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Walking School Bus General Volunteer

Walking School Bus General Volunteer

Society for Children and Youth of BC
remoteOnsite
PublishedPublished: 8/14/2025
ExpiresExpires: 10/13/2025
Unpaid Volunteer Position

The Society for Children and Youth (SCY) of BC is a unique, provincial not-for-profit organization. Our mission is to improve the well-being of children and youth in BC through the advancement of their civic, political, economic, social, cultural, and legal rights. Since 1974, the Society has focused on providing a strong voice representing children and youth.

The Society’s work focuses on four key priorities: child and youth rights, child and youth friendly communities, social justice, and organizational resilience. We have four core organizational values that the Walking School Bus is built around:

  • Relationships: We know we can’t do our best work alone.
  • Centering Children and Youth: Children and youth know best what they are experiencing and what their needs and interests are.
  • Being Compassionate: Treating one another with compassion is fundamental to creating a safe and comfortable environment.
  • Being Resourceful: To be resourceful, we must work to find creative solutions, push boundaries, define new roadmaps, and collaborate with community partners.

Much like a traditional yellow school bus, a Walking School Bus (WSB) is a group of students who travel to and/or from school each day along a designated route, stopping along the way to pick up more students. The bus is supported by trained adult Walk Leaders, who walk with the group daily. The bus is powered not by an engine, but on foot, by the students themselves as they walk to and from school.

As a volunteer, your job is to support your group’s Walk Leader. The Walk Leader manages logistics like attendance and family communications. Your role involves playing games along the walk, getting to know the participants, and making sure no one lags too far behind – you’re acting as another pair of eyes on the walk, and helping to foster community!

Volunteer walking shifts are available every weekday before and after school and are typically 30 to 45 minutes in length. No minimum availability is required; however, we encourage volunteers to commit to at least 1 regular shift per week.

Benefits of volunteering with the Walking School Bus include:

  • Regular exercise and fresh air on walking shifts
  • Recognition and perks from SCY – like gift cards, transit passes, and local business discounts
  • Play an important role in reducing school zone congestion
  • Networking and development opportunities in the fields of child-friendly planning, school active travel, and sustainable transportation

We currently have volunteer positions available with the following Walking School Bus partner schools:

  • Kelowna - A.S. Matheson Elementary
  • Penticton - Skaha Elementary

To Express Interest:

Please send an email introducing yourself and sharing a bit about what interests you in the Walking School Bus and your relevant experience to walkingschoolbus@scyofbc.org. Please include a copy of your resume and indicate the following in your email:

  • “Walking School Bus – Volunteer” in the subject line of your email
  • The city and/or specific school(s) in which you would like to volunteer
  • Your desired shift schedule and availability (shifts are available every school day before and after school, roughly 8-9am and 3-4pm)
  • Your contact information (email address and phone number)

Volunteering with the program is subject to the completion of a clear police and vulnerable sector check.

If you have any questions, please reach out to walkingschoolbus@scyofbc.org for assistance.

Required degree level

  • Volunteer