Volunteer Project Catalog
East Boston YMCA
Come help us at our Annual East BOOston 5K. We have a new race route this year- and we need your help to direct our runners. May also need help with registration, shirt hand-out and cheering along the route.
How you can help:
Charlestown YMCA
Purpose: The volunteer coach helps young athletes learn and enjoy basketball while developing fundamental skills, teamwork, sportsmanship, confidence, and positive character. The goal is to create a safe, encouraging, and fun environment where every player can improve and feel included. Volunteer role: Coaches lead or assist with practices, basketball drills, and games. Responsibilities may include teaching fundamentals such as dribbling, passing, shooting, ball control, defense, and basic game concepts; organizing activities; encouraging teamwork; providing positive feedback; and helping players understand sportsmanship and respect. Coaches also serve as positive role models for young athletes. Time commitment: Volunteers should be prepared to attend scheduled practices and games throughout the season. Jr. Celtics programs commonly run as multi-week sessions; for example, the YMCA of Greater Boston's current league runs from November 9, 2026 through February 14, 2027. Who participates: The program is designed for children and young athletes, with age and grade ranges varying by location and league. Programs welcome players with different levels of basketball experience, including beginners. Coaching approach: Coaches should focus on teaching and development rather than simply winning games. Practices should include age-appropriate drills, skill development, teamwork, and opportunities for players to apply what they learn during game play. Jr. Celtics programs specifically combine individual skill instruction with game play.
How you can help:
Wang YMCA of Chinatown
Every year WANG hosts a Holiday Party for the Community. There will be games and activities for the kids, Santa will make an appearance, and Kowloon and a few other local restaurants sponsor the dinner for all. Over 500 families typically attend. We need volunteers to help with set-up, activities during the event and breakdown. Event is 2pm-5pm. Set up begins at 10am.
How you can help:
Burbank YMCA
This position will support Burbank YMCA Directors in programming. It might include assisting with a class, facilitating a program, chaperoning an event or trip or filling in for an instructor in their absence. The position may also include pre-program preparation including preparing class materials, setting up program space or helping with program marketing.
How you can help:
Dorchester YMCA
Child Watch Volunteers help create a safe, welcoming, and engaging environment for children while parents and guardians participate in YMCA programs and wellness activities. Volunteers serve as positive role models by demonstrating the YMCA's core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility. Through play, supervision, and age-appropriate activities, volunteers contribute to children's social, emotional, and developmental growth while supporting families in the YMCA community. Welcome children and families in a friendly and professional manner. Assist staff in supervising children ages 6 weeks to 12 years in the Child Watch area. Engage children in age-appropriate games, arts and crafts, storytelling, and recreational activities. Help maintain a safe, clean, and organized play environment. Monitor children during indoor activities and free play, ensuring adherence to safety guidelines. Support staff in creating a positive and inclusive atmosphere where all children feel valued and respected. Help model appropriate behavior and encourage positive interactions among children. Assist with cleaning toys, organizing supplies, and preparing activity areas before and after shifts. Follow YMCA policies regarding child safety, emergency procedures, and member confidentiality. Report concerns, incidents, or safety hazards immediately to supervisory staff. By serving in Child Watch, volunteers help parents prioritize their health and wellness while ensuring their children are cared for in a nurturing environment. Volunteers contribute directly to strengthening families, supporting youth development, and advancing the YMCA's mission of building healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. Typical shifts range from 2 to 5 hours. Flexible scheduling based on volunteer availability and YMCA needs. Opportunities available on weekdays, evenings, and weekends for special events and family programming.
How you can help:
Huntington Ave YMCA
Huntington Ave YMCA has volunteer opportunities at our membership desk, on our fitness floor, with our teens, and for center family and community events! Complete this to volunteer at the Huntington Ave Y!
