Volunteer

Your help is invaluable!

Volunteers play an essential role in helping deliver programs and services at BGCDOC that improve the lives of Durham and Chapel Hill youth. The selfless gift of your support as a program or event volunteer can impact the lives of our members and change their future.

Become A Volunteer

Group Application

Volunteering FAQs

How do I become a volunteer?

Read through all information and ensure that you are eligible to volunteer at BGCDOC

Pay a $20 application fee and complete the initial application
Receive a web link to complete the online background check through First Advantage
If approved, you will receive an invitation to attend a one hour volunteer orientation and tour. These typically take place the first Monday of every month from 12-1 PM, and the fourth Tuesday of every month from 4:30-5:30 PM.
Upon completion of the orientation, you will officially be a BGCDOC volunteer!

Am I eligible?

Volunteers must be 16+ years old.
Applicants will NOT be eligible if they:
- refuse to consent to a criminal background check
- make false statements in connection with such criminal background check
- are registered or required to be registered on a state or national sex offender registry
- have been convicted to a felony consisting of:
  - murder,
  - child abuse,
  - a crime against children, including child pornography,
  - domestic violence,
  - abduction or human trafficking,
  - a crime involving rape or sexual assault,
  - arson,
  - weapons, or
  - physical assault or battery
- have been convicted of a drug related offense committed within the last five years

Volunteer Oportunities

Knowledge Builders Tutor
- Volunteers are needed to work one-on-one with students who are struggling in core classes (math, science, social studies, English/language arts). Participants in this program must be able to commit at least 1 hour per week and maintain a consistent schedule. Volunteers are paired with a student (age range 6-15) based on their professional/academic qualification. Tutors are typically needed Monday-Friday between 3:30PM – 5:30PM during the school year, though that can vary.
Classroom Assistance
- Volunteers are needed to help program leaders with various lessons, programs, and activities. They also help with homework and classroom worksheets. Classrooms include K-2nd grade, 3rd -5th , middle school, and teens. Classroom assistants are needed Monday-Friday between 2:30PM – 6:30PM during the school year, and between 8AM – 6PM during the summer.
Physical Education Instruction
- BGCDOC encourages daily physical activity and consistently runs programming in the gym and outside. Current programs include yoga and self-defense. Volunteers are needed to help coordinate and facilitate programs such as non-competitive sports, relay races, games, etc. Scheduling varies and can be flexible.
Program Implementation
- Many of our programs are volunteer-led, including chess and computer programming. We always welcome new and innovative ideas when it comes to running programs for Club kids. If you are interested in investing your time to create and run a program, whether permanent or temporary, we’d love to have you!
Administrative
- Occasionally the administrative staff will need help with tasks such as shredding, data input, filing and organizing, and cleaning.
Special Events
- Each year we have several special events that often need the support of community volunteers. Visit our events page to learn about upcoming events.

We ask that volunteers pay a $10 application fee to cover the cost of the required background check. Every penny the Club doesn’t spend on administrative fees goes straight to Club programming, so thank you for helping!

Scheduling & Time Commitment

While some volunteer roles have specific time commitments, many are at the discretion of the volunteer. Weekly tutors must commit to at least 1 hour per week during the school year, while classroom assistants can be any time during operating hours. The after school program, which runs alongside the Durham and Chapel Hill-Carrboro Public School schedule, is from 2:30 PM – 6:30 PM (6 PM at Craig Gomains) Monday-Friday.

Group Opportunities

Group Application – Get Started

Building Maintenance

Taking place at the Durham Club, building maintenance may involve trash pickup around the property, painting, reorganizing classrooms and storage closets, and deep cleaning.

Typically, groups that prefer building maintenance come during the morning hours or when children are not present.

Program Assistance

Volunteer groups can either lead their own program or support existing programming. Examples include giving a presentation to a class about career options or possibly running a STEM experiment. Volunteer groups have also facilitated large parties with bounce houses and DJs.

Groups can also aid our Program Leaders in programs they already have planned, such as Slime Day.

Field Trips

We love giving Club kids the opportunity to leave the Club and go on field trips. Groups of volunteers have often hosted them at their place of business (perfect for career exploration) or at retreat sites for outdoor activities.

Our buses can bring a maximum of 40 children plus staff to your selected location.

Proudly Serving Durham & Orange Counties Since 1939

Are you ready to get involved?

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