Volunteers are the heart of our community and the CRPD. We're excited to invite enthusiastic youth, teens, and adults to join us in supporting classes, special events, and activities at our community centers. Many teenagers and tweens volunteer with us to earn valuable hours for school and future career opportunities. Adults and seniors (55+) often get involved through service groups or the Conejo Senior Volunteer Program to stay connected with their favorite programs or the community at large. Our volunteers receive training and collaborate with a dedicated team to ensure our programs are of the highest quality. If you're interested in making a difference, explore the drop-down sections below to discover the many opportunities available.
If you would like to volunteer, please contact the Community Center or Special Unit you are interested in assisting.
Community Centers
Community Center staff is always looking for a variety of volunteers to assist in a variety of programs and functions at the centers and throughout the city. If you are interested please contact any of the community centers listed at end of this section for more details.
Class/Preschool Volunteer
The community centers run many classes from parent/child, sports, arts and crafts, gymnastics, dance, specialty classes, as well as Preschool and Pre-K programs for 3 to 5-year-olds that the instructors could use assistance with. The majority of the programs are for 3 to 12-year-olds and meet at a variety of times year-round (including school holidays, weekends and summer.) *Some centers offer CIT (Counselor in Training) programs for volunteers during summer months.
Homework Club
Some of the centers offer homework clubs at elementary schools and are in need of volunteer tutors to assist the children after school with their homework. Conejo Center offers this program at 850 Warwick. Homework helpers are welcome.
Special Events
The centers offer 1-time special events at each of their centers throughout the year along with our community-wide special events that bring the whole community together at a specific park in the city. This is a great way to help out on one day.
Borchard Community Center
Supervisor - Kurt Gunning
190 Reino Rd, Newbury Park 91320 [email protected] | 805-381-2791
Conejo Community Center
Supervisor - Timothy Smith
1175 Hendrix Ave, Thousand Oaks 91360 [email protected] | 805-495-2163
Dos Vientos Community Center
Supervisor - Rick Tanaka
4801 Borchard Rd, Newbury Park 91320 [email protected] | 805-375-1003
Thousand Oaks Community Center
Supervisor - America Nava
2525 N. Moorpark Rd, Thousand Oaks 91360 [email protected] | 805-381-2793
Thousand Oaks Teen Center
Typically teens that volunteer at the Teen Center do so through our High School Teen Leadership Club (TLC). Applications need to be submitted and approved by a parent as well as Teen Services Director, Sarah Daub. Applications are available at the Teen Center and online at thousandoaksteencenter.com. TLC meets the first Tuesday of each month from 7:00-8:30pm. 9th-12th-grade teens may sign-up at the meeting for events that will take place throughout the coming month. Volunteer opportunities at the Teen Center fit into two main categories: Special Events (dances/concerts) and our Sports Leagues (basketball/volleyball).
Sports
Volunteer opportunities are available with the Conejo Valley Sports Advisory Council (CVSAC). Contact Sports Supervisor, Kara Newman-Ferdolage at 805-495-4674 or [email protected].
Therapeutic Recreation
Assist staff in recreation programs for individuals with developmental disabilities such as intellectual disabilities, autism, and cerebral palsy. Many different types of opportunities including Special Olympics, art, cooking, theatre, social clubs, summer camps, special events, and more. Individuals 15 and older, or under 15 with parental supervision, may request a volunteer application and further information by contacting Devon Herbert at 805-381-2739 or [email protected].
Outdoor Unit
Adult Hike Leader opportunities include leading trail hikes, fundraising, and new program creation. Opportunities for teens, 15 to 17-year-olds, are through Summer Day Camp and include assisting camp counselors with groups of 12 campers and require a full week commitment: Wildwood and Newbury Park locations. For further information contact Outdoor Unit/Recreation Services Supervisor, Timothy Smith at 805-495-2163 or [email protected].
The Conejo Senior Volunteer Program (CSVP) uses the life experiences of adults age 55+ to benefit Conejo Valley nonprofit and healthcare organizations. These volunteers plant gardens, tutor children, program computers, assist seniors to live independently and serve in many other vital roles. If you are 55 or above, you can join the 1,200 area men and women already helping make a difference in our community. Put your life skills and talents to work today! Stop by the CSVP office, located in the Goebel Adult Community Center, for an interview. We'll match your skills, interests, and abilities with a local nonprofit agency which needs you. For more information, please contact Julie Spivack at [email protected] or 805-381-2742.
Our programs are offered year-round and are taught by American Red Cross certified and trained instructors.
Completion of class does not guarantee advancement to the next level. For children under 5 who are just learning to swim, a minimum of two sessions of repeated lessons is recommended. Children under 8 may need additional practice before mastering each level of swimming which may take several sessions before moving to the next level.
We do not offer make-up lessons unless canceled by Conejo Recreation & Park District. A full description of the refund policy can be found at the bottom of your receipt or by visiting our REFUND INFO & FAQ.Â
Please utilize the Special Accommodations option for individuals who may need additional assistance to enhance your swimmer's learning experience.
Read each description carefully and select an appropriate level by ability and not age. If your child does not meet the minimum or maximum age requirements, please give our officE a call at 805-241-0894.
Parent and Child (Ages 6 months – 3 years)
Introduces participants and their guardians’ skills to get acclimated to an aquatic environment. Learn skills in self-guided practice with your child through songs, toys, and games. Practice movements on front and back, changing positions, submerging, entering, and exiting the pool. One guardian is required to be in the water during this course. This course is offered in group instruction only.
Tiny Tot Seals (Ages 2.5 – 3.5 years)
If this is your child is under the age of 3, we recommend at least one session of Parent/Child. Introduces movement along the wall, blowing bubbles, breath-holding, kicking, floating, arm strokes, and under water exploration. Participants should be comfortable in shallow water and can follow verbal cues. This course is offered in semi-private instruction only.
Polliwogs (Ages 3.5 - 5 years)
Builds on skills from Tiny Tots, moving into deeper water. Improve arm/leg movements, gliding, and floating. Introduces swimming with assistance with an emphasis on underwater exploration. Participants must be able to hang on the wall without letting go, follow verbal directions, and blow bubbles at the surface of the water. This course is offered in semi-private instruction only.
Seals (Ages 4 - 7 years)
Builds on skills from Polliwogs, continuing work on simultaneous leg/arm movements, improving floating, and gliding on front/back with limited assistance. Introduces swimming at the surface of the water without assistance. Participants must be able to submerge their head fully under water. This course is offered in group and semi-private instruction.
Dolphins (Ages 4 – 8 years)
Builds on skills from Seals, continuing to swim without assistance at the surface of the water. Focuses on freestyle arm/leg movements with rhythmic breathing and floating at the surface of the water unassisted. Introduces elementary backstroke and survival swimming. This course is offered in group and semi-private instruction.
Otters (Ages 5 – 10 years)
Builds on skills from Dolphins, emphasizes strength, endurance, and coordination of freestyle. Introduces backstroke, breaststroke, and treading water. Participants should be comfortable swimming at the surface of the water for at least 15 yards with rhythmic breathing then roll into a back float unassisted. This course is offered in group and semi-private instruction.
Stingrays (Ages 5 – 12 years)
Builds on skills from Otters, with extended instruction in the coordination of freestyle, backstroke, and treading water. Introduces the breaststroke and the butterfly kick. Participants must be able to swim 25-yards of freestyle (with side breathing) and backstroke. This course is offered in group and semi-private instruction.
Barracudas (Ages 6 – 12 years)
Builds on skills from Stingrays, with extended instruction in the coordination of breaststroke and butterfly. Focuses on endurance, stroke development, starts, and finishes. Introduces intervals, flip turns, and circle swimming. Participants must be able to swim 50-yards of freestyle (with side breathing), backstroke and breaststroke. This course is offered in group and semi-private instruction.
Sharks (Ages 10 – 14 years)
Participants in this course are ready for the Swim Team and need stroke refinement and endurance training. Should be able to comfortably swim 50- yards each of all four competitive strokes (freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly). This class is not offered every season and is held in semi-private instruction only.
Private Instruction (Ages 2.5+)
One participant to one instructor, designed around the individual’s swimming ability, needs, and level. All private instructions can be converted into semi-private instruction if both participants are around the same swimming ability. Private Instructions are limited and fill quickly. For any cancellations, we call off the waitlist.
Adult Beginner (Ages 18+)
This class offers a chance for participants to reach their swimming goals in a fun, motivating, and safe environment. This class is geared towards beginners and should not be taken by individuals who have advanced swimming experience. Learn how to effectively overcome your fear of water by learning the basics of floating, breathing, and kicking. Introduces the fundamentals of survival stroke with skills and drills to practice individually. This class is not offered every season and is held in semi-private instruction only.
SPECIALTY CLASSESÂ
 CRPD Swim Team (Ages 8+)
The CRPD Swim Team is a novice team that prepares athletes for competition by focusing on speed, endurance, refining strokes, and physical conditioning. Workouts are structured by age and ability providing workouts in a fun and collaborative social setting for all athletes. Swimmers must be proficient in the following to be eligible for the CPRD Swim Team:
Freestyle for 50 Yards - Child can demonstrate correct reaching arms, fast kicks, and side breathing, using streamline off the wall.
Backstroke for 50 Yards - Child can demonstrate correct straight arms, fast flutter kicks, using streamline off the wall.
Breaststroke for 25 Yards - Child can demonstrate correct breaststroke arms alternating with breaststroke kick (not scissor kick), breathing during the pull.
