CASP Loves Volunteers!
We have volunteer opportunities in three main areas:
Be Smart 1:1
Be Smart 1:1 Goal:
To support and enhance the literacy skills that children learn throughout their school day.
Be Smart 1:1 Vision:
To foster and inspire learning, so that children can grow in confidence and ability.
The Community After School Program (CASP) operates a volunteer tutoring program serving the elementary school students attending its programs. The tutoring program is in its 4thyear of successful programming. CASP Be Smart 1:1 seeks to accomplish its goal and vision by engaging volunteers to serve and mentor in their community. Based on the successes we’ve seen and stories we’ve heard, CASP knows that this goal and vision are being realized in its Be Smart 1:1 programs.
Be Smart 1:1 is coordinated in the CASP office by one full-time and two-part time AmeriCorps members, and one part-time resource specialist. Tutors are almost exclusively volunteers, though a few are work-study tutors engaged through OU.
Tutors are required to commit to tutoring at least 1 hour, two times a week, between the hours of 3pm and 5:30 pm, for a whole semester. Tutors work one-on-one with 2 children for 30 minutes each, in the after school programs at the elementary schools in Norman. Each tutor is screened through background and reference checks and an interview. Tutors are given an orientation about CASP policies and tutoring best practices. The CASP office provides book bags with tutoring supplies, as well as resources and teaching tools for tutors to check out. When tutors are ready to begin, their tutor coordinator meets them at their CASP site to introduce their students to them and help begin the tutoring sessions.
Children are selected based on need and availability of tutors. Tutors focus on literacy and reading during their sessions, through reading books, playing games and much more. The Be Smart Program also serves as a mentoring program, and focuses on problem solving and study skills.
Tutors, students and parents sign an agreement form at the beginning of the year, establishing the expectations of the program. After each tutoring session, tutors write memo sheets about the session. These memo sheets are read by tutor coordinators and sent to parents. Tutor Coordinators also conduct observations of tutoring sessions, meet with tutors, conduct training, and serve as a support system for tutors.
Tutoring is a rewarding experience where volunteers to get serve as mentors and see their students grow and learn throughout the year. This volunteer opportunity is perfect for education majors, those who enjoy working with children, or anyone who wants an opportunity to give back to the Norman community.
Be Fit Club
Help to strengthen the Norman community with a nutrition and exercise program for the youth of CASP while having fun with kids! CASP is seeking volunteers to assist with a nutrition and physical activity program called Be Fit Club. This program is offered to CASP children at six elementary locations in conjunction with the United Way and other local partners.
Volunteers assist the Be Fit Club coordinators with program activities including nutrition lessons and group games. Volunteers commit to one day a week, for 1 to 1.5 hours. Volunteers may pick a day that fits their schedule. Be Fit Club usually takes place from 3pm-4:30pm each day. Volunteers will have the opportunity to build positive relationships while mentoring children on the importance of a healthy lifestyle.
Other Volunteer Opportunities
CASP accepts short-term volunteers who can only commit to one or two weeks. These volunteers often have a special skill or talent that they share with our children, such as a cultural, science or art activity. This activity must be planned by the volunteer and approved by CASP before it can executed. Some examples are Anti-Bullying Presentations or Pen-Pal Clubs.
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How to Apply:
We are always accepting new volunteers and thank you for your interest!
Interested volunteers may fill out the online volunteer application and email it to CASP at info@caspinc.org. When you email us, please specify which program you are interested in. We will be in touch with you as soon as we receive your message!
For more information feel free to call with questions at 405-366-5970
- Volunteer Application (PDF)
(Mac Users: Please use Adobe Reader to fill out form, Preview app will not work correctly.) - Volunteer Application (WORD)