Summer Volunteers
**Volunteer recruitment for 2009 Summer Programs is now closed. Please refer to our Winter Volunteers Page**
WASP recruits summer program volunteers to assist with the following programs:
- Hiking/Trail-rider
- Biking/Hand-cycling
- Canoeing
- Kayaking
- Rowing
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What do all the acronyms mean?
WASP – Whistler Adaptive Sports Program - refers to the Whistler Adaptive Sports program. The Whistler Adaptive Sports Program is a not-for-profit society that provides year-around, recreational programs for people of all ages with disabilities. We are a centre for learning and sports excellence that has a local, regional, national and international clientele and encourage independence, self-confidence and self-motivation for all of our athletes and participants through outdoor recreation.
CADS - Canadian Association for Disabled Skiing – is the National Sports Organization for Disabled Skiing, and it is through them that we can run certification courses. They set standards and protocol for all provinces.
CSIA - Canadian Ski Instructor's Alliance - The national governing body for able-bodied ski instruction. CADS instructors follow CSIA teaching methodology, using adaptive techniques and equipment with their students as needed.
CASI - Canadian Alliance for Snowboard Instructors - The national governing body for able-bodied snowboard instruction. CADS instructors follow CASI teaching methodology, using adaptive techniques and equipment with their students as needed.
CSF – Canadian Snowboarding Federation – The Canadian Snowboard Federation is the national governing body for the sport of snowboarding. The CSF is developing and providing a comprehensive adaptive snowboarding program, which was formally introduced for the 2007/08 program year.
DSABC - Disabled Skiers Association of British Columbia - refers to the Provincial Sports Organization for Disabled Skiing and Snowboarding. They oversee and aid 7 different zones province-wide. DSABC also oversees that BC Disabled Ski Team.
2. What do I have to do to become a volunteer for the summer?
You will need to become a member of the Whistler Adaptive Sports Program at a cost of $5. You will also have to provide a current valid criminal record check.
Depending on the programs you would like to volunteer for, you may need some training. We offer kayak training sessions for our volunteers who are interested in volunteering for our adaptive kayaking programs.
You may also be asked to do a First Aid course.
3. What is the youngest age a volunteer can be?
You must be 16 years of age or older.
4. If I am not available during the summer, how else can I get involved?
The Whistler Adaptive Sports Program is a comprehensive, four seasons organization.
We are always seeking volunteers for our winter season too. Other, non-sporting opportunities include volunteering for fundraising, marketing, administration support, amongst many other areas. Please see our Winter Volunteers page to become involved with the Whistler Adaptive Sports Program.
5. What are fees are required to volunteer in the summer?
$ 5 – WASP society membership fee
The $5 WASP membership fee entitles you to updates, invitations to members events, and much more.
6. When is summer volunteer hiring done?
Hiring is done throughout the summer, although training sessions for kayaking may not be conducted later in the summer. We find out how many volunteers are returning and then hire new volunteers accordingly.
A Criminal Record Check will be required in order to volunteer for WASP programs. Please try to come to the interview with your completed Criminal Record Check, or even better, include a copy with your application. Criminal record checks are generally provided free of charge, at local RCMP detachments, if you let them know you are a volunteer.
7. How many summer volunteers do you have and how many lessons do you deliver?
We have approximately 20 summer volunteers that deliver about 40 program days per summer.
8. What kind of time commitment does volunteering involve and what do I get for
it?
Our volunteers have access to a free two-day kayak training session. We only ask that our volunteers who have been trained in kayaking volunteer a minimum of one time.
9. Am I considered an employee of Whistler Blackcomb or WASP?
You are considered a member and volunteer for the Whistler Adaptive Sports Program. WASP has its own policies and procedures, which you are expected to follow.
10. Can I volunteer if I don’t have a valid work permit/visa?
Given that there is no tangible (ie. Lift tickets or season’s pass) benefit to volunteering with our Adaptive Alpine Race Development, Nordic Skiing, Kayaking, Hiking/Trail Rider, Hand-cycling/Biking or Canoeing Programs we welcome all volunteers. Other, non-sporting opportunities include volunteering for fundraising, marketing, administration support, amongst many other areas. Please email us or call 604-905-4493 to inquire on how to become involved with the Whistler Adaptive Sports Program.
