Youth Volunteer

The Boys & Girls Club of Garfield (BGCG) welcomes youth volunteers who are passionate about making a difference in their community. Volunteers play a vital role in supporting our mission to inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.

Whether assisting during special events, supporting program staff, or engaging directly with younger Club members, youth volunteers gain valuable leadership experience while contributing to a safe, fun, and inclusive environment.

All volunteers must complete the BGCG onboarding process prior to their first day of service. This includes orientation, reference checks, and applicable clearances based on volunteer role and duration.

Responsibilities

Volunteer duties may vary based on program needs and volunteer interests but may include:

• Assisting staff in daily afterschool programs, arts and recreation activities, or special events
• Helping with setup, organization, and cleanup of program areas
• Providing positive role modeling and peer mentorship to younger Club members
• Supporting administrative or creative tasks such as flyer distribution, organizing supplies, or assisting with social media projects (where appropriate)
• Participating in community service initiatives and Club events
• Adhering to all Club safety, confidentiality, and behavioral standards

Qualifications

• Genuine interest in serving youth and supporting community-based programs
• Responsible, dependable, and respectful toward staff, peers, and Club members
• Willingness to work collaboratively in a team setting
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Commitment to maintaining a safe and inclusive environment
• Completion of BGCG volunteer onboarding process

Benefits

• Opportunity to earn community service hours
• Gain hands-on leadership and teamwork experience
• Exposure to youth development, education, and community service fields
• Letters of recommendation upon successful completion of service (by request)
• Be part of a positive, mission-driven community

Volunteer Requirements and Onboarding

All staff, which includes paid and volunteer team members alike, must complete background clearances, medical screenings, and required documentation before officially joining our team. This ensures the safety and well-being of all children and staff members within our programs.

Background and Medical Checks:

• Complete a full biometric background check, including fingerprinting.
• Undergo a medical examination to ensure fitness to work with children, including being clear of tuberculosis.

Identification Verification:

• Present two forms of identification, including a valid Social Security Card.

Comprehensive Training:

• Complete all mandatory onboarding and training modules as required by the Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA), New Jersey Office of Licensing, and local Health Department.
• Training ensures volunteers are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to provide safe, high-quality care and support to youth participants.