At the Y, we are pleased to offer one-time opportunities for individuals or groups to do volunteer work together. Whether you are an individual or a group of co-workers, friends or service club, we have something for you!
To sign-up for one of our one-time events click on the links to sign-up in the descriptions or email gmiller@duluthymca.org or call 218.722.4745 x159.
Volunteers are needed to help with set-up, selling concessions, assisting staff with activities like dodgeball, bingo, etc., along with clean-up. A great volunteer would be someone who really enjoys interacting with tweens and teens. Teen nights at the Y are for youth ages 10-17 and happen the last Friday of each month from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Minimum age to volunteer is 18.
When: March 28 | April 25 | May 30
Location: The YMCA at the Essentia Wellness Center in Hermantown
Click here to sign-up for a volunteer spot.
On Saturday April 26, YMCAs across the country will be celebrating Healthy Kids Day, the YMCA’s national initiative to improve the health and well-being of kids & families. The Duluth YMCA will be celebrating by providing activities that develop healthy and resilient kids! Volunteers are needed to help with set-up, assisting with activities and clean-up. Minimum age to volunteer is 15. This year, Healthy Kids Day will be held at the Downtown Duluth YMCA, the YMCA at the Essentia Wellness Center in Hermantown and the Superior Douglas County Family YMCA.
Date: Saturday April 26
Locations & Times:
o Downtown Duluth YMCA | 8-10 a.m. and 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
o Superior Douglas County Family YMCA | 10:30 a.m.-1:45 p.m.
o The YMCA at the Essentia Wellness Center | 1-3:15 p.m. and 3:00-5:00 p.m.
Click here to sign-up for a volunteer spot.
Did you know we have mountain bike trails and a fleet of mountain bikes at Camp Miller? Well, we do and we need help getting them ready for the campers who will get to use them at camp this summer! We’re looking for individuals and/or groups who have bike maintenance knowledge and enjoy working on bikes, to help us get them ready for the summer camp season. The bikes are located down at Camp Miller which is about 45 minutes south of Duluth. Volunteers are welcome to spend time exploring camp and biking the trails as well. Sauna and a jump in the lake anyone? If you are interested, please contact Gina at gmiller@duluthymca.org or call 722-4745 x159.
In an effort to get camp ready for the summer season, we have an annual work day! Groups or individual volunteers are encouraged to spend time at camp assisting with facility and property projects. There are never shortages of projects and maintenance needs including building, repairing, cleaning, gardening, organizing & painting. Join us for a fun day down at camp! There is no minimum age to volunteer, however, we ask that youth under 12 have adult supervision.
o When: Friday May 16
o Time: Work projects are available between 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
o Where: YMCA Camp Miller, Sturgeon Lake, MN Camp Miller is located about 45 minutes south of Duluth.
Click here to sign-up for a volunteer spot.
Imagine how hard it is for people who are experiencing homelessness, to wash clothes & bedding. As a special project, the Duluth YMCA is partnering with the Laundry Love program to help recruit volunteers. Laundry Love is a national organization dedicated to providing laundry services to people with no and low income. Laundry Love volunteers assist with check-in, help people find open machines, plug quarters & visit with customers. The customers do their own laundry. This opportunity is more than just providing a place to help people clean clothes, but an opportunity to build and celebrate community. There is no minimum age to volunteer, however, we ask that youth under 15 have an adult present.
When: 2nd Tuesday of the Month from 8:15-11:30 a.m.
Where: Spin City Laundry | 232 N Central Ave
Click here to sign-up for a volunteer spot.
Food for good! The Duluth Y is assisting with community food distribution through Family Meal Kits. Each meal kit includes two healthy recipes and all the
ingredients needed for a family of 4 to make 2 complete meals. We need help packing, distributing food and breaking down boxes. We can take a max of 2 volunteers for this opportunity each week. There isn’t a minimum age to volunteer but youth under age 12 must have an adult present.
Meal Packing & Distribution:
When: Thursdays between 3:00-4:30 p.m.
Where: The YMCA at the Essentia Wellness Center in Hermantown
Click here to sign-up for a spot January-April.
Learn . Grow. Thrive.
Volunteer to read to kids in our preschool childcare center. Books will be available for you to read or feel free to bring one of your own!
When: Every 3rd Wednesday of the month from 9:30-10:00 a.m.
Where: YMCA at the Essentia Wellness Center | Community Room
Click here to reserve a spot.
Check out this fun opportunity with DECC Events!
The DECC is partnering with the YMCA and other non-profits on a volunteer opportunity in exchange for a monetary donation to the non-profit of their choosing. Opportunities include assisting staff in concessions, ushering, ticket taking, helping at the bars, greeting guests, etc. Shifts are typically 4-6 hours long and events range from hockey games, concerts, comedy shows, etc. Grab a friend and create a lasting experience for a great cause! The monetary donation the Y receives will go directly towards the Y’s Annual Support Campaign.
Click on this link to see the upcoming events!
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 K-5. Minimum age to volunteer is 15. The school year program runs September through early June.
Locations: Our Out of School time programs happen in elementary schools in the City of Duluth.
Commitment: Minimum of 20 hours total or once a week for six weeks to create more stability for youth in program (or something close to this).
Days & Times: Volunteer opportunities available Monday-Friday between 2:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.
We’re looking for volunteers to assist in our Early Childhood Development Center (otherwise known as the ECDC). The ECDC serves infants, toddlers and pre-school age children year-round. Volunteering with the ECDC involves caring for and encouraging play with infants and young children. Children begin their lives by playing. From their play activities, they learn about the world around them and the skills they need to grow. Volunteers support and extend play through conversations and guiding interactions between children. Volunteers can also help with various activities from reading a book to a child to assisting with food during mealtimes. Minimum age to volunteer is 16. Must be interested in and enjoy working with children ages zero to five years.
