Brock Niagara Penguins Volunteer Information

Introductory Volunteer Newsletter 2016-17

Welcome! who is running practice that day. I would like to extend a welcome to all volunteers Practice ends at 5:30pm, you will say who have showed interest in volunteering with the goodbye to the Penguins. swimmers and assist with any IT IS CRUCIAL YOU READ and clean up that needs to be done. UNDERSTAND THIS LETTER. Volunteers will then review practice, give suggestions or any feedback for the next This program is for youth and adults with a week. Swim practices focus on building physical disability; our athletes have physical skills and working towards the individual needs, but may also have developmental or goals of the participants. Some swimmers learning disabilities. Our program consists of: will enter into novice swim meets at the end 1. Swim program / Swim team (Thursdays), of each session, which you are encouraged to attend. A general practice plan will be 2. Wheelchair basketball team (Saturdays and posted; it is up to you to shape the practice weekend travel), to meet the needs of the swimmer. 3. Boccia Ball – (Wednesdays) Remember you set the tone of the practice, Participants may be attending one, two or all of the not complaining about the temperature of programs throughout the year. All programs are the water, encouraging positive behaviour striving towards improving physical activity from the athletes and giving simple to levels, increasing independence and providing a understand directions are key! Your social opportunity for participants. energy and enthusiasm will set the The success of the program depends on you, stage for the swimmers to have FUN! the volunteer. It is imperative that you be on Each practice will be modeled around: time and attend all the practices you have 1. Welcome / Warm-up committed to, starting in September right through 2. Stretching to March/April. If in an emergency you are unable 3. Skill to attend, you are responsible for getting in touch 4. Fun Fitness with your head coach immediately. Without 5. Cool down volunteers we cannot run the program. All volunteers are encouraged to lead / The majority of the helpers are volunteers from the develop any aspects of a practice. Faculty of Applied Health Sciences and the MedPlus Program at Brock University. They are volunteering their time to ensure all athletes have a 2. 2. Wheelchair Basketball Team successful experience. If you have any feedback Program for them please talk directly to them, your head 3. If you are volunteering with the basketball coach or Karen Natho. program be outside of Gym 2 by 11:45am. You can go back into the storage closet and 1. Swim Program assist with getting the chairs ready. You must If you are volunteering for the swim wear appropriate gym clothes and running program be on the pool deck at 4:00pm sharp. You shoes. You will assist with equipment set-up must wear your bathing suit; you can expect to and find out get into the water during the practice. Before the plan for the practice from the coach. Practice practice starts please help put in the lane ropes and ends at 2:30pm after a house league game. find out the plan for the practice from the coach At the end you will assist with any equipment take Working with Individuals with down, put away and clean up. All volunteers will Disabilities then review the program, give suggestions or any feedback for the next week. There are several things to keep in mind when working with people with a variety of different All volunteers are encouraged to lead / develop disabilities. The most important is to remember to any aspects of a practice. The team is training adapt your programs or activities to each for games versus other Southern Ontario participant depending on their needs. Example, wheelchair basketball teams and will attend some participants may need clear step by step and host camps and tournaments, that you are direction to keep them on task. Other participants encouraged to help with. may need assistance picking up equipment or adapting a game so they can participate fully. Talk 3.Boccia Ball Team Program to other volunteers, the athlete and perhaps their caregivers for guidance and suggestions. If you are volunteering with the boccia ball As you get to know the participants and their program be at the Main Gym of the Niagara specific strengths and abilities, adapting programs Children’s Centre by 3:15pm. You can go back will become easier. It is important to always be into the gym closet and assist with set-up. You patient, enthusiastic, and ensure that you are must wear appropriate gym clothes and running speaking to each participant in an shoes. You will assist with equipment set-up and age-appropriate manner. Use the knowledge of find out the plan for the practice from the coach. the volunteers around you to help you learn what Junior practice ends at 4:30pm and Senior practice might work! ends at 6:00pm. All information on the athletes and their families is Penguin T-shirts confidential and not to be discussed outside All dedicated volunteers will be given a Penguin sessions. complimentary Penguin t-shirt during the program. Additional ones can be purchased for $10. Please read the Volunteer Description, available on the website.