Volunteer Opportunities and Expectations
Bustin’ Barriers benefits from the skills and spirit of generosity of its volunteers. Each Bustin’ Barriers participant, be they participating in summer camps, respite/soccer or our annual adapted basketball tournaments (or all three!), knows what it feels like to have a supportive volunteer peer coach at their side.
Our peer coaches include individuals who experience disability as well as their non-disabled peers who work alongside one another. Together they provide encouragement and assistance to participants – enhancing fun and often busting some barriers.
We believe that each of us has value and that we learn from one another.
As a community we grow and evolve from our interactions.
Bustin’ Barriers volunteers are people who:
- believe everyone has the right to be active and have fun
- believe in diversity, equity and inclusion
- are willing to learn new things, including information about different disabilities, physical activity adaptations, adapted equipment and program protocols
- are punctual and dependable
- have a cooperative spirit and are kind to others
- understand that the focus of our programs are our program participants. Youth (5-21) who participate in Bustin’ Barriers programs experience a variety of disabilities, which may include: Down Syndrome, Autism, intellectual and developmental delay, limited verbal interaction, behavioral challenges and/or participation anxiety. Although a Bustin’ Barriers’ participant may have limited verbal communication, need assistance with walking, running or playing a game, these same kids have feelings and are aware of how you make them feel. Support and encouragement are essential and invaluable.
The Volunteer Process
- Youth 18 and under must submit a signed 18 and Under Youth Application. Please note that this online application also requires a parent/guardian digital signature on some pages.
- Individuals 19 and over complete Bustin’ Barriers Adult Volunteer Application. All volunteers over 18 are background checked prior to volunteering at Bustin’ Barriers.
- Questions? Please call our Operations Director at 503-502-0521.
Thank you for your interest in Bustin’ Barriers.