INTERNSHIPS WITH THE COOK COUNTY YMCA
Rural Community Leadership (Open Spring 2025)
Position Summary: Assist in the research and development of programs, trainings, grants and opportunities for the Cook County Community YMCA. Note: This internship is located in Grand Marais, MN. To view the full position description, click here.
Nature Based Child Care Specialist (Open Spring 2025)
Position Summary: This internship is intended to give students a practical, hands-on experience in early childhood development as well as nature-based education planning and implementation. The intern will assist our teachers and program directors with leading activities, preparing materials and supervising preschool aged children with nature-based learning. Click here to view the full position description.
CUSTOMER SERVICE / MISCELLANEOUS
Volunteer Service Club
We’re looking for people who want to join our Volunteer Corps! This is for people who want to volunteer but might not want or be able to make a regular commitment to the Y. It’s as easy as joining the service club and then we’ll call upon you when an opportunity arises and you can say “count me in” or “no thanks!”
Greeter at the Member Service Desk
If you know what great customer service looks and feels like, this is the volunteer opportunity for you! Greeters are responsible for providing a high level of customer service. Responsibilities include greeting members, checking them into the Y, handing out towels and equipment. Minimum age to volunteer is 18. Must have some computer skills and able to provide excellent customer service.
Location/Program Sites: Cook County Branch
Days & Times: This opportunity has flexible hours
Facility Monitor
We’re looking for someone to assist with monitoring the facility. This is a great opportunity for someone with an eye for detail and who likes to engage with the public. Duties include things like: taking active strolls throughout the building looking for anything that needs attention (cleanliness, youth not following age policies in certain program spaces, members that need assistance, etc.) May also include opportunities to give building tours. Minimum age to volunteer is 18.
Location/Program Sites: Cook County Branch
Days & Times: This opportunity has flexible hours
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES WITH YOUTH
Dance Program Assistants
Dance assistants are there to assist the Dance Instructors with helping to organize kids, demonstrate skills, move equipment, hold hands, give encouragement and simple correction.
Age Requirements: Minimum age to volunteer is 12.
Location/Program Sites: Cook County Branch
Days & Times: This opportunity is available in the later afternoons and evenings Monday-Thursday
Commitment: We ask that volunteers commit to the whole session. We also ask that when possible, volunteers assist with their class, during the spring recital.
Cook County Community YMCA Childhood Center
The Cook County YMCA and Cook County Community Education Program are collaborating in this Child Care Center to offer quality full-day child care for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. Volunteers are needed to make sure the kids are having fun and staying safe. A great opportunity for someone who likes to be around small children! Minimum age to volunteer is 13.
Location/Program Sites: Cook County Branch
Days & Times: This opportunity is available Monday-Friday with shifts open between 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Commitment: We ask that volunteers commit to a minimum of one hour, one time per week.
Volunteer Opportunities with our School Age Child Care Program
Volunteers will have the opportunity to work closely with a diverse group of students in our school-age child care program. Volunteers serve as role models and extra support for the students and staff working on academics and engagement in program activities and clubs. Ages of youth served: grades PreK-5. Minimum age to volunteer is 16. The school year program runs September through early June.
Location: Cook County Branch
Commitment: Must be able to make a commitment to the program for 10 weeks for a minimum of one day per week.
Days & Times: Volunteer opportunities available Monday-Friday from school dismissal until 5:15 p.m.
Summer Kid’s Camp Program Aid (summer only)
Our summer Day Camp program is all about discovery. Kids have the opportunity to explore nature, find new talents, try new activities, gain independence, and make lasting friendships and memories. And, of course, it’s fun too. Volunteers are needed to assist counselors with their camper group, set-up & take down of activities and assisting counselors with traditional camp activities (such as archery, water fun, fishing, hiking, art, nature activities and field trips). Minimum age to volunteer is 13.
Dates: Our Day Camp generally runs from mid-June through mid-August.
Days & Times: Camp runs Monday-Friday with shifts available from 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. or 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Commitment: Volunteers are able to volunteer once a week throughout the summer or a full week at a time (four-week maximum commitment which can be spread throughout the summer).
Calling all Gardening Lovers! We have a Gardening Project for you at the Y (summer only)
Assist our Day Campers and Preschoolers with planting and maintaining a garden and flower beds. We’re looking for someone who is comfortable working with kids and willing to teach them about gardening. Also includes assisting with the harvest at the end of the season.
Ideally, our Day Campers would receive gardening instruction Mon, Wed, Fri and our Preschoolers on Tues/Thurs. Someone could do all of this or two people could split this and each work with an age group. The groups will be coming to the community garden plot with their staff members who will be in charge of overall supervision so the volunteer can focus on the garden and teaching kids about gardening.
Age Requirements: Minimum age to volunteer is 16.
When: We’re looking for someone to help in the mornings or afternoons for about 30 minutes, a few days per week. We are really flexible and can find a time that works best for you!
SPORTS AND RECREATION
Become a Volunteer: Coach Youth Sports!
Do More. Be More.
At the Y, we believe when people come together for a common cause, the whole community is strengthened. When you become a volunteer Coach or Assistant Coach, you have the opportunity to share your talents, strengths and gifts to develop skills & character in those who need it most (our kids!).
Volunteer coaching is a powerful opportunity to instill positive values and help kids develop healthy habits that extend far beyond the playing field. Our coaches provide a safe, healthy atmosphere, teach fundamentals of the game and promote the benefits of physical activity and teamwork. Schedules rotate throughout the year and include sessions for the following sports: Swim Team | Gymnastics | Dance & Cheer
AQUATIC PROGRAMMING
Swim Instructor Aide
No teaching experience necessary! If you can blow bubbles and have a passion for working with kids, we can teach you the rest. Volunteers are needed to help swim instructors with swim lessons. Minimum age to volunteer is 14. Volunteers just need to be able to swim and enjoy interacting with children.
Program Site: Cook County Branch Pool
Days & Times: varies
Commitment: We ask that volunteers commit to a specific time and day for the entire six-week session
BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS
Cleaning, Organizing and Work Project Volunteer
If you like to pop in a podcast and get down to work, this is the gig for you! You can make a big difference at the Y. You will help our staff interact with members and provide a safe and clean facility for all. Duties may include things like wiping dust from surfaces, folding towels and organizing storage spaces. Minimum age to volunteer is 12.
Location/Program Sites: Cook County Branch
Days & Times: This opportunity has flexible hours and can be done whenever the Y is open.
How to Apply:
Click here to fill out our online application or you can download a PDF version here.
Questions?
Gina Miller
Volunteer and Internship Coordinator
Pronouns: She/Her
(P) 218.722.4745 x159
(E) gmiller@duluthymca.org