and will be offered on Tuesday and Thursday nights at 5pm.

Cudell: 6-8 week class sessions, offered multiple times throughout the year.

Marshall: 216.664.4045

Cory: 216.664.3389

Cudell Recreation: 216.664.4137

Nutrition

Cooking Instructor (Beginner’s Level)

Description: Volunteer teacher will guide and instruct participants on making basic meals. Teacher will help students plan nutritional recipes, assist in planning a grocery list, and supervise students in actual cooking and preparation times. All cooking materials, including food components, will be provided. The goal is to teach basic cooking skills so that individuals can develop a foundation of education in culinary abilities and interest. The focus will be low cost, healthy menus that can bring families together at dinner time, with a goal to promote healthy eating habits and teach students independence through a life skill of cooking and preparing meals, rather than dependence on someone to cook for them or eating unhealthy fast foods. Teacher must have nutritional food knowledge, in order to promote healthy eating habits, and the ability to prepare healthy meals.

Participants Location(s) Commitment Details Contact
Youth and Adults

Marshall

Gunning

Halloran

Thurgood Marshall: 6 week pilot class starting in April 2017 on Wednesday nights at 6pm. The instructor will be asked to provide a lesson plan and meal schedule to the center manager 2 weeks prior to the first class.

Halloran: 6 week commitment requested (one evening lesson per week), cooking plan due the week before the series begins which must include ingredients list.

Marshall: 216.664.4045

Gunning: 216.420.7900

Halloran: 216.664.4187
Summer Lunch Servers

Description: These volunteers will serve children lunches during the summer, ensure all tables are clean and that the children abide by the lunch rules. The goal is to guarantee that children get a healthy lunch.

Participants Location(s) Commitment Details Contact
Youth Estabrook 8-10 week commitment. Some training required. Hours: 11:30am to 2:30pm Estabrook: 216.664.4149

Mind-Body

Meditation Instructor

Description: Through interactive group sessions, the facilitator will teach the practice of proper breathing, meditation, and positive thinking. The purpose of the meditation program is to develop mental clarity and creativity, relieve stress and anxiety, increase the ability for students to focus, improve receptive learning, decrease aggressive and/or impulsive behavior, expand self-awareness, improve sleep quality, and promote better decision-making and self-confidence.

Participants Location(s) Commitment Details Contact
Youth Ages 8 to 14 Cudell Fine Arts 10 week program-June 2017 thru August 2017, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1:30-2:30 p.m. Cudell Fine Arts: 216.664.4183
Yoga Instructor

Description: Teacher will lead students through 60-90 minute sessions that include both standing and seated asanas/poses. Class will gradually warm up the body, building up intensity as poses progress to more complex positions. Teacher will incorporate breathing techniques and assist students with poses. Must be dependable and on time for each session. Yoga Teacher certification is required, newly graduated yoga teachers are welcome. Must have enthusiasm for Yoga and ability to lead a group.

Participants Location(s) Commitment Details Contact
Ages 16 and Older Gunning Certified yoga teachers preferred, recent yoga teacher graduates welcome. 216.420.7900

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