Volunteer Tips for Children's Recreation Volunteers

Children's Recreation projects can be lots of fun and incredibly rewarding. Below are a few tips to help make sure that adults and children alike have a great experience.

• Play ice breakers with the kids when you first meet them. It's a great introduction and it gets everyone excited for the day's activities.
   
• Divide adults and kids up into smaller groups so everyone has a 'buddy.'
   
• Respect privacy. Many of the children served by New York Cares programming are from under privileged backgrounds; don't ask questions about home life. Keep conversation to hobbies, likes/ dislikes, favorite etc.
   
• Volunteers should not buy gifts or extra snacks for one child unless the group as a whole has decided to buy items of equal value for all of the children. Any gifts or food should be approved by the agency contact.
   
• Pay attention. Be observant and listen carefully when the children speak to you.
   
• Children's Recreation projects are meant to be fun for everyone; the more energy and be enthusiasm you bring, the more fun everyone will have!
   
• Eat healthy! If there is a choice, try to choose healthy options for snacks and lunches. They may not be as appealing to the kids, but a hungry child will eat anything! It is good to talk about and try to promote healthy eating amongst the children you'll be working with.