Youth Volunteer Corps
Explore hundreds of guided group volunteer projects and find an easy, fun way to give back to your community
CALGARY’S LARGEST YOUTH VOLUNTEERING PROGRAM
Youth Volunteer Corps (YVC) connects thousands of young people each year with meaningful, hands-on opportunities to give back across the city. From one-day projects to ongoing initiatives, youth step into real roles, support local organizations, and build skills that last far beyond the volunteer hours. It’s where energy meets impact, and young people discover the difference they can make.
As a proud Gold Affiliate of Youth Volunteer Corps, we’re part of an international network committed to quality youth volunteering, leadership development, and community impact.
Why should I join?
What’s the commitment
Choose what you care about
You’re in control. Pick volunteer projects that match your interests, schedule, and vibe—whether that’s helping the community, trying something new, or building skills. No pressure to stick with something that isn’t your thing.
Volunteer when it works for you
Busy schedule? No problem. Jump into projects when it works for you, whether that’s once a month, all summer, or whenever you’ve got time. Stay involved without the pressure.
Meet new people, every time
No two projects are the same. Work with different youth, connect with new team leaders, and walk away with new experiences (and maybe even a few new friends).
Show up & make it count
Every project matters, and people are counting on you. You don’t need experience—just bring a good attitude, try your best, and be part of something real. What you do actually makes a difference.
What’s it like?
Meet your team
Head to the meeting spot and look for your Team Leader—you’ll join a group of 5–11 other youth volunteers, so you’re never doing it alone.
Kick things off
Start with fun icebreakers to get to know your team, then your Team Leader will walk everyone through the project so you know exactly what’s happening.
Get hands-on
Work together, jump into a variety activities, and see the impact your efforts can make in real time.
Wrap & reflect
Finish with a guided reflection where your team connects the experience to the bigger picture—what you did, what it meant, and the difference it made.
Where is it?
The Youth Central office is in the Beltline, but projects take place all over the city. Choose a project with a location that works best for you. Be sure to have a plan for getting there and back on your own.
Hear it for yourself
“Youth Central makes it so easy for you to volunteer when you have the time… and also the projects that you want to do. And you get to choose what you like, and what you’re good at, and you also get to try new things.”
Sruthi, Youth Volunteer Corps Participant
“Growing up, I was kinda the kid to be afraid to order at a McDonald’s cashier, ‘cause like I was just afraid of talking to people I didn’t know. When I started attending these projects, it really helped me open up.”
Avery, Youth Volunteer Corps Participant
CHeck out OUR Community partners
Get started
Sign the waiver & Create a profile
Create a volunteer profile on MyImpact, then have your parent or guardian sign the waiver form emailed to you during sign-up.
Get Approved
Once you’ve signed the waiver and provided all your information, we will review your application within two business days. If everything looks good, we’ll send you an email confirming your approval!
Find a Project
Check out the “Opportunities” tab on your profile. Browse through projects and find the ones that interest you.
Sign up
Once you find a project you like, click “Sign Up”. It can take up to two business days for you to be assigned to a project.
Get ready
Once you’re assigned to a project your Team Leader will reach out to you about 5–7 days before the start of your project with more details. What to wear, where to meet, and how to get there will be included in that email.
Show up and repeat!
Arrive at your first volunteer project and have fun. As a member of YVC you can sign up for as many or as few projects as you want.
Spots fill fast!
Our projects are super popular and spots fill up fast, so keep an eye on the database for new opportunities! We love your enthusiasm, but please only sign up for shifts you’re 100% sure you can attend. This helps “share the love” and ensures every volunteer gets a fair shot at joining the fun.
We are a proud affiliate of Youth Volunteer Corps
Born in 1987, the Youth Volunteer Corps (YVC) is an international network that engages youth ages 12–18 in meaningful, team-based service-learning projects.
Youth Central is a proud Canadian affiliate of this network, hosting the YVC program to provide local students with high-quality, flexible volunteer opportunities. While we tailor our projects to fit the needs of our city, we follow YVC’s proven model and receive resources from their headquarters. Together, we empower young people to make a tangible impact through high-quality volunteer experiences.
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FAQ
Yes, as long as you meet our age criteria and complete the sign up steps! Our program is designed to be inclusive and accessible to all youth who are interested in volunteering and making a difference in their community. Unlike programs that require applications, interviews, or prior experience, YVC welcomes all eligible youth who want to get involved.
Our goal is to create opportunities for youth to explore volunteering, build skills, meet new people, and give back in a supportive environment. As long as space is available and program expectations are followed, everyone is welcome to participate.
Projects are restricted by age. Make sure your age is up-to-date in the “Qualifications” section of your profile.
For example, if you’re 15, make sure your age is listed as “15 and Older” in the “Qualifications” tab.
There are a few reasons why you might not be able to sign up for a project:
- Pending approval: You’re missing a signed waiver form
- Age restrictions: Some projects are age-restricted
- Deactivation/suspension: Your account has been deactivated due to too many “no-shows”
- Project is full: If a project is full, it’ll say “Locked” but you can sign up for the “Backup List”. Signing up for the “Backup List” doesn’t guarantee you’ll be accepted into the project.
- Too much volunteering: We have more volunteers than we do projects. If we see that you’ve been volunteering A LOT during the month, we might remove your sign-up to allow a youth with zero hours the chance to volunteer. We want everyone to have the opportunity to volunteer with us. Just because we removed your signup this time, doesn’t mean that will be the case next time.
Just email your Team Leader that you’re not able to make it. Haven’t heard from your Team Leader yet? Reach out to the office at info@youthcentral.com or 403-266-5448 or use the “Contact” tab in the MyImpact database. Be sure to include your name and the project you’re assigned to.
Log into your profile and make sure you’re assigned to the project in the “Assignments” tab.
Team Leaders will contact you at minimum 3 days before the project. If you still haven’t heard from them, contact the office at info@youthcentral.com for assistance. Be sure to include your name and the project you’re assigned to.
Volunteering is a privilege, and we want to be sure when you do sign up to volunteer, you commit to it. Your spot takes away the opportunity for another youth to volunteer. And our community partners are counting on your help.
No-shows are a 3-strike policy for when you cancel with less than 72 hours’ notice, with an inexcusable reason. No-shows are tracked on your account, having two or more no-shows can lead to your account being suspended or a denied reference letter.
Learn more about the no-show policy on Volunteer Code of Conduct.
Yes! If you’re in need of an affordable bus pass, the city has a program you can apply for. More information on how to apply can be found here.
If you have any questions or need help applying for the program, email us at info@youthcentral.com.
Once you’ve completed 20 hours of volunteering, we’re happy to provide you with a reference letter! Please be sure to give us a heads-up at least 4 weeks before you need it.
Email yvc@youthcentral.com with the details of your reference letter requirements.
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