Art

Share the healing power of art — volunteer with the youth

Many of the young people we serve express themselves best through art. If you love teaching, creating, or simply encouraging creativity, join us and help young artists grow confidence, skills, and trusting relationships.

Two easy ways to get involved

Art Docent Teams

Commitment: After school (3:30pm+) or weekends — once a week or once a month
Team size: 2–4 docents (we pair volunteers so students get more attention)
What you’ll do:

  • Pick a medium or use one of our tried-and-true projects.
  • Lead a short lesson and an art project for a cottage (12–17 youth).
  • Work with the same group each visit to build rapport and consistency.
    We provide: all supplies, lesson templates (or use your own) and staff coordination.
    Roles: lead, co-lead, or assistant — all skill levels welcome.

Roving Artists

Commitment: Drop-in visits — one-time or occasional (perfect if you can’t make a regular commitment)
What you’ll do:

  • Bring a fresh project or demo and teach it during an existing docent class.
  • Inspire students while the docent team handles classroom continuity and support.
    Good to know: You can visit once with no further commitment; volunteers must be cleared before returning for a second visit.

Volunteer requirements & next steps

  • Volunteers must complete our standard volunteer clearance process.
  • Background checks and a brief orientation are required before your first visit.
  • Scheduling is flexible — the day/time is decided by you and cottage staff.

Ready to encourage creativity?

EMAIL US to learn more or get started.

Benefits of Art

These kids need positive ways to express themselves. Studies have shown that at-risk kids who participate in art programs develop higher self-esteem, more self-discipline, better social skills and over-all improved behavior.  Art improves attitudes toward school and resistance to peer pressure.  It increases the development of communication, cooperation, problem solving and creative thinking.

Creative projects can open up these kid’s minds and allow them to discover new talents.  They can actually be motivated by their artwork.

Sharing art is extremely rewarding.  The kids absolutely love having their docents come in and look forward to our monthly projects.  It is therapeutic for at-risk kids to be able to express themselves through art.  For some, this is the one thing they can really succeed at.

These youth come to understand that we invest our time because we care.  Their lives are changed forever when they discover someone cares.