Recreation, Community Services and Special Events

The SpeakWell ESL English Conversation Program supports new immigrants, refugees, and other ESL learners in sharpening their English-speaking and comprehension skills. Volunteer facilitators lead conversations around a given topic, presented through established lesson plans and assists participants with pronunciation, grammar, vocabulary development, and listening skills.

Responsibilities: 

• Create a friendly, safe, enjoyable atmosphere and encourage people to discuss given topics.
• Assist individuals in conversation by providing feedback and guidance on pronunciation and vocabulary as well as directly teach pronunciation and vocabulary to small groups of participants.
• Answer questions and support participants' learning of conversational English.

Qualifications:

• 19 years old or older
• Friendly, outgoing, and enthusiastic.
• Interested in helping new immigrants, refugees and other ESL learners develop speaking skills to assist them to become active members of our community.
• Ability to assist learners with pronunciation, vocabulary development as well as some basic grammar points.
• Able to speak English fluently.
• Canadian Language Benchmarks – Stage III - Speaking – Benchmark 12 see Profile of Ability p. 70
• http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/pdf/pub/language-benchmarks.pdf
• Teaching English as a Second Language training and teaching experience an asset.
• Able to speak and understand additional languages is an asset.
• Willing to meet for an informal interview
• Willing to complete a Police Information Check

Commitment and Schedule:

One weekly shift on Saturday afternoons between 1:00 - 3:30pm. Program runs 1:30 - 3:00pm, with a half hour of prep and clean up on either side.  A 1-year commitment is ideal; a minimum commitment of 6 months is expected.

Working Conditions: 

Indoor. Requires sitting, standing, and moving around the room. Requires lifting up to 20lbs. Supervised.

Application Process:  

• Create a volunteer profile online (5-10 minutes)
• Observe a class and participate in an informal interview
• Complete a free Police Information Check and online Child/Vulnerable Persons training module
• Submit paperwork: Waiver, Code of Conduct, and (optional) Photo/Video Release 
• Attend an onsite orientation

Questions? Contact:

Derek Swallow
Program Coordinator
speakwellesl@gmail.com

or

Lindsay Mackas-Burns
Programmer 1: Events, Volunteers & Film
volunteer@saanich.ca
250-475-5502

Why a Conversation program? To:

• Increase participant’s comfort and confidence speaking English through interaction with patient, friendly facilitators and other group members within a relaxed, informal environment.
• Provide an inclusive environment where participant increase their verbal English fluency and comprehension, and enhance their English pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar skills.
• Provide a venue where immigrants deepen their relationship with the Saanich region by connecting with other community members, participating in community activities offered through Saanich’s Recreation centers, and hopefully meld so firmly with our community they willingly participate in community decision-making bodies such as regional boards.
• Promote cross-cultural understanding through activities that generate cross-cultural learning.

Throughout the year, Saanich hosts a variety of special events in the community. Whether you're preparing decorations for Autumn Lantern Fest, leading crafts at Family Arts Fest, or serving up ice cream at Strawberry Fest, you are bound to have a memorable volunteer experience at these vibrant community gatherings.

Apply today to be added to our interest list for 2025! You will be notified as soon as recruitment opens for each special event. 

Qualifications:

• 15 years old or older
• Friendly and responsible
• Follows direction
• Enjoys working with all ages
• Comfortable with crowds

Application Process:

• Create a volunteer profile online (5-10 minutes)
• Submit paperwork: Waiver, Code of Conduct, and (optional) Photo/Video Release 
• Receive an email when recruitment opens for each event
• Sign up for shifts

Questions? Contact:
Lindsay Mackas-Burns
Programmer 1: Events, Volunteers & Film
volunteer@saanich.ca
250-475-5502

The Shadow Swim Instructor is responsible for observing and assisting the instruction of general recreational aquatics programs.  This volunteer position is intended for those who have certification or are in progress of completing co-teach hours.

Responsibilities:  

• Assist Swim Instructor with activities, as directed
• Welcome, engage and interact with participants
• Interact cooperatively with instructors
• Ensure participants are following the facility rules
• Ensure the facility and equipment is in safe, working condition

Qualifications:

• 15 years old or older
• Current certification as a Swim For Life Instructor with the Livesaving Society
• Enthusiastic, organized, and willing to learn
• Excellent communicator
• Enjoys working with children and able to hold appropriate boundaries when interacting with them
• Proficient in the English Language
• Willing to complete a Police Information Check

Commitment and Schedule:

Dependent on swimming lessons schedule.

Working Conditions:

Indoor pool facility. On dryland and in pool. Supervised by staff.

Contacts:

Gordon Head Recreation Centre

Tyler Smith
Programmer 1: Aquatics
Gordon Head Recreation Centre
tyler.smith@saanich.ca      

Shadow Lifeguards gain meaningful experience supervising the pool deck, assisting with First Aid, learning about equipment and deck set ups, meeting facility specific needs, working on activities to improve their skills as Lifeguards, and being part of a dynamic team. As supervisors mentor and evaluate their contributions, volunteers in this role may have the opportunity to become employed as Lifeguards with Saanich Recreation.

Responsibilities:

• Commit to regular shift attendance
• Attend an orientation session
• Assist with First Aid
• Welcome, engage, and interact with patrons and staff
• Supervise water and pool deck

Qualifications:

• 15 years old or older
• Current NL - Pool and Waterpark Option Awards
• Current Standard First Aid with CPR-C; AMOA
• Excellent communicator
• Enjoy working with children and able to hold appropriate boundaries when interacting with them
• Enthusiastic, organized, and willing to learn
• Proficient in the English Language
• Willing to complete a Police Information Check

Commitment and Schedule:

One Fun Swim shift per week (2-3 hours)

Contact:

Connor Reiter
Program Technician: Aquatics
Saanich Commonwealth Place
connor.reiter@saanich.ca
250-475-3502