Y Stories • YMCA Camps and Outdoor Education • YMCA Volunteers
Celebrating National Volunteer Week: Youth who give back & grow at YMCA Cedar Glen
08 April 2019 - by YMCA Cedar Glen
Over our 15+ years at YMCA Cedar Glen Outdoor Centre, we have been extremely fortunate to have so many amazing volunteers supporting all aspects of our site. From our Organic Farm, to site maintenance, to program development, to accommodations, and so much more, our volunteers help make sure our guests have the best possible memories of their time here at the Y.
Two of these volunteers have really shone recently: Sarina and Dakotah. Currently serving on our Cedar Glen Food Services Volunteer Team, these two co-op students came to us from Humberview High School’s Vocational Program. This program addresses the unique needs of students who have been identified by an Identification, Placement, and Review Committee (I.P.R.C.) as requiring educational assistance beyond what their standard vocational program provides. It’s a unique opportunity for these students to build self-confidence, connections, and real-world skills that translate to the work world.
Sarina and Dakotah join our Cedar Glen team from Monday to Friday, helping to set up our Dining Hall, serve meals, and clear tables — but what they really bring to the table (pun intended) is their community spirit. Sarina loves to start up a conversation with anyone and everyone she meets. “To be able to get out of the classroom and be more active with so many different people has been so much fun,” she says. Dakotah agrees: “I love being at Cedar Glen, meeting new people and getting to speak with so many people every day!”
The rest of us at Cedar Glen have the privilege of seeing first-hand the smiles Sarina and Dakotah put on people’s faces every single day. Our Food Services Team has blossomed from their kindness, enthusiasm, and the Y core values they live by: caring and respect, which they show towards all of our staff and guests, and responsibility for their role in helping to build community and connections.
Volunteers like these two have provided an important reminder to everyone at Cedar Glen: amidst our busy schedules and never-ending To Do lists, the simple gesture of a smile or helping hand can make someone’s day.
Celebrate National Volunteer Week by learning how our passionate volunteers make an impact on every part of our charity.
Two of these volunteers have really shone recently: Sarina and Dakotah. Currently serving on our Cedar Glen Food Services Volunteer Team, these two co-op students came to us from Humberview High School’s Vocational Program. This program addresses the unique needs of students who have been identified by an Identification, Placement, and Review Committee (I.P.R.C.) as requiring educational assistance beyond what their standard vocational program provides. It’s a unique opportunity for these students to build self-confidence, connections, and real-world skills that translate to the work world.
Sarina and Dakotah join our Cedar Glen team from Monday to Friday, helping to set up our Dining Hall, serve meals, and clear tables — but what they really bring to the table (pun intended) is their community spirit. Sarina loves to start up a conversation with anyone and everyone she meets. “To be able to get out of the classroom and be more active with so many different people has been so much fun,” she says. Dakotah agrees: “I love being at Cedar Glen, meeting new people and getting to speak with so many people every day!”The rest of us at Cedar Glen have the privilege of seeing first-hand the smiles Sarina and Dakotah put on people’s faces every single day. Our Food Services Team has blossomed from their kindness, enthusiasm, and the Y core values they live by: caring and respect, which they show towards all of our staff and guests, and responsibility for their role in helping to build community and connections.
Volunteers like these two have provided an important reminder to everyone at Cedar Glen: amidst our busy schedules and never-ending To Do lists, the simple gesture of a smile or helping hand can make someone’s day.
Celebrate National Volunteer Week by learning how our passionate volunteers make an impact on every part of our charity.
