Great Falls Recreation Center seeks volunteers

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Dillon White
  • 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  The Great Falls Community Recreation Center staff is looking for volunteers to help lead more than 50 local area youth from kindergarten to eighth grade. 

Volunteers can expect to work with children during athletic activities, participate in field trips and help the children with homework, said Rebecca Richards, Great Falls Community Recreation Center supervisor. 

"The [Airmen] who volunteer now are awesome," Ms. Richards said. "The kids look forward to them coming and are so excited when they get here. They really are making a difference with the kids and they should be proud of themselves." 

Volunteers lead children in games such as dodge ball, one of the children's favorites, said Airman 1st Class JJ Hernandez, 341st Civil Engineer Squadron firefighter. They also lead activities such as bicycling and swimming, and helping with homework. 

"We usually come in from 3 to 6 p.m. two to three days a week, depending on our schedules," Airman Hernandez said. "In the summer, the kids are here through the entire day, so we come in earlier. One day we took a bicycle ride down The River's Edge Trail." 

The volunteers not only satisfy the need to involve themselves with the community, but have a good time too, said Airman 1st Class Brandon Connors, 341st CES firefighter.
"[Volunteering] lets me get away from the dorm for a couple hours during the day and do something that is fun and enjoyable," Airman Connors said. "The kids are a blast. They are a big ball of fun." 

Volunteers have the opportunity to teach the children new things and take away fond memories of their time at the GFCRC, he said. 

"We rode bikes from the recreation center to Gibson Park a few weeks ago, and a little buddy of mine named Hunter didn't know how to ride a bike, and the other kids were way in front of him," Airman Connors said. "I taught him to ride his bike. He was so happy and excited to be riding without training wheels that when we got to Gibson Park, that's all he did." 

Airmen interested in volunteering at the GFCRC at 801 2nd Ave. N. can contact the GFCRC directly at 727-6099.