Volunteering with Milwaukee Recreation

Support Milwaukee Recreation's aquatics programs by providing additional assistance to participants and staff. Volunteers may support day school swim by walking with students to and from swim programs, helping students get swim-ready, monitoring locker rooms, supporting transitions, and assisting staff on deck. Other aquatics volunteers may support swim lessons and specialty aquatic programs by assisting in the water alongside certified staff or providing on-deck support such as taking attendance, greeting participants, helping with locker room locations, and keeping the pool area neat and clean. Opportunities are available throughout the year and vary by program and schedule.

Support Milwaukee Public Schools high school athletic programs through Milwaukee Recreation as a head coach or assistant coach. Volunteers work directly with student-athletes to support practices and competitions, teach sport-specific skills, promote teamwork and sportsmanship, and help create a positive and safe athletic experience. This is a seasonal, higher-commitment opportunity primarily during the fall-to-spring academic year.

Support Milwaukee Recreation at special events across the department by helping with event setup, registration, activity stations, participant support, and other event logistics. Volunteers may interact directly with attendees or provide behind-the-scenes support to help events run smoothly and create a positive experience for participants. Once approved as a Milwaukee Recreation volunteer, individuals can select which special events they would like to volunteer for. Special event volunteer opportunities are available throughout the year, with each opportunity typically lasting 3–6 hours.

Support Team Milwaukee Special Olympics through Milwaukee Recreation as a coach. Volunteers work directly with athletes with intellectual disabilities to lead weekly practices, skills clinics, and occasional tournaments, helping athletes develop sports skills, teamwork, and confidence while creating a safe, positive, and inclusive environment. No prior experience in a specific sport is required, and training is provided. This is a seasonal, higher-commitment opportunity with practices and occasional tournaments throughout the year.

Support Milwaukee Recreation through a variety of projects, programs, and other department needs. This opportunity is available to individuals who are interested in supporting Milwaukee Recreation but may not have a specific program preference, as well as individuals who have been identified by staff for a specific volunteer role or project. Opportunities may be short-term or ongoing and will vary based on department needs.

Support Milwaukee Public Schools elementary and middle school sports leagues through Milwaukee Recreation as a lead coach or assistant coach. Volunteers work directly with student-athletes to lead practices and games, teach fundamental skills, promote teamwork and sportsmanship, and help create a positive and safe team environment. This is a seasonal, higher-commitment opportunity primarily during the fall-to-spring academic year.