2012-02-15: New Climate Change post on our blog!
The next entry by climate scientist Luisa Cristini, PhD about Climate Change and Future Climate Modeling is up on our blog. www.gamiing.org/blog
People volunteer for Gamiing:
i. To learn about plants, the natural environment, and more.
ii. To help children learn about the environment.
iii. To explore possible careers and learn skills.
iv. To complete volunteer hours for school/work/service groups.
v. To spend time with friends and family working for a good cause.
vi. Because it is fun!
Among other things Gamiing volunteers help with the Native Plant Nursery, the grounds and trails, lakeshore restoration projects, education programs, event planning, fundraising, marketing and office tasks. Some volunteers even create their own project that they work on with Gamiing.
Lots of different people. We have retired people who volunteer, we have lots of University and College students, we have high school students, and we have groups and families who volunteer together. We even have people from all over the world who volunteer online with Gamiing.
Yes! Some specific positions do have specific skill that you need to have, but many positions at Gamiing just need someone who is willing to work hard and to learn the skills they need.
Anyone, of any age, can volunteer at Gamiing. If you are under 14 years old you have to volunteer with a guardian. Volunteers under 18 need to have a guardian sign a consent form before they can volunteer.
Sure! If you have a friend or two who you want to volunteer with you can just choose to sign up for the same shifts/activities. We also have a special program for families to volunteer together (a family can be any group of people who considers themselves a family), and a program for groups like clubs, social service organizations, and companies to volunteer as a large group.
Yes. We have many volunteer positions that can be done from home over the internet. Just look for any position that is listed as a “virtual” position. You can even come up with your own project to help Gamiing that can be done online. If Gamiing likes the idea, and has the time available to help you with it, we will be happy to have you complete your project for Gamiing.
That is up to you. There are a few positions that have set hours and/or that occur on a regular schedule (e.g. monthly). However many positions are completely flexible to fit your schedule and the time you have available. Even those positions with set hours and dates can be divided up between a couple volunteers if necessary to suit your schedule.
That is up to you too. We love having volunteers who can give a long term commitment to help out. However, we know that a long term commitment is not possible for many people. With the exception of a few positions that need a minimum commitment of time (e.g. 3 months) we are happy to have you for as long as you are available to volunteer.
If you want to volunteer contact Rebecca, our Volunteer Coordinator, and she will send you the link to the application form you need to fill out. Once your application is submitted you will be contacted to discuss volunteer positions and tasks, your suitability to the position and Gamiing, your schedule, and any other details.
Yes. Volunteers for Gamiing must:
i. Provide references on your application form (who we will contact to learn more about you) and complete any necessary forms or background checks such as Parent/Guardian consent forms.
ii. Have an interview/meeting with the Volunteer Coordinator or position supervisor to ensure that the position is a good fit and to figure out the details of the position. (For some people this meeting can take place over the phone or even email).
iii. Be willing to get a Police Records Check with a Vulnerable Sector screening for many positions.
iv. Onsite volunteers must complete an orientation tour of Gamiing. Other training is also needed for specific positions.
v. All volunteers must agree to follow Gamiing’s rules, safety procedures, and any instructions from staff or position supervisors.
In any volunteer position accidents can happen. Gamiing is in a remote location, and much of the work is physical and outdoors. If something should happen to you while you are volunteering at Gamiing we need to know who to contact.
References are usually the best way for us to find out about you and to learn if you are someone who will be suitable to volunteer with us. You can list a work supervisor, a supervisor from another volunteer position, a teacher, a religious leader, a coworker, or anyone else who can tell us about your strengths and weaknesses. Your reference should not be someone who is a family member or close friend.
If you are under 18 years of age you need a parent/guardian to sign a consent form before you can volunteer with Gamiing. If you are an emancipated minor or living on your own, you may be eligible to volunteer without the consent of a parent/guardian (contact volunteermanagement@gamiing.org to find out).
Sure. We are happy to work with you to customize a volunteer position to suit your interests. Or, you can come up with a project that will be beneficial to Gamiing and propose that to us. If we like it, and have the time, we would be happy to have you work on your project with us.
That depends on what you are doing. Gamiing is very small, so much of the training you will receive will be “on the job” training where you will work with a staff person or more experienced volunteer to learn the skills you need.
Each volunteer position has a supervisor. Supervisors are either Gamiing staff, or senior volunteers. This person will help with training and supervise you through your “probationary” period. Gamiing also has a more formal evaluation process for longer-term positions where you will be given feedback about your performance. We also encourage you to give us feedback about your volunteer experience, your supervisor, or Gamiing in general (forms are available on the door of the office, or by contacting volunteermanagement@gamiing.org).
Most volunteer shifts at Gamiing take place during the day or in the evening. Shifts can be scheduled for weekdays or weekends. You get to choose which days and times you are available.
Please! If you are signed up to do something we are counting on you to be there. If you don’t show up we may not be able to complete an important task, and your supervisor may have wasted time waiting for you.
We would be happy to have you, anytime during daylight hours on days when there are staff around. Just give us a call to make sure someone is there and to let us know you are coming. There are always lots of tasks to do like weeding and watering plants, or clearing trails. We have a list of possible tasks on the board in the Discovery Shack. Just ensure that the task is something you are trained to do, and that you have all the safety equipment/help you need.
For many volunteer shifts/events Gamiing will try to arrange carpools, or to have a staff member pick up volunteers. However, this may not always be possible. So, please make sure to let us know that you will need a ride ahead of time.
Yes. Unfortunately Gamiing is not able to afford to pay for Police Checks and other expenses. If you are required to drive your car or buy something for Gamiing we will arrange to reimburse your expenses. This MUST be arranged ahead of time. Gamiing will not be able to pay you for expenses that you incur without prior authorization.
Be a part of GAMIING and help support us with our mission to share the enjoyment and importance of living in harmony with nature by providing educational experiences to engage the community in the Kawartha Lakes region.
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We, at GAMIING value your opinions and observations. Click here and help us to know what is important to you about our lakes. We are a not-for-profit registered charitable organization. We depend on grants, donations and our events to keep our nature center operating. 
