With summer break right around the corner, many families are interested in finding volunteer opportunities to engage high school students in productive, meaningful and educational programs. Volunteering can boost a resume, offer an entertaining afternoon, make lifelong memories and much more! And they can be found right here in Fort Collins and throughout Northern Colorado at the three Banner Health hospital campuses.
In addition to volunteer opportunities, Banner Health offers first aid and CPR classes open to high school-age students and adults. SafeSitter babysitting courses are also offered for 11-to-13-year-olds and the Spirit of Women program offers various classes on topics for teenagers.
Explore a few of Northern Colorado’s enriching philanthropy projects with Banner health and let us know which one your student enjoys the most!
Banner Fort Collins Medical Center | Fort Collins
At Banner Fort Collins Medical Center (BFCMC), there are opportunities for youth ages 16-18 at the Welcome Desk and the Gift Shop. Working here allows students to interact with patients, patrons, employees and practitioners while receiving education and coaching from supervisors and peers. All volunteers will learn and practice professional skills in a service-oriented industry.
After serving in regular, four-hour shifts, all volunteers who finish in good standing may receive letters of reference and recommendation from the department! BFCMC partners with area high schools for recruiting youth volunteers. For more information, call (970) 821-4130.
McKee Medical Center | Loveland
Volunteers at McKee Medical Center range from 14 years to adults and even a woman in her 90s! Over 350 volunteers perform a wide range of services helping McKee patients, employees and visitors. You’ll get the opportunity to serve in nearly all areas of the hospital — including shifts at one of the information desks and driving the golf cart shuttle service. The McKee Gift Shop, McKee Thrift Avenue and Guest Relations program are just a few of the areas McKee volunteers make a difference for the hospital and community!
The McKee Teen Volunteer Program offers three volunteer sessions per year for teens. The next program will be offered this summer! Teenagers who are 14 or 15 years old may apply for the summer program only. As a McKee volunteer, students learn how to make a difference through service to others and will also develop professional skills and gain valuable experience in the health care setting. They may serve at the information desk, assist with the Stepping Stones Adult Day Program or distribute items from the Sunshine Cart – a program in which teens brings “rays of sunshine” to McKee patients in the form of cookies, personal care items or other small gifts.
And teens who complete the program in good standing will receive an educational letter of recommendation!
Applying to become a volunteer is easy! For more information, please call (970) 820-4166.
North Colorado Medical Center | Greeley
North Colorado Medical Center (NCMC) in Greeley welcomes students 16 years of age or older to apply for volunteer positions. Volunteers work in approximately 35 different departments at NCMC and assist with a variety of tasks and services. If you’re willing to lend your talent and time, Banner promises to strive to find a volunteer position that fits your skills and interests.
When NCMC has openings, students are placed in regular volunteer roles (with the exception of several clinical assignments). Popular student volunteer positions include the Gift Shop, Patient Dismissals, Cookie Baking, Mail Delivery and Registration.
NCMC volunteers must be at least 16 years of age, commit to volunteering at least 100 hours within six months which amounts to one four-hour shift per week. If you’re interested in becoming a volunteer, just fill out the Volunteer Application! Once your application is received, a Volunteer Services coordinator will contact you to schedule an informational interview session. To contact the NCMC Volunteer Services office, please call (970) 810-6994.
Have fun!
Volunteering as a student, especially in the healthcare industry, presents a great opportunity for teens to prepare for the future and make a direct impact in their community. In addition to gaining new skills, students can add their experience to their resume or college application to really stand out!
About the Author
Paul Matthews is the Public Relations Director in Patient Care Services at Banner Health in Northern Colorado. He has worked for Banner Health since 2006, starting as the public relations manager for Banner Alzheimer’s Institute in Phoenix before moving to Loveland to serve as the public relations director for McKee Medical Center. Paul now oversees public relations for Banner Health’s three Northern Colorado hospitals. Before joining Banner Health, Paul worked as a journalist for the Arizona Republic, East Valley Tribune and Southwest Times Record. Paul also has experience as a website producer and television reporter!
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