VOLUNTEER Eligibility & Requirements

VOLUNTEERING IN THE ART & BOARD GAMES ROOM The role of a SPARC volunteer in the arts & board games room is to help guide unstructured art and play by asking participants open-ended questions to encourage exploration and creativity. Some youth need more help engaging with the creative process, so volunteers make activity suggestions to get those individuals started. Volunteers are NOT expected to provide a specific activity or curriculum and a list of prompts and open-ended questions will be available. Other roles include keeping the lobby and hallways safe spaces for everyone, handing out snacks, organizing and inventorying supplies, and helping clean up.

No, but it's important that you enjoy kids and you feel confident working with them in collaboration with Parks and Recreation staff!

Contact Parks and Recreation at (603) 225-8690

YES! As long as all your friends have completed the Parks & Recreation training and background check, you can sign up for shifts together.

Volunteers role model sportsmanship and problem solving when playing indoor soccer and basketball with the kids in the gym. Cheer on games from the bleachers and chat with participants who aren't engaged in the games. The youth are in charge of the play and your role is to maintain a friendly, safe space for kids to engage in free play. Other roles include keeping the lobby and hallways safe spaces for everyone, handing out snacks, organizing and inventorying supplies, and helping clean up.

YES, all volunteers must complete the required Parks & Recreation Volunteer training and background check every year. No other background check will apply. Required Volunteer Training: Parks and Recreation requires every volunteer to undergo a no-cost, one-hour volunteer training and background check. During this training volunteers learn about Parks and Recreation rules, policies, safety procedures, and mandates specific to working with children. This is a great opportunity to ask questions and to sign up for your specific volunteer dates and times.

You can choose to volunteer in the arts and games room or in the gym. Arts and Games - you will help kids explore art supplies, board games, and toys. You will help organize supplies, clean up and hand out snacks. Gym - Watch or play pick-up indoor soccer or basketball with kids in the gym. Help roll model sportsmanship. The kids are in charge of the play and your role is to maintain a friendly, safe space for kids to engage in free play. You'll also help keep the hallways safe for everyone.

Signing Up for Volunteer Shifts: A SignUpGenius (or similar) will be circulated for you to sign up for specific sessions and shifts.  Subscribe to our mailing list to receive the Sign Up!

No, you can sign up for any session that works for your schedule.

Contact Parks & Recreation at (603) 225-8690 to find out about upcoming trainings and subscribe to our website to get announcements about trainings.You will complete the paperwork for a background check at the training so please bring your driver’s license or photo ID. More trainings will be offered throughout the program for those who missed the initial trainings.

YES! If your children are Concord/Penacook residents ages 6-18, they are welcome to participate. You must fill out a registration form for each child and submit to Parks & Recreation at the time of your training.

Assist Parks and Recreation staff. Create a warm, friendly, welcoming space for youth. We are creating an environment where children feel seen and heard by adults. Greet participants with a smile as they enter the space, and wave goodbye as they leave. Learn participant names. Look participants in the eyes. Shake hands or fist bump. Ask them about their families, hobbies, school, vacation, etc. Help kids engage with unstructured art activities and play in the art and game room. Cheer on, or play, pick up games in the gym. If you play sports with the kids, please role model good sportsmanship and problem solving skills. Remember - The kids are in charge of the play and your role is to maintain a friendly, safe space for kids to engage in free play. Monitor hallways to ensure a safe environment for everyone. Clean up, inventory, and organize the art and board games room and snacks and supplies. Volunteers are expected to arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of the program and leave 15 minutes after the session ends. P&R staff is responsible for checking kids in and out. If you know a participant is leaving please ask them to sign out. Kids are free to go from the Arts & Games room to the Gym and visa versa without checking out. Ensure participants comply with Park & Recreation rules and policies which will be reviewed at the Parks & Rec volunteer training.