How you can help:
Parkway Community YMCA
Looking for a rewarding volunteer opportunity? Join our Jr. Celtics Basketball League! The season runs from November 9, 2026, through February 14, 2027, and serves children ages 3-12. Volunteers are needed on Tuesdays and Saturdays, with most programming taking place on Saturdays. This is a great opportunity to build leadership skills, gain experience working with youth, and help create a positive and fun sports experience for young athletes.
How you can help:
Wang YMCA of Chinatown
An authentic style of traditional Okinawan karate-do, as it has been practiced for centuries. Its emphasis is the kata or forms, which are the essence of karate. Through dedicated training, the student will build strength, stamina, flexibility, balance and agility over time. Teacher must have Shorin-Ryu Karate Experience
How you can help:
Charlestown YMCA
Purpose: The Run Club brings people together to stay active, build community, and enjoy running in a welcoming and supportive environment. Volunteers help create a positive experience for everyone, from beginners to experienced runners. Volunteer role: Volunteers help welcome and check in participants, explain the run route, lead or assist pace groups, encourage runners along the way, help with water or supplies, and assist with setup and cleanup as needed. Time commitment: Volunteers typically commit to approximately 1–2 hours per run club session. Volunteers may participate regularly or sign up for individual sessions based on their availability. Who participates: The club is open to a wide range of participants, including beginners, recreational runners, and more experienced runners. All fitness and experience levels are welcome. Run format: Runs generally take place on a designated local route and may include different distances or pace groups so participants can choose an option that works for them. Volunteers help keep groups organized and make sure everyone feels included. Qualifications: No advanced running experience is required. Volunteers should be dependable, friendly, comfortable working with groups of children, and able to communicate clearly. Familiarity with running or the local route is helpful but not required. Tone: The club should feel welcoming, inclusive, encouraging, and community-focused. Volunteers should help create an atmosphere where all participants feel comfortable showing up, meeting others, and enjoying the run.
How you can help:
Wang YMCA of Chinatown
Come volunteer at the Wang YMCA of Chinatown with our various sports and enrichment programs for preschool and youth aged participants! This Fall Session will run on Saturdays and Sundays from 09-12-2026 to 11-01-2026, between 9AM - 12PM.
How you can help:
Charles River YMCA
Looking for Middle School Aged or High School Aged volunteers to help with Youth Sports Programs,
How you can help:
Charles River YMCA
We are looking for volunteer coaches for our Fall Soccer and Winter Jr Celtics Youth Sprots Programs. Fall Soccer meets on Saturdays 9am-2pm from 9/15 through 10/3. Experience not required, but preferred. Must have patience and enjoy working with children. A Background check CORI/SORI will need to be processed and cleared in order to volunteer.
How you can help:
YMCA International Learning Center
Our ESOL volunteer tutors assist with setting up technology, running small group activities, helping students catch up after absences, and providing one-on-one support. Weekly opportunity , Tuesday and Thursday evenings form 6pm-8:30pm, September -June.
How you can help:
YMCA International Learning Center
Volunteers assist with our adult ESOL classes by offering language support and helping students build confidence. Must have passion for working with immigrant communities. Speaking a second language is a plus. Classes are: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, Morning 9:30am-12pm Afternoon 1pm-3:30pm Evening 6pm-8:30pm
How you can help:
YMCA Achievers
Y Achievers is a national program that helps young people discover and pursue higher education and career goals by equipping them with the skills needed to succeed and be community role models. Our bi-weekly meetings are intentionally located on the campus of Wentworth Institute of Technology to inspire hope and a belief that a college degree is in all of our student’s futures. Students are guided by staff and local professionals in fields they are interested in through Career Clusters and Life Skill Clusters. Young people actively engaged in programming receive a FREE teen membership to the 13 Greater Boston YMCA’s. Register today to reserve your space for the 2026-2027 school year! Welcome Youth Achievers! If you are interested in being a guest speaker to our group please visit the Achievers Guest Speakers page https://ymcaboston.org/youth-and-family/teen-programs/y-achievers/guest-speakers
How you can help: