How teens can earn volunteer hours at Walt Disney World

Students AND parents everywhere are rejoicing that school is almost out for summer break. My family certainly is among them! But along with the daydreams of lounging by the pool or at the beach without a jam-packed schedule might be the recognition that summer is a great time for kids to complete any required community service hours.

Theme-park fans, like my own children, may wonder if there are any volunteer positions at Walt Disney World. And, in fact, there are opportunities – primarily through ESPN Wide World of Sports. Unfortunately for my 12-year-old son, the minimum age has increased from last summer. You now must be at least 14 to volunteer and those younger than 16 must be accompanied by parents or guardians. All minors must have a parent of guardian’s permission and a signed waiver.

Volunteers, also known as Sports Enthusiasts, can work at events held at the facility at Walt Disney World or at runDisney races held on Disney property. Currently, volunteer registration is open for the Amateur Athletic Union National Club Championships for Track and Field. Volunteer positions for start/finish line, field events, clerk’s tent and awards tent are available from July 10 to 18. The application notes that all positions require physical exertion such as raking or lifting. Volunteer shifts are typically assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.

For runDisney races, volunteers may work at the Health & Fitness Expo or kid races located at ESPN Wide World of Sports or at the start/finish line or along the course of races that go through the parks. The next runDisney event in Orlando is the Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend, which includes the half marathon, Mickey’s Jingle Jungle 5K and kid races. All events take place Nov. 6 and 7. Registration for volunteers opens several months in advance, but it is not available yet.

Walt Disney World recognizes that even though its Sports Enthusiasts are volunteering for their own personal reasons, they could not host the races without the volunteers’ help. As such, volunteers are given “appreciation,” for their time. Each person receives a snack and one commemorative piece of apparel for the event.

In addition, volunteers are eligible to earn points toward a complimentary theme-park ticket. Each hour of service completed is equal to one point, and it takes 16 points to earn a day’s admission to Walt Disney World. Earned tickets are mailed within 60 days of reaching 16 points.

To get started, you must register through Active.com. You have the option to access the information as a guest or to create an account, which streamlines future registrations.

Volunteers will receive confirmation in the mail of the shifts for which they have been scheduled about a month prior to the event. The mailing also will include further information on parking, directions, and other useful information.

Questions? Call the Sports Enthusiast Information Line at 407-938-3880, or email [email protected].

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