Working with Youth

Girl Scouts

Description: Volunteering for the Girl Scouts will give you the opportunity to work with girls ages five to eighteen in a slightly structured environment. Male and female volunteers are welcome, and the time commitment is up to you. You may choose to lead your own troop, help out with an existing troop, or just be available for large group programs and cookie sales. The big event for the year is the Girl Scout Earth Day celebration that is held on the St. Olaf campus each spring. Volunteers are needed to help plan and/or implement projects for this event. Leadership skills and a love for kids are all you need to volunteer with the Girl Scouts!

Directors: Chelsea Koloski <koloski>, Erin McHugh <mchugh>

Contacts: Steph Helkenn (507-645-6603), Cannon Valley Girl Scouts, 1025 Highway 3 North, Northfield, MN 55057

Time: varies

M-TAG (More Than A Game)

Description: M-Tag is a program targeting Somali and Latino youth (12-17 years old) who are either coming out of the juvenile justice system or at risk of being involved in it. Volunteers have two main roles: mentor/tutor and athletic coach. Mentoring/tutoring involves helping program participants with homework and life skills, and coaching involves participating in and guiding basketball and/or soccer games and drills.

Directors: Michael Crosson <crosson>

Contacts: Candy Nordine, Coordinator at Project Sight <cnordine@projectsight.org> (507-664-3527)

Time: Tuesday or Wednesday, 3:00-5:00pm

Main Street Mentors

Description: Main Street Mentors is a program offered through the Northfield Union of Youth specifically aimed at bringing a knowledgeable adult member of the community and a youth together in a positive learning relationship. Many topics have been covered in the mentoring program. With the help of the Northfield Alternative Learning Center (ALC), youth are able to gain academic credit for their work in a mentorship. The mission of the Northfield Union of Youth To provide POWER and VOICE to area youth and create a caring community. The Northfield Union of Youth (NUY) is a Nonprofit organization for youth and by youth. All ideas for programs, projects and events are all generated by the youth.

Directors: Stephanie Andren <andren>

Contacts: Josh Hinnenkamp <mainstreetmentors@gmail.com>

Time: varies

Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS)

Description: MOPS is a great program in a semi-structured environment, where volunteers play with kids (ages 1-6) while allowing mothers a break. Activities include playtime, crafts, singing and a snack. The program is held at Northfield Evangelical Free Church and transportation is provided.

Directors: none

Contacts: Chris Feldman <cmfeldman@citlink.net> (507-663-0133), Northfield Evangelical Free Church, 5600 E. 110th Street, Northfield, MN 55057

Time: Every other Friday morning, 8:20-11:30am

Northfield Middle School Program

Description: The Northfield Middle School Youth Center is an after-school program that provides a fun and safe environment to middle school youth. Volunteers make connections with students through various activities; volunteers can help with homework, do crafts and other fun activities including foosball, ping pong, and board games, as well as play outdoor and indoor sports.

Directors: Maxwell Beck <beckm> , Aaron Stauffer <stauffer> (interim and sem. II)

Contacts: Susan Sanderson, Youth Development Coordinator, <susan.sanderson@nfld.k12.mn.us> (507-664-3654) NCRC Building, 1651 Jefferson Parkway, Northfield, MN 55057

Time: One day (M-Thurs.) from 3:00-5:30pm

Project Friendship

Description: In Project Friendship, students are paired with children from the Northfield community and they spend an hour per week together "hanging out" on campus- playing games, throwing a baseball, making cookies, etc. Students serve as role models to the children. They will also attend seasonal events for all of the Project Friendship programs at St. Olaf such as a Halloween party, a Christmas party, etc.

Directors: Ingrid Narum <narum>

Contacts: Kathy Lansing <greencook1@msn.com> (507-645-6762)

Time: 1-2 hrs. /week

Saturday Night Live (SNL)

Description: SNL is held at Northfield High School and is for middle school youth. The program provides the youth with open swim, music (with disc jockey and sound system) and open gym (basketball). Volunteers serve as chaperones to monitor the activities, but they are also encouraged to participate in the events with the kids, allowing for relationship building in a casual setting. Free pizza and pop is available!

Directors: Tim Fuller <fullert>, and Max Beck <beckm>, Aaron Stauffer (second semester) <stauffer>

Contacts: Susan Sanderson, Youth Development Coordinator, <susan.sanderson@nfld.k12.mn.us> (507-645-7371) NCRC Building, 1651 Jefferson Parkway, Northfield, MN 55057; Jennifer Winterfeldt <jennifer.winterfeldt@nfld.k12.mn.us>

Time: One Saturday per month; 6:45-9:45pm

Study Buddies

Description: Common Bond is the largest provider for affordable housing. Volunteers for Common Bond work with young children on their personal learning goals and school activities while developing strong relationships with their "Buddies." This involves reading with the students, stimulating their imagination, playing educational games, and helping with homework. Volunteers may also assist with special events, such as a holiday and an end of the year celebration.

Directors: Chris Beal <bealc>, Elisabeth Vickers <vickers>

Contacts: Krista Ahlman, Service Coordinator, <ahlman@commonbond.org> (507-645-7710), Greenvale Place, 211 Greenvale Ave., Northfield, MN 55057

Time: 1.5 hrs/week (Homework Center), 4-5 hrs/week (Special Events)