How do the background checks work? 

The safety of our kids is our highest priority.  In order to attend regular day programs and any overnight programs with our youth, we require a criminal background check.  You will get a link via email to complete the background check when it is appropriate for your volunteering time with us, typically after your first or second half-day or full-day program with us.  A background check will be repeated every 24 months for applicable volunteers.   

Is this all of CV’s programming? 

While we love to have a high ratio of adults to youth, we never want to overwhelm the youth on our programs.  Therefore, we only recruit for programs that have space for a volunteer.  

When will more opportunities be available? 

Volunteering opportunities will be solicited when programs are scheduled. Check back frequently or be on the lookout for emails that will inform you of added programs.  Also, feel free to join our Chicago Voyagers Volunteering Facebook page for updates, community, and opportunities for you to connect with our program leaders.   

Do I need experience with the activity in order to sign up for it? 

For many of our programs, we invite any level of experience, including beginners!  This is a wonderful opportunity to model learning something new in uncomfortable situations.  We ask that you have a willingness to learn, keep a positive attitude through challenges, and are able to emphasize the youth’s learning and experience.   

Any program that requires a specific skill set will be denoted in the program’s description, and new volunteers will get a call to assess their skills.