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Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteering with Vanguard is an incredibly rewarding experience. Not only will you help make a difference in the lives of hundreds of young men and women, but you will also enjoy the unique opportunity to become part of the Vanguard family. For over 50 years, Alumni, parents, family, and friends of Vanguard have donated countless hours to help provide an extraordinary experience for our members.
VOLUNTEER PAPERWORK – required for all VMAPA volunteers and good for two consecutive seasons (link for 2025 season coming)
Upcoming Camps
- Our sign up form for the 2025 season will be up soon!
Summer Tour
- We ask all volunteers looking to travel with the corps overnight fill out our traveling volunteer request form. This form does not guarantee a scheduled spot on the road. This form will be available soon.
Drivers/Fleet Maintenance
SCV owns a six truck fleet which needs monthly maintenance to ensure that the vehicles are in working condition. We are also in need of both CDL and regular licensed drivers during the winter and summer months to drive shuttles, members and equipment in the Bay Area and throughout the country.
Cooking
In the summer months and at winter camps we serve over 200 members, staff, and volunteers four meals each day on Miss Amana, our fully equipped mobile kitchen. We are always looking for people to come along and help prepare, serve, and clean. Little to no experience is required*, and you will work alongside a team of other volunteers and the SCV Chefs to help keeps the corps running.
REQUIREMENT: Any and all persons who are involved in the preparation, storage, or service of food, or handling of food must have an active Food Safety Handler’s Certification. A copy of your certificate must be submitted with your volunteer packet. For online certifications, click here.
Sewing
Do you have skills in sewing and alteration? During winter camps and throughout pre-tour, our uniform crew fits and alters all of the members’ uniforms. Once we start our summer tour additional adjustments and repairs are necessary as well.
Medical
Medical personnel are needed on tour to ensure the physical well being of our members while they travel the country. We are always looking for Certified Medical Professionals (Nurses, Physical Therapists, Athletic Trainers) who may be interested in joining our full time Medical Staff for a week, a few days, or longer!
Event Staff
Throughout the year, SCV hosts a number of events. Volunteers are needed to help set up these events, sell tickets, hand out programs, and other duties as assigned.
Office Work/Local Santa Clara Help
When random jobs come up around the office, we seek out the help of members, alumni, and other eager volunteers. Common tasks include: cleaning, mailings, data entry, camp registration, etc. If you live in or near Santa Clara, we could use your help!
If you have any further questions regarding volunteering for VMAPA, please contact our coordinators at mhogan@scvanguard.org
Frequently Asked Questions
If I volunteer on tour, what accommodations are provided for sleeping?
While on the road, volunteers ride and sleep on an entertainer coach bus equipped with bunk beds, couches, a refrigerator, a bathroom, and a TV! During camps and throughout pre-tour, volunteers will either sleep in dorm rooms or in a separate classroom at the housing site. We recommend that no matter what part of tour you help out on that you bring sleeping gear; either a camping pad, air mattress and sleeping bag work well.
Does it cost me anything to tour with Vanguard as a volunteer?
Volunteers must provide their own transportation to and from wherever the corps is on tour. Transportation to and from the airport/train station will be provided. Once you are on the road with us, housing, transportation and food are all inclusive. However, there may be some free days while you are on the road where you will need to provide a meal or two for yourself. As a volunteer you will also get a free pass into the shows we attend.
Any and all persons who are involved in the preparation, storage, or service of food, or handling of food (volunteers on Amana) must have an active Food Safety Handler’s Certification. This expense is $15 and is to be covered by the volunteer. Certifications are good for three years. For online certifications, please visit this website.
Please contact Melanie Hogan, SCV Assistant Corps Director, at mhogan@scvanguard.org.
On tour, how much free time will I have?
There may be small blocks of time during the day when you will have time to relax or catch a nap, but for the most part our volunteers are “on duty” most of the day. We have a handful of free/laundry days throughout the tour where you will be on your own to explore a given city.
How much physical activity is required for volunteering?
Depending on the volunteer position you sign up for, the amount of physical activity may vary tremendously. We recommend that volunteers are comfortable with being on their feet 5-7 hours/day, lifting 20+lbs, and exposure to high temperatures and other extreme environmental conditions. Some medical conditions may also hinder full participation in work duties.
What if I am on tour and need to leave the tour for an emergency?
Emergencies do happen and SCV will make every effort to get you to a nearby transportation center, however, you will be responsible for all costs associated with your travel.
Who should I contact about volunteering on tour?
Please contact Melanie Hogan, SCV Assistant Corps Director, at mhogan@scvanguard.org .
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