11. Do I have to do my days on a set day every week?
No, we understand that people schedules are flexible and fluctuate, while others are static. You can sign up for any days in advance. You can do several days in a row, if you like.
12. How do I sign up for summer programs?
A WASP staff member will contact you and ask you to volunteer for programs that coincide with the availabilities that you gave on the Volunteer Application Form.
13. What is a typical day like?
Summer program days with WASP can vary. A program may be only a few hours or a full day. A kayaking program day can either last a full day or a half day and there can be up to three kayaking program days in a row with the same participants (i.e., a three-day Intro to Kayaking course). Trail-Rider hikes are typically about three hours long. Hike with able-bodied participants can last a lot longer and fill day. Canoeing sessions last two hours.
14. Am I responsible for helping them go to the bathroom and administering medication?
You are responsible for accompanying any Guest who needs assistance to the washroom. You are not responsible for performing any toileting with them. You are not responsible for administering medication. Should a Guest require toileting or medication, they must be accompanied by a care-giver.
15. What if I cannot make one of the summer programs I said I would volunteer for?
On occasion situations arise making it necessary to miss a program. If this is the case, the Summer Program Coordinator appreciates as much notice as possible.
16. I don't know anything about disabled people. Can I still teach?
Yes, we will train you to work with different disabilities. You will be provided with information specific to the disability you are working with and you are also able to access the client profile, through the WASP extranet. You are encouraged to read all you can, prior to the program about the nature of the disability. The best way to learn is to get out and do it! You can also have a look at www.whistlerforthedisabled.com it is a terrific website that details all that Whistler has to offer for disabled people.
17. Where do the clients come from and what kind of disabilities do they have?
Our program participants range from individuals who live within the Sea to Sky Corridor (Whistler, Squamish, Mt. Currie, Pemberton), to visitors from the Lower Mainland, all over BC, all over Canada, and many international travelers. They are children (we take ages 3 and up), teens, adults or seniors. They both male or female. They may have physical disabilities (amputation, paraplegic, quadriplegic, visually impaired, hearing impaired, MS, cerebral palsy etc.), have a developmental disability (autistic, ADD, downs syndrome etc.) or a cognitive disability. They may have suffered injury or been born with their disability.
Here is the breakdown for the 2008 season, of our guests:
60% of our Guests are new to the program
40% of our Guests are returning
58% have some sort of developmental/cognitive disability
42% have some sort of physical disability
They take an average of 3.5 lessons per person
25% are brand new to the sport
55% are beginners
12% are intermediate
7% are advanced/expert
96% ski (of these 25% are sit skiers, 75% stand up)
4% snowboard
47% are children (3-12)
19% are youth (13-18)
33% are adult (+19)
15% of our lessons are “buddy” lessons
Less than 1% are visually impaired
Less than 1% are hearing impaired
Less than 1% are 3 tracking (amputees)
Although WASP is a fee for services organization, we do offer bursary assistance to individuals who are not able to afford the program prices.
18. Would I be sent out on a program alone?
No, our intent is to have any first year volunteer in a contributory role matched with a returning volunteer in the lead role. Once you are deemed proficient enough, you may take the lead role in a program.
19. Do I have to have my own equipment?
No. All of our summer programs provide the required equipment for all participants and volunteers.
20. Do I have pay for my own lift tickets if a summer program takes place in the alpine?
On the day you are volunteering or a complimentary lift ticket is provided for you.
21. Do I provide my own transportation?
Yes, you are responsible for your own transportation. Many volunteers have been able to work out a carpool.
22. What are the benefits of volunteering with WASP?
>> A free two-day kayak training as long as you volunteer at least once
>> Free lift ticket on the days you are volunteering in the alpine
>> Lots of warm fuzzies
>> Social gatherings and special events
>> Develop skills and experience working with individuals with a disability
>> An opportunity to meet and work with a terrific bunch of people