Society for Children and Youth of BC (Walking School Bus Walk Leader)

Organization Name: Society for Children and Youth of BC
Opportunity Title: Walking School Bus Walk Leader
Category: Children & Youth
Commitment: Less than 6 months
Start Date: September 11, 2023
End Date: December 15, 2023

Email: info@scyofbc.org
Website: http://www.scyofbc.org/
Details:

• Background/police check required
• Appropriate for youth (i.e., less than 18)
• Appropriate for volunteers aged between 18 and 55
• Appropriate for volunteers aged 55 and over
• Family-oriented volunteering

Opportunity Description:

Kid Commute – Walking School Bus Walk Leader 

 

The Society for Children and Youth of BC (SCY) is looking for dedicated and enthusiastic individuals to serve as volunteer Walk Leaders for Kid Commute – a Walking School Bus (WSB) initiative. As a Walk Leader, you will play a crucial role in promoting active transportation and ensuring the safety of students walking to school. This is an excellent opportunity to make a positive impact on your community and promote healthy habits among children.

 A WSB is a group of students who walk to and from school together along a designated route with planned stops to pick-up and/or drop-off children. These groups are supervised by trained volunteer Walk Leaders. WSB programs enhance safety, encourage physical activity, reduce traffic congestion around schools and foster a sense of community. Kid Commute is a regional WSB program that will run at select elementary and middle schools in Metro Vancouver, beginning in September 2023. The program was developed by TransLink in response to the need for safer school zones, reduced emissions, and the promotion of school active travel and healthy children in the region.

 

Responsibilities:

• Lead a group of students to and from school along a designated route
• Ensure the safety and well-being of students during the walk
• Follow established procedures and guidelines of the Kid Commute initiative as outlined in the Walk Leader Training Manual and Materials
• Attend a Walk Leader training session prior to the program start date in September 2023 (exact date TBD)

• Promote pedestrian safety and awareness among students
• Collect and submit daily data reports
• Communicate with parents, school staff, and program coordinators as needed

 

Qualifications:

• Reliable, punctual, and committed to the program schedule
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to follow guidelines and prioritize safety
• Informal and/or formal experience working with school aged children

• Experience and/or willingness to create a fun environment for school aged children
• Respect for people of all ages, races, cultures, abilities and sexual orientations 
• Passionate about promoting active transportation and a healthy lifestyle
• Undergo a police and vulnerable sector check

 

Locations: We have openings for volunteer Walk Leaders in the City of Vancouver, the City of New Westminster and the District of North Vancouver. If applicable, please specify your preferred location in your application.

 

Time Commitment: Typically, each Walk Leader shift is approximately 45 minutes – 1 hour. There are shifts in the morning before school and in the afternoon after school. We ask that all Walk Leaders commit to a minimum of 4-5 shifts per week.

 

How to Apply: 

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer Walk Leader for the Kid Commute initiative, please email us at walkingschoolbus@scyofbc.org with the subject: Walking School Bus Volunteer. Include the following information in your application:

1. Full Name:

1. Contact Information (your phone number and email address):

1. Preferred Location(s) and school (if applicable):

1. City of Vancouver, District of North Vancouver or City of New Westminster

1. Availability from the following list:

1. Monday AM (8-9)

1. Monday PM (3-4)

1. Tuesday AM (8-9) 

1. Tuesday PM (3-4) 

1. Wednesday AM (8-9)

1. Wednesday PM (3-4) 

1. Thursday AM (8-9) 

1. Thursday PM (3-4) 

1. Friday AM (8-9) 

1. Friday PM (3-4)

1. Relevant Experience and/or resume:

1. Contact information of a reference (preference for professional, but a personal reference will be accepted): 

 

Thank you for considering this volunteer opportunity! Together, we can create safer and healthier communities by encouraging active transportation for Metro Vancouver children.