Just a little bit of time can make a huge difference in a child’s life. All of the local schools offer volunteer opportunities.
Birch Grove Community School in Tofte, whose colorful slogan reads “Where Roots Grow Deep and Branches Reach High,” notes that one of the questions most frequently asked by parents and community members is “How can I get involved?”
The answer is simple, said Birch Grove Community Education Coordinator Sara Silence, “Just ask!”
Silence said the school would love to have volunteers for the summer programming at Birch Grove. “Do you have skill you would like to share? Would you like to lead a hike? Let us know!”
Contact Silence at (218) 663-0170 ext. 25 or email: sara.silencebgcs@gmail.com.
At Cook County Schools/ISD 166, Pat Campanaro is the volunteer coordinator. She said ISD 166 is looking for volunteers to assist with academics, enrichment activities (special interests or hobbies (and more.
“Let us match your interests in volunteering with our needs. We will work with you to find activities and a schedule that works for you,” she said. Orientation, planning and materials are provided. For more information, email Pat Campanaro at pcampanaro@boreal.org
Great Expectations School in Grand Marais also offers a variety of volunteer opportunities, open to parents and families of students, as well as to Cook County community members.
There is a dedicated crew of Food Committee volunteers who prep and serve lunches. Volunteers chaperone field trips, organize labels that earn points for the school, haul recycling, work in the school greenhouse and much more.
For a list of current volunteer opportunities, contact Clara at the school office at (218) 387-9322.
At Oshki Ogimaag in Grand Portage, there is a very special intergenerational volunteer opportunity. The Grand Portage Elder Nutrition Program matches students and Elders through “Reading with Kids.” The Elder program also took part in a recent mentorship program with local youths.
For information on ENP volunteer opportunities, contact Patty Winchell Dahl at (218) 475-2655.
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