Volunteer with the Y
Gain experience. Build connections. Strengthen your community.Â
Volunteering with the YMCA is an opportunity to develop leadership skills, gain hands-on experience, meet new people, and contribute to programs that make a difference every day.
Whether you're looking to fulfill volunteer hours, strengthen your resume, explore new interests, or support a cause you care about, the Y offers flexible and rewarding opportunities for everyone.
Volunteer Opportunities
Health, Membership & Recreation
Location:Â Regional Y, 191 Churchill Blvd, Saint John, NB, E2K 3E2Â
Responsibilities:Â
- Lead safe, inclusive, and engaging AquaFit classes for participants of all ages and abilities. Â
- Arrive prepared and on time, maintaining a positive, respectful, and professional presence. Â
- Follow YMCA policies and procedures, communicate with supervisors as needed, and participate in required training while representing YMCA values.Â
Qualifications:Â
- Must hold current, clear Vulnerable Sector Security Clearance, Standard First Aid, and CPR Level C certification (recommended). Â
- YMCA Group Fitness Certification required, with stream-specific qualification for AquaFit instruction. Â
- Must be at least 16 years of ageÂ
Responsibilities:Â
- Support Aquatics staff in delivering safe, positive swim program experiences for children and youth ages 3–15, helping them learn and improve swim skills. Â
- Assist with program operations including attendance tracking, equipment setup/clean-up, and change room supervision as required. Â
- Maintain a welcoming, respectful, and professional environment while following YMCA policies, procedures, and guiding principles, and communicating appropriately with staff and supervisors.Â
  Qualifications:Â
- Must provide a current and satisfactory Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Screening (if applicable). Â
- Standard First Aid and CPR Level C required; Bronze Medallion and/or Bronze Cross certification preferred. Â
- Must be at least 13 years of ageÂ
 Commitment Requirement: A minimum 3-month commitment of 2 hours/week.Â
Responsibilities:Â
- Lead safe, high-energy CycleFit classes that accommodate participants of varying fitness levels. Â
- Provide clear instruction, motivation, and music-driven workouts that promote cardiovascular fitness and endurance. Â
- Arrive prepared and on time, maintaining a professional, inclusive environment while representing YMCA values.Â
 Qualifications:Â
- Must be at least 16 years of age with current Vulnerable Sector Screening and clear security clearance. Standard First Aid and CPR Level C recommended. Â
- YMCA Group Fitness Certification required in the appropriate instructional stream. Â
Currently recruiting for: Dance, Yoga, Chair Yoga, Pilates, Step Fitness, Active 50+, Strength & Conditioning and Specialty Wellness Programs.Â
Responsibilities:Â
- Lead safe, engaging, and inclusive group fitness classes for participants of varying fitness levels across multiple class streams (e.g., Yoga, Zumba, CycleFit, AquaFit). Â
- Motivate and support participants by providing clear instruction, encouragement, and guidance while maintaining a positive class environment. Â
- Prepare classes, set up and monitor equipment, track attendance, and follow YMCA policies, procedures, and values while maintaining professionalism and respect at all times.Â
 Qualifications:Â
- Must hold current Vulnerable Sector Screening, Standard First Aid, and CPR Level C (recommended), along with YMCA Group Fitness Certification in the appropriate instructional stream. Â
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to build positive relationships in a diverse community. Â
- Must be at least 16 years of age
Responsibilities:Â
- Lead safe, inclusive, and accessible yoga classes for participants of all ages and abilities. Â
- Provide clear instruction, modifications, and encouragement to support strength, flexibility, balance, and overall well-being. Â
- Create a welcoming, respectful environment while arriving prepared, demonstrating professionalism, and representing YMCA values.Â
 Qualifications:Â
- Must be at least 16 years of age with current Vulnerable Sector Screening and clear security clearance. Standard First Aid and CPR Level C recommended. Â
- YMCA Group Fitness Certification required in the appropriate instructional stream. Â
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships, work as a team, and take initiative in a diverse community setting.Â
Responsibilities:Â
- Lead fun, safe, and inclusive Zumba classes that encourage participation from people of all fitness levels. Â
- Prepare and deliver engaging choreography and music while maintaining a positive, high-energy class environment. Â
- Arrive on time, prepared, and follow YMCA policies and safety guidelines while representing YMCA values and community spirit.Â
 Qualifications & Skills:Â
- Must hold current Vulnerable Sector Screening, Standard First Aid, and CPR Level C (recommended), along with YMCA Group Fitness Certification in the appropriate instructional stream. Â
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to build positive relationships in a diverse community. Â
- Must be at least 16 years of ageÂ
Responsibilities:Â
- Plan and lead engaging soccer practices that develop skills, teamwork, and game understanding for players of varying ages and abilities. Â
- Supervise players during practices and games, ensuring a safe, positive, and inclusive environment at all times. Â
