Location
Millennium Park - Shelter A
1415 Maynard Avenue Southwest
Grand Rapids, MI 49534
Contact Information
Day of Service - Noorthoek Academy
Description
Volunteer with Noorthoek Academy – Big Step Walk Set-Up Crew
Join fellow GRCC students for a Day of Service supporting Noorthoek Academy's annual Big Step Walk fundraiser at Millennium Park!
Noorthoek Academy offers a college experience for individuals with intellectual disabilities and was the first program of its kind in the nation more than 37 years ago. Recognized for excellence by both the Kennedy Foundation and Kellogg Foundation, Noorthoek Academy is proud to partner with GRCC in providing meaningful educational experiences for its students.
The Big Step Walk is Noorthoek Academy's largest annual fundraising event, helping keep tuition affordable at just $250 per semester and providing additional need-based scholarships for students.
Volunteer Shift Options
Students may register for one of the following volunteer experiences:
What You'll Be Doing
Set-Up Crew (7:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m.)
- Help set up event materials and signage at Millennium Park.
- Prepare Shelter A for participants.
- Create a fun and welcoming atmosphere with sidewalk chalk.
- Welcome Noorthoek Academy students and their families.
- Enjoy Marge's Donuts while helping prepare for the event.
OR Event Support Crew (10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.)
- Greet guests and event participants.
- Partner with Noorthoek Academy students who may need assistance.
- Cheer on walkers throughout the event.
- Promote raffle and silent auction items.
- Assist with event clean-up.
- Enjoy Chick-fil-A and Culver's provided for volunteers.
Participant Expectations
- Dress appropriately for the weather.
- Volunteers should expect outdoor activities and some walking.
- Bring a positive attitude and be ready to make new friends!
- Volunteers are expected to attend the entire volunteer shift.
- A post-event reflection is required following participation.
Before You Attend
- Please arrive at the start time of your registered volunteer shift (7:30 a.m. or 10:00 a.m.).
- Volunteers will receive a brief orientation upon arrival.
- No additional paperwork is required.
What's Provided
- All event supplies and materials will be provided.
- Refreshments will be provided based on your volunteer shift.
Location & Parking
- Millennium Park – Shelter A
- 1415 Maynard Avenue SW, Walker, MI 49534
- Follow event signage to Shelter A.
- Parking is free.
Weather Policy
This volunteer opportunity takes place outdoors and will continue rain or shine unless severe weather conditions require changes.
Space is limited, so register early to reserve your spot and make an impact in our community!
Upcoming Dates And Times
- Sep 26, 20267:30 AM - 11:30 AM (11:30 AM - 3:30 PM UTC)Available spots: 16
- Sep 26, 202610:00 AM - 2:00 PM (2:00 PM - 6:00 PM UTC)Available spots: 16
Questions & Answers
- Do I need prior volunteer experience?
No! No prior volunteer experience is necessary. Noorthoek Academy staff will provide a brief orientation and volunteer instructions when you arrive.
- What should I wear?
Please wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and shoes suitable for walking and spending time outdoors.
- Will transportation be provided?
No. Students are responsible for arranging their own transportation to the volunteer site.
- Will food be provided?
Yes! Volunteers will receive refreshments based on their registered shift:
- Set-Up Crew (7:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m.) will receive Marge's Donuts.
- Event Support Crew (10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.) will receive Chick-fil-A and Culver's.
- Do I need to stay for the entire event?
Yes. Volunteers are expected to participate for the entire volunteer shift unless prior arrangements have been made.
- What kind of volunteer work will I be doing?
Volunteer responsibilities vary by shift and may include setting up event materials, welcoming guests, assisting Noorthoek Academy students, cheering on walkers, promoting raffle and silent auction items, and helping with event clean-up.
- Is there anything I need to complete before the event?
No. There are no additional forms or paperwork required before volunteering.
- Is there a requirement after the event?
Yes. GRCC Day of Service participants will be asked to complete a brief reflection following the event.
- How many volunteer hours will I receive?
Participants will receive approximately four volunteer hours for completing the full volunteer shift.
- Who can I contact if I have questions?
Please contact the Center for High-Impact Experiences at chie@grcc.edu or reach out through the Day of Service event page for additional questions.
