Become a Volunteer

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteering at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Oshkosh is a fulfilling experience that gives you an opportunity to make a direct investment in the future of our community’s youth. We are always looking for skilled and dedicated volunteers to help us achieve our mission of improving the lives of children and families.

We have a variety of volunteer opportunities available to match your schedule and interests. The Club is open Monday through Friday in the evenings during the school year and during the daytime in the summer.

Spend Time with the Kids

Volunteers can engage youth through tutoring, homework help, art projects, board games, sports, field trips and other recreational activities. For more information about volunteer opportunities with kids, please contact Director of Club Services Kevin Mueller at 920-233-1414, ext. 121 or kevinm@bgcosh.org.

Big Futures Mentoring Program

If you would prefer to invest in a Club member one-on-one, our Big Futures Mentoring Program is a great fit. Adult volunteer mentors are matched to individual Club members in need of a role model.

Mentors meet with their mentees at the Club four hours a month, participating in fun activities together and developing a plan for the mentee following high school graduation.

Mentors are asked to commit to meeting with their mentees for at least two years.

For more information about becoming a mentor, please contact Jay Gibson, Big Futures Mentoring Coordinator, at 920-233-1414, ext. 134 or jayg@bgcosh.org.

Youth & Family Grief Support Group=

Many children and teens are or will be affected by the death of a loved one which can feel very isolating like nobody understands. There are ways adults can help children navigate their grief.  One way to challenge that feeling is through support groups like the Club’s Youth & Family Grief Support Group program. Groups are facilitated by caring adult volunteers who help children find strategies to heal. Groups take place at the Club the second Thursday of every month from 6-8 p.m.

Volunteers (adults over 21 are preferred) participate in a two-part training and commit to one evening per month for as many months as they are able. While the volunteer experience can be a bit heartbreaking when seeing small people experience such sadness, it can also be one of the most meaningful and rewarding experiences imaginable. If this sounds like something you may be interested in, and if you feel you meet the requirements listed, we would love to make you part of the grief support group for grieving children program.

For more information or to volunteer for this program contact Director of Youth & Family Engagement, Danielle Bittelman, at 920-233-1414, ext. 124 or danielleb@bgcosh.org.

Assist with Special Events

The Club organizes multiple events throughout the year—from fundraisers to family events—that require the assistance of numerous volunteers. Event volunteers help in a variety of ways, from registration and set up/tear down to serving meals and wrapping holiday gifts.

Fundraising Events

• WineFeast (April)
• Afternoon Tea (July/August)
• Turkey Trot Beneficiary (November)

If you are interested in volunteering for a fundraising event, please contact the Director of Development & Strategic Initiatives, Katie Talken, at 920-233-1414, ext. 129 or katiet@bgcosh.org.

Family Events

These events serve our members and their families:

• Back to School Fair (August)
• Youth of the Year (October)
• Halloween Party (October)
• Thanksgiving Dinner (November)
• Christmas Party (December)
• Family Nights (Monthly)

To volunteer for youth and family-related events, please contact Director of Club Services, Kevin Mueller, at 920-233-1414, ext. 121 or kevinm@bgcosh.org.

Plan a Group Project

One-time volunteer projects can be set up to fit your group size and specific time frame. Projects range from beautification (planting flowers, raking leaves) to general maintenance projects (painting, cleaning). If you are interested in volunteering for a one-time group opportunity, please contact Director of Facilities, Jamie Wilcox, at 920-233-1414, ext. 111 or jamiew@bgcosh.org.

Coordinate a Supplies Drive

We are always in need of new school supplies, hygiene products, new coats and shoes, holiday toys, sporting equipment, games, crafts and other supplies necessary in making the Club experience great.

If you would like to organize a supply drive for the Club, please contact the Director of Youth & Family Engagement, Danielle Bittelman, at 920-233-1414, ext. 124 or danielleb@bgcosh.org.

I know how I want to volunteer, what’s next?

Before volunteering, you will need to complete a volunteer application and a background check*. The Club spends thousands of dollars on background checks on an annual basis. If you would be willing to cover the cost of your background check, please let us know! If you would like to cover the $13 fee, checks can be made out to the Boys & Girls Club of Oshkosh. Also, if you prefer to fill out a paper copy of our volunteer application, it can be downloaded here.

Completed forms can be emailed to Administrative Services Coordinator, Angie Koepke, at angelak@bgcosh.org, or submitted in person at the Club.

*If you are volunteering for a one-time opportunity and children will not be present, a background check may be waived.