Butterfly Kick for 15 Yards (Dolphin Kick) - Child can kick with legs together, toes pointed, kicking from the hips (not the knees).
Tread Water for 1 Minute - Child can stay afloat using sculling arms, and legs keeping their head above water without touching the bottom or wall.
Demonstrate Tuck/Pike Surface Dive - Child can front float at surface then bring body into Tuck or Pike position with head down, and swim headfirst to the bottom.
While some equipment is provided for swim workouts, participants are required to supply their own swimsuit, goggles, towels, and swim fins. A CRPD Swim Team swim cap will be provided on the first day of practice. Search course number C800 for more detailed information.
Homeschool Swim Team (Ages 8+)
The Homeschool Swim Team provides opportunities for local homeschools to meet and train in a fun and team-oriented environment. Learn effective and efficient turns, starts, and finishes for all four competitive strokes. Practice drills and swim sets tailored to individual levels and endurance. Athletes should be able to swim 25-yards of freestyle, backstroke, and breaststroke comfortably. This class should not be taken by swimmers that do not know how to swim or are uncomfortable in the water. This class is not offered every season. Search course number C803 for more detailed information.
Stroke Technique and Workout (Ages 14+)
Improve stroke technique, endurance, and confidence in the water. Instructed by experienced swim instructors and coaches. Learn how to swim faster with less effort in a small group setting at your own pace. This course is offered in group instruction only. Search course number C805 for more detailed information.
Intro to Water Polo (Ages 8+)
This course offers an introductory lesson into the sport of water polo. Introduces the fundamental skills, techniques, rules, and excitement of the sport. Taught by collegiate and area coaches. This class is held in 7-12 feet of water. Participants must be able to swim 50 yards (2 lengths) of a competition pool comfortably with rotary breathing. Participants should also be knowledgeable in the Back and Breast strokes. No previous water polo experience is needed. This class is not offered every season. Search course number C801 for more detailed information.
Water Aerobic Workout – Deep Water (Ages 18+)
This class offers a conventional workout using the power of water and your body. Learn how great it feels to work hard in the water without it feeling like a workout. Low impact exercises taught by a seasoned and experienced water aerobics instructor to workout problem muscle and joint areas. Search course number C802 for more detailed information.
Noodle Aerobic Workout – Shallow Water (Ages 18+)
Explore the versatility of a pool noodle while improving core, strength, flexibility, balance, range of motion and proper form. Exercises in shallow water with movements from yoga, Pilates, ballet, and more. Gentle on the joints ideal for participants with arthritis. Search course number C802 for more detailed information.
Water Aerobic Workout – Shallow Water (Ages 18+)
This class is full of fun and energizing activities designed to help you reach your fitness goals. The exercises are performed in water that is chest deep and no swimming skills are needed to participate. The class utilizes different exercises and routines coupled with mild aerobics, all at the pace and comfort level of everyone. Search course number C804 for more detailed information.
Water Walkers Workout – Shallow Water (Ages 18+)
This class offers a conventional workout using the power of water and your body as you walk and jog. The low impact exercises are performed in shallow water and no swimming skills are needed to participate. The purpose of the class is to improve flexibility, range of motion, strength, muscle tone and cardiovascular endurance while using the resistance of the water to cushion the feet, knees and back. Search course number C804 for more detailed information.
Springboard Diving (Ages 7-17)
Introduces fundamentals of competitive springboard diving to beginners while intermediate divers refine their skills. Get coached at your level in a small and controlled group setting by the current Cal Lutheran University Dive Coach. Dive class participants must successfully execute basic skills before moving on to more advanced skills. All participants must be able to swim 25-yards freestyle and perform a dive from the edge of the pool. This class is not offered every season. Search course number 3409 for more detailed information.
Aquatic Summer Fun Camp (Ages 8-12)
Have fun in the sun at the Community Pool at CLU with other youth from the community. Receive daily swim instruction in all four competitive strokes. Introduction to the sports of Water Polo and Springboard Diving is also included. Take daily hikes, play interactive games, and end the day in the pool. Light snacks are provided throughout the day. Participants must be able to swim 25 yards (one length of a competitive pool) unassisted and without rest. This camp is not offered every season. Search course number 3415 for more detailed information.
The Conejo Senior Volunteer Program (CSVP) uses the life experiences of adults age 55+ to benefit Conejo Valley nonprofit and healthcare organizations. These volunteers plant gardens, tutor children, program computers, assist seniors to live independently and serve in many other vital roles. If you are 55 or above, you can join the 1,200 area men and women already helping make a difference in our community. Put your life skills and talents to work today! Stop by the CSVP office, located in the Goebel Adult Community Center, for an interview. We'll match your skills, interests, and abilities with a local nonprofit agency which needs you. For more information, please contact Julie Spivack at [email protected] or 805-381-2742.
