Search

Start2Finish (S2F): Running & Reading Club Volunteer

In-Person

The Start2Finish Running & Reading Club is an evidence-based program that focuses on the "whole child," offering a unique, life-changing experience that produces outcomes in 4 critical areas of well-being: Physical, Mental, Social-Emotional, and School/Academic.

This program uses physical activity to empower children to build a lasting cycle of health and success. The program is based on research that shows exercise positively impacts children's cognitive and social skills and reduces the "stressors" they face.

The program is rooted in Positive Education principles to improve executive functioning skills (focus, working memory, self-control, etc.) and social-emotional competencies (resilience, motivation, mindfulness, positivity, relationship management, self-regulation, belonging, etc.), empowering children to be successful in school and life.

Option 1:

Every Thursday

2:30 to 5:30 pm

At A. H. P. Matthew Elementary (13367 97 Ave, Surrey)

Option 2:

Every Thursday

2:30 to 5:30 pm

At Old Yale Road Elementary (10135 132 St, Surrey)

The Start2Finish program will operate at the following two sites:

  • A.H.P Matthew Elementary School from 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm on Thursdays  
  • Old Yale Road Elementary School from 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm on Thursdays

In your application, please indicate your preferred option. 

Your role:

Join our team of dedicated volunteers and play a vital role in encouraging students to create positive changes physically, mentally, and emotionally through fitness and literacy.

As a volunteer, you'll have the opportunity to:

  • Inspire Confidence: Help build self-esteem and motivate students to reach their full potential.
  • Foster Growth: Encourage hard work and perseverance, essential traits for lifelong success.
  • Make a Difference: Empower club participants with the skills and characteristics they need to
    thrive

In this role you will work with:

  • Children in grades 1 to 6
  • Onsite Club Director (Direct report and onsite supervisor)
  • Volunteer and Community Engagement Manager (head office contact)

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

1) Program Facilitation:

  • Fitness Activities:
    • Lead Warm-Ups: Guide students through warm-up exercises to prepare for running and other physical activities.
    • Organize Running Sessions: Plan and supervise running sessions, ensuring all students participate safely and enthusiastically.
    • Encourage Participation: Motivate students to engage in fitness activities, helping them set and achieve personal goals.
  • Literacy Activities:
    • Reading Sessions: Conduct one-on-one or small group reading sessions, helping students improve their reading skills.
    • Storytelling: Read stories aloud to the group and encourage discussions about the content.
    • Literacy Games: Facilitate fun and educational games that enhance vocabulary, comprehension, and a love for reading.

2) Student Support: 

  • Mentorship:
    • Build Relationships: Develop positive and supportive relationships with students, fostering a sense of trust and encouragement.
    • Provide Guidance: Offer assistance and advice to students, helping them overcome challenges and stay motivated.
    • Role Modeling: Demonstrate positive behaviors and attitudes, serving as a role model for students.

3) Safety and Supervision: 

  • Ensure Safety:
    • Monitor Activities: Supervise students closely during all activities to ensure their safety and well-being.
    • Follow Protocols: Adhere to all safety protocols and guidelines set by the program.
    • Address Issues: Respond promptly and appropriately to any safety concerns or incidents.

4) Communication and Collaboration:

  • Team Collaboration:
    • Work with Staff: Collaborate with program staff and other volunteers to plan and execute activities.
    • Share Insights: Communicate any observations or concerns about students’ progress or behavior to program coordinators.
  • Create Fun Experiences:
    • Engage Students: Plan and facilitate engaging activities that make learning fun and enjoyable.
    • Celebrate Success: Recognize and celebrate students’ achievements and milestones.

Additional benefits:

  • Gain experience working with school-age kids in an elementary school setting.
  • Gain experience facilitating an afterschool program.
  • Gain demonstrable leadership and mentorship experience.
  • Have the opportunity to engage with other SFU students and volunteers.
  • Earn credit on your SFU Co-Curricular Record (CCR).

Program dates, times & locations:

Option 1:

  • Every Thursday
  • Time: 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm
  • Location: A.H.P Matthew Elementary (13367 97 Ave, Surrey, BC V3T 1A4)
  • Dates: November 14th – December 12th | January 23rd – April 24th | May 8th – June 19th
  • MANDATORY TRAINING: Exact date TBA. Location: A.H.P. Matthew Elementary. 

Option 2:

  • Every Thursday
  • Time: 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm
  • Location: Old Yale Road Elementary (10135 132 St, Surrey, BC V3T 3T6) 
  • Dates (Approximately): November 14th – December 12th | January 23rd – April 24th | May 8th – June 19th
  • MANDATORY TRAINING: Exact date TBA. Location: Old Yale Road Elementary. 

Commitment:

We ask that volunteers plan to commit to the entire run of this program (Sept 2024 to June 2025). This 3-term commitment will benefit both yourself and your team. However, we also realize that scheduling and life circumstances may make long-term involvement difficult, so the minimum commitment you must be able to make is one full semester (e.g. September–December / January–April / May–June).

Requirements:

  • Volunteer application
  • Police check for the vulnerable sector
  • Code of Conduct
  • Child Protection Policy Training
  • Volunteer Orientation 

Please note, individuals who do not go to SFU may also apply for this volunteer position as long as they are in grade 11 or older. 

Qualifications: 

Volunteering at the Running & Reading Club is a fulfilling opportunity that requires certain qualifications to ensure a safe, effective, and enjoyable experience for both volunteers and children.

  • Verbal communication
  • Active listening
  • Empathy
  • Enthusiastic engagement
  • Adjusting to change
  • Problem solving
  • Time Management
  • Group facilitation
  • Building relationships
  • Teamwork
  • Leading by example

TO BEGIN YOUR APPLICATION:

If you are interested in this opportunity, please click the 'Apply Now' button below and submit your initial expression of interest.

You will then receive an email from SurveyMonkey containing our application form which must be completed as soon as possible. Once you have submitted this application, your information will be sent to the Start2Finish team for the next steps.

Deadline to apply: Sunday, November 10th | 11:59 PM

Apply Now

Please Note: If the required number of volunteers for this opportunity is reached before the above deadline, this posting may be taken down.

 
 
Collection Notice: The information collected as part of the application process is under the authority of the University Act (R.S.B.C. 1996, c.468). It is related directly to and needed by the University to administer the volunteer program through the SFU Surrey – TD Community Engagement Centre. The information will be used to screen volunteer applicants, refer applicants to opportunities of interest, and update applicants with information related to volunteer opportunities. If you have any questions about the collection and use of this information please contact Associate Director, Partnerships and Programs, 250-13450 102 Avenue, Surrey BC, V3T 0A3, 778-782-8082.    

Apply now!

Ready to learn about volunteering with the community as an SFU ambassador? Join the Community Engagement Volunteer Training Program.

Learn more

This opportunity is recognized on the Co-Curricular Record (CCR), an official university document that tracks your co-curricular involvement at SFU. Learn more about the Co-Curricular Record at www.sfu.ca/students/get-involved/recognition/co-curricular-record.