The Red and Black

Issue date: 11/6/08 Section: Athens Living

Media Credit: FILE PHOTO Sandy Creek Park is one location in town where students can volunteer. [Click to enlarge]

Volunteering in Athens allows students to take a break from campus life while serving the community.

Athens-Clarke County Department of Leisure Services helps students get involved in the arts, athletics, natural resources and recreation.

Some students can receive community service hours for course credit.

"There's a lot of diversity which provides for flexibility in volunteering schedules," said Sandy Creek Park Volunteer Coordinator Janice Denney. "A lot of our events happen on weekends. Though there are [volunteer] opportunities during the week, we cater to the public that's out about on the weekends."

Anyone 18 years or older can choose from more than 400 activities and serve in single session programs, weekly instructions classes, eight-week programs, summer camps or yearly events.

Volunteering should come naturally, Denney said.

"All of our facilities are connected by the natural world," Denney said. "Our volunteers can participate in animal care, public events, trail maintenance, disc golf or work with school groups as tour guides."

Volunteers working with school groups require additional training and higher levels of commitment, Denny said.

Additionally, prospective volunteer athletic coaches must pass a background check.

Contact Denney at 706-613-3615 or janicedenney@co.clarke.ga.us for more information.

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