BASHAW, Alta. – High school students from this central Alberta community recently celebrated their successful foray into volunteerism with a pat on the back and an ice cream sundae.
“Always remember to celebrate your successes,” Edith McPhedran told the students during a class discussion of their volunteer activities through the program. McPhedran is a volunter leader of the program in Bashaw.
It’s the second year of the project organized by the Volunteer Centre of Camrose and District to teach young people about the benefits of volunteering for themselves and their community.
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“It’s lots of fun,” said Lana Weins, of Bashaw, who volunteered to be a greeter at the local trade show and worked on the school newspaper.
“I learned how to use photos and write better articles,” said Weins, who was a volunteer at the local hospital before the project.
“I like it. I’m helping people.”
Last year, 180 students from three schools volunteered to visit seniors, clean fair grounds and participate in other community projects.
This year more than 300 students in eight schools took part.
Tapping into the enthusiasm of youth is an ideal way to rejuvenate the established volunteer community, said McPhedran.
“It renews my sense of awe. I’m amazed at the talent and energy we have in our community.”
Beginning to end
More than 40 students assisted the Bashaw spring trade show as part of their commitment to the Y volunteer project. They packed tables and chairs, washed windows, painted window art, cleaned the yard, directed show participants, greeted people and cleaned up after the show.
And they did it with enthusiasm, said McPhedran.
Unlike the adults, who said they would help set up the trade show and were late or didn’t show up, all the students turned up on time during a freak spring snow storm.
“They didn’t try to sneak out of the job.”
The students buckled down and moved the tables and chairs across the fair ground buildings.
“It’s so easy to get them enthusiastic when they buy into it,” she said.
It was clear that during the class discussions many of the students understood the importance of volunteers to their 800-person farm community.
“Without volunteers it wouldn’t be such a great community,” said Ami Wearmouth of nearby Meeting Creek.
“The extra activities wouldn’t happen without volunteers,” added Amber Rae Trautman of Bashaw.
Both girls volunteered to organize mini basketball games to help 42 younger students learn basketball skills.
“It makes you proud of what you’re doing,” Wearmouth said. “You’re helping other people, not yourself.”
McPhedran said she noticed a difference with the students who participated in the program for a second year.
“They made a link with the community.”
Once they make that connection, she added, they’re more likely to continue to volunteer as adults.