- Provide encouragement, feedback, and sportsmanship while representing YMCA values and fostering a love of the game.Â
 Qualifications:Â
- Must be at least 16 years of age with current Vulnerable Sector Screening and clear security clearance. Standard First Aid and CPR Level C recommended. Â
- YMCA Group Fitness Certification required in the appropriate instructional stream. Â
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships, work as a team, and take initiative in a diverse community setting.Â
Responsibilities:Â
- Plan and lead safe, engaging basketball practices and games that develop skills, teamwork, and sportsmanship for players of varying ages and abilities. Â
- Supervise participants during all activities, ensuring a positive, inclusive, and safe environment at all times. Â
- Provide clear instruction, encouragement, and feedback while representing YMCA values and fostering confidence, growth, and enjoyment of the game.Â
 Qualifications:Â
- Must be at least 16 years of age with current Vulnerable Sector Screening and clear security clearance. Standard First Aid and CPR Level C recommended. Â
- YMCA Group Fitness Certification required in the appropriate instructional stream. Â
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships, work as a team, and take initiative in a diverse community setting.Â
Responsibilities:Â
- Plan and lead safe, engaging volleyball practices and games that develop skills, teamwork, and game understanding for players of varying ages and abilities. Â
- Supervise participants during all activities, ensuring a positive, inclusive, and safe environment. Â
- Provide instruction, encouragement, and feedback while promoting sportsmanship and representing YMCA values.Â
 Qualifications:Â
- Must be at least 16 years of age with current Vulnerable Sector Screening and clear security clearance. Standard First Aid and CPR Level C recommended. Â
- YMCA Group Fitness Certification required in the appropriate instructional stream. Â
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships, work as a team, and take initiative in a diverse community setting.Â
Responsibilities:Â
- Plan and lead safe, structured badminton practices and games that build skills, technique, and game understanding for players of varying ages and abilities. Â
- Supervise participants during all activities to ensure a safe, inclusive, and positive environment. Â
- Provide clear instruction, encouragement, and feedback while promoting sportsmanship and representing YMCA values.Â
 Qualifications:Â
- Must be at least 16 years of age with current Vulnerable Sector Screening and clear security clearance. Standard First Aid and CPR Level C recommended. Â
- YMCA Group Fitness Certification required in the appropriate instructional stream. Â
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships, work as a team, and take initiative in a diverse community setting.Â
Newcomer Connections
- Welcome and support newcomers by building friendly, supportive connections as they settle into the community. Â
- Help reduce isolation by offering companionship and guidance in early stages of adjustment.Â
- Assist with communication between newcomers and staff/partners by translating spoken conversations accurately and respectfully.Â
- Support access to services by helping ensure clear understanding in community and program settings.Â
- Help newcomers during their initial arrival period by providing orientation, basic information, and practical assistance. Â
- Support access to essential services and help connect individuals to community resources.Â
- Support newcomers in navigating local services, programs, and community spaces. Â
- Encourage confidence and independence by helping individuals build connections and understand daily life in the community.Â
- Provide one-on-one support to improve reading, writing, and everyday literacy skills for increased independence. Â
- Use patient, supportive instruction tailored to individual learning needs and goals.Â
- Support ESL instructors by assisting learners with activities, conversation practice, and classroom engagement. Â
- Help create an inclusive, encouraging environment that supports language learning and participation.Â
Mental Health Programs
Responsibilities:Â
- Complete facilitator training and coordinate with the Registered Director before delivering any Rainbows programs at accredited sites. Â
- Facilitate weekly peer support groups, including participant registration, preparation of materials, and delivery of structured sessions using approved Rainbows curriculum. Â
- Maintain confidentiality and ensure a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all participants, following all program guidelines and YMCA policies. Â
- Support program administration and follow-up tasks such as collecting forms, planning special sessions, returning materials, and promoting awareness of the program.Â
 Qualifications:Â
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to work respectfully and sensitively with newcomers and refugees from diverse backgrounds. Â
- Patient, supportive, and reliable, with the ability to assist others in learning, adapting, and building confidence in a new environment. Â
- Willingness to support YMCA values and follow program guidelines; relevant language skills, tutoring, interpreting, or community experience is considered an asset depending on the role.Â
Time Commitment:
1-3 hours per week depending on the program, facilitated over 12 weeks. Rainbows volunteers must commit to weekly sessions.  Â