Commitment: Minimum of 20 hours total or once a week for six weeks to create more stability for youth in program (or something close to this).
Location/Program Sites: The YMCA at the Essentia Wellness Center in Hermantown
Days & Times: Volunteer shifts are available between 9am-5pm Monday through Friday
Kid’s Club is a supervised play area for kids ages four months to nine years. Volunteers are needed to make sure kids are having fun and staying safe. Duties can include things like reading books to kids, holding babies, helping with art projects & doing activities with young children. A great opportunity for someone who really loves getting down on the floor and playing with kids! This position requires individuals to be outgoing, energetic and willing to engage kids ages four months to nine years. Minimum age to volunteer is 13 years.
Program Sites: Downtown YMCA and the YMCA at the Essentia Wellness Center
Days & Times: Hours available Monday-Friday from 9am-1pm and Monday-Thursday from 4:30-6:30pm
Commitment: Minimum of once per week for 10 weeks or a total of 20 hours to create more stability for youth in the program (or something close to this).
Calling all Registered Nurses, Medical Doctors, Physician Assistants or anyone who is a Licensed Prescriber!
Camp Miller relies on medical workers to provide basic health care on-site during the summer camp season. Benefits include:
• Room and Board: As Camp medical staff, you will lodge in a private room in one of our cabins.
• Camper Discount: For your week of service, you will be able to register two children of your choosing, at no cost. Note: If you don't have a child to send to camp, you are welcome to send a child of your choosing to camp on your behalf.
• Access to Camp Facilities & Equipment: While serving as medical staff, all camp equipment and activities, including kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, archery, mountain bikes, trails, docks & lake swimming, are at your disposal. During off-hours, you can participate in the full summer camp experience or relax in a sky lounge chair and read!
Click here to view the full position description.
We’re looking for volunteers who enjoy tinkering with things and working on maintenance projects. Come with experience or an interest in learning from our Maintenance Team. Volunteers have an opportunity to work with everything from landscaping and painting to building maintenance. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who wants to learn life-long skills like how to use tools, grounds work and maintaining equipment. Minimum age to volunteer is 15.
Location/Program Sites: Downtown YMCA and the YMCA at the Essentia Wellness Center
Days & Times: This opportunity has flexible hours and can be done whenever we have someone available on our maintenance team.
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: Downtown YMCA or the Y at the Essentia Wellness Center
Days & Times: This opportunity has flexible hours and can be done whenever the Y is open.
If you like working outside, this is the gig for you! Summer help includes: watering, raking, weeding, mowing, trimming, pruning and picking up garbage. Winter help includes snow removal of course! Shoveling, plowing, etc. Minimum age to volunteer is 18.
Location/Program Sites: The YMCA at the Essentia Wellness Center in Hermantown
Days & Times: This opportunity has flexible hours and can be done whenever the Y is open.
The Miracle League is a program that provides youth ages 4-19 with disabilities, an opportunity to play baseball as a team member in an organized league. The Miracle League believes “Every Child Deserves a Chance to Play Baseball.” Volunteers are mainly needed to serve as buddies for kids in the program. Buddies assist Miracle League players so it could be anything from helping them at bat, get from base to base or even just cheering them on. Other volunteer positions include: Coaches, Pitcher & Catcher. Minimum age to volunteer is 8 (youth ages 8-11 must have an adult present).
Program Site: Miracle League Field (located in Harrison Park in West Duluth)
Youth League: Saturdays from early June through early August. Volunteers are needed from 9:00-11:00 a.m.
Adult League: Volunteers are needed from 10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Assist the Head Coach with practices and team dynamics which include:
Volunteers must be 16 or older and have knowledge of competitive swim strokes. We ask that volunteers commit to a specific weekday & session time during the season.
Program Sites: Downtown YMCA and the YMCA at the Essentia Wellness Center in Hermantown
Dates: October through February.
Days & Times:
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!”
Do you love office work? We have a gig for you! Assist with one of the most essential departments at the Y: Development! We’re looking for a volunteer to help with mailings, correspondence, databases and organization. A good fit for this position would be a volunteer with a positive attitude who has great organizational skills, is welcoming and kind.
Location/Program Sites: Downtown Duluth
Commitment: Once per week for 2-3 hours
Qualifications: Ability to use Word and Microsoft Excel. Excellent typing skills and keen attention to detail and punctuation.
Rock Steady Boxing offers boxing-inspired fitness classes for people with Parkinson’s disease. The goal is to improve the quality of life of people with Parkinson’s. Volunteers are needed to help assist the boxers in wrapping hands, putting on boxing gloves, assisting boxers in getting up and down off the floor, explaining modifications and keeping morale of classes positive. No experience necessary. We’re looking for people who are compassionate and engaged. Minimum age to volunteer is 16.
Location/Program Sites: Downtown YMCA
Days & Times: Wednesdays and/or Fridays from 9:45-11:15 a.m.
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: Downtown YMCA
Days & Times: Volunteers are mainly needed on evenings and weekends (especially Tuesday and Thursday evenings).
Click here to apply for any of our longer-term volunteer opportunities or you are welcome to download the PDF version here.
Did you know some companies match your volunteer hours with financial donations to the nonprofit you support? Check with your employer to see if they offer a volunteer hour matching program—it's a great way to amplify the difference you can make at the Duluth Area Family YMCA!