Child Care
Help our staff keep programs running smoothly by providing administrative assistance. Volunteers may assist with filing, data entry, organizing materials, preparing resources, answering phones, and other general office tasks that support YMCA operations.Â
Share the joy of reading by supporting children in developing literacy skills and a love for books. Volunteers read one-on-one or in small groups, encourage participation, and help create a positive, engaging learning environment.Â
Provide a calm and comforting presence by helping staff soothe infants during nap time or by rocking babies who need extra comfort. This role helps create a nurturing environment while supporting childcare staff.Â
Assist staff during snack and mealtimes by helping prepare the space, serving food, encouraging healthy eating habits, and supporting children as they build independence and social skills during meals.Â
Share your creativity by leading or assisting with arts and crafts activities for children, youth, or adults. Volunteers help participants explore different artistic techniques while fostering creativity, confidence, and self-expression.Â
Support aquatic staff during swim activities by assisting with program setup, encouraging participant engagement, and helping create a safe and welcoming environment. Volunteers do not replace certified instructors or lifeguards but provide valuable program support. Â
Join children and staff during outdoor play by helping supervise activities, encouraging active play, setting up games, and creating fun, inclusive experiences that promote physical activity and teamwork.Â
Help give donated furniture a second life by sanding, repairing, painting, staining, or refinishing items that will be provided to newcomer families and community members. This role supports sustainability while helping families create comfortable homes.
Assist with meal preparation, food organization, serving, cleaning, and maintaining a safe and sanitary kitchen environment. Volunteers help ensure programs and community initiatives run efficiently while supporting staff with daily kitchen operations. Â
Share your passion for cooking by teaching school-aged children build confidence in the kitchen, learn basic food preparation skills, and enjoy hands-on experiences that encourage creativity.Â
Youth
- Support YMCA Y LEAD youth programs by assisting with the planning and delivery of engaging activities for young participants. Â
- Help create a safe, inclusive, and positive environment that encourages leadership, teamwork, and personal growth. Â
- Build supportive relationships with youth while promoting YMCA values, respect, and active participation.Â
The Y Buddy Volunteer helps create a welcoming and inclusive environment by supporting new members as they begin their YMCA journey.Â
 Responsibilities:Â
- Welcome and connect with new members.
- Provide facility tours and answer basic questions.
- Introduce members to YMCA programs, classes, and services.
- Help members feel comfortable using fitness and wellness spaces.
- Encourage participation and ongoing engagement.
- Communicate concerns or support needs to YMCA staff when appropriate.Â
 Time Commitment:Â
- Flexible scheduling.
- Minimum commitment of 2–4 hours per month.
- Opportunities available during mornings, afternoons, evenings, and weekends.Â
- Assist YMCA staff in delivering engaging youth programs and activities in a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment. Â
- Support positive youth development by encouraging participation, teamwork, and respectful behaviour. Â
- Build positive relationships with participants while promoting YMCA values and helping ensure a welcoming program experience.Â
Community
The YMCA's Y Delivery Program is a community powered initiative dedicated to ensuring no one goes hungry simply because they lack transportation. In partnership with our four local food banks, the program provides delivery of monthly food baskets to individuals and families who face barriers getting to food distribution sites.Â
Application Process
The YMCA Volunteer Application Process includes several steps to be completed before placement can occur and it can take up to 2 weeks to complete all steps.
Fill in the form and submit:
Next Steps
You will receive an email with all the details to complete the steps below.
Background check
- Secure Criminal Record Check through Sterling Backcheck (18+)Â
- Social Development Check (if applicable, Child Care/Minding only)Â
Orientation
- Read Volunteer Handbook (13 pages)
- Complete Child Protection Policies & Procedures Orientation
- Child Protection Sign-off form
Meeting and Onboarding
- Volunteer Intake (30 minutes, in-person or online)Â
- Onboarding Meeting (30-60 min, in-person, ideally at placement site. Booked by staff)Â
Join our Board of Directors
The YMCA of Southwestern New Brunswick is looking for dedicated volunteers to serve on our Board of Directors. As a Board Member, you'll play an important role in shaping the vision, strategy, and future of an organization that positively impacts thousands of people each year.
We are committed to building a Board that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. We welcome individuals from a wide range of professional, cultural, and lived experiences who share a passion for community well-being and YMCA values.
Join us in helping ensure the YMCA remains a vibrant, inclusive, and impactful organization for generations to come.