Be a Buddy/Volunteer!
Buddy/Volunteers—Their Role
We have a buddy system for this program in which a high school/middle school student buddy (volunteer) is partnered with a special needs player (as much as possible, for the entire season). The buddy will support the player by working with him/her and encouraging/cheering them on as they learn skills, and guide him/her through the practices/games.
By volunteering, the buddies get an amazingly rewarding experience and earn credit towards their community service requirement for school.
The main role of the buddies is to help the players have fun and learn the fundamentals of the activity. They will be acting as helpers and “coaches.”
Our buddies have been consistently exceptional in their patience and desire to help these special players. We are very fortunate to have such an outstanding and committed family of volunteers …many being with us for multiple seasons.
NOTE: Each adult must register with their own log-in and password. For under 18, an adult must register and be the “household organizer” and then add participant/minor volunteers to their account.
Coaches—Their Role
The coaches oversee the activities. They are also available to any of the buddies or players to assist with issues or situations that may arise. We have coaches from a wide background, including coaches from typical sports teams, students, Special Olympics, special education teachers and parents and families of special needs children. Our coaches do an amazing job of making the activities fun and instructional!
How Do We Find Buddies and Coaches
We find coaches and buddies by relying on the students who have helped before bringing in their friends as well as families we know and contacting local schools. Coaches also come from Special Olympics, special needs instructors/aides, from the community at large and from parents of the players who wish to become involved.
Shooting Stars Basketball
Come join us for our 19th exciting season of Shooting Stars basketball. Our 9-week program offers our special needs participants the ability to learn the basics and teamwork of basketball in a fun and welcoming environment! We pair up volunteer buddies (where needed) and with the help of experienced coaches and volunteers, offer a positive and inclusive environment for our teams to build friendships and get a great workout!!
Come be a buddy and make the difference for one of our players!
Date: Sundays from 9/7 to 11/2, (Volunteer orientation 8/24)
Location: City of San Marcos Gymnasium, 274 Pico Ave, San Marcos, CA 92069
Time: TBD, sessions are 1 hour and 15 minutes
Tennis Anyone? 3-Day Tennis Clinic!
Volunteers needed to help special needs participants learn the basics of the game of tennis…or to improve their skills. The volunteers will be working with participants 1-on-1 on drills led by our tennis coaches.
Dates: June 23-25, 2025 (Monday to Wednesday)
Location: Mira Costa College, Oceanside, CA
Time: 10:30am – 11:45am (for individuals who have never played tennis), 12:30pm – 1:45pm (for individuals who have played before)
Family Social Meetup…Laser Tag!
The Meetup will be a reoccurring event taking place every couple of months at different venues. Our inaugural Meetup will be at Invasion Laser Tag. The object of the game is for the teams (participants will be set-up in 2 teams) to score points while defending their base from opponents. Volunteers will work with the participants in a team setting, helping them learn/play the game of laser tag.
Note: Wear comfortable clothing and sneakers
Date: July 18, 2025 (Friday)
Location: San Marcos, CA
Time: 4:00pm – 6:00pm (Participants Ages 5-13), 6:30pm – 8:30pm (Participants Ages 14+)
Get Movin’…Outdoor Fun and Fitness Clinic!
Volunteers needed to help the participants with navigating the outdoor activities/games. Each day will be a different activity: fitness/workout, backyard games, ninja training (these are possible activities – subject to change).
Dates: July 21-24, 2025 (Monday to Thursday)
Location: North County San Diego
Time: 10:00am – 12:00pm (Participants Ages 5-13), 1:00pm – 3:00pm (Participants Ages 14+)
Family Beach Camp with Strive to Thrive
Water activities, boogie boarding and Team Building (This is not a drop off camp). Volunteers will help coordinate games and work with the special needs participants to help things run smoothly.
Dates: July 29-31, 2025 (Tuesday – Thursday)
For more information or to register, call or text (760) 859-6643 or Email Sllewellyn721@gmail.com
Reach New Heights with Indoor Rock Climbing!
Let’s reach new heights with our friends at Mesa Rim Climbing Center. Instructors will help to familiarize the participants with the ins and outs of bouldering (climbing on much shorter walls or boulders). The volunteers will help participants with the directions provided by the instructors.
For helping with this activity, the volunteers will receive a free one-week membership (rental gear included).
Note: Climbing shoes and snacks included. Participants are advised to wear athletic clothing (breathable and stretchy)
Volunteer Orientation Date: July 27, 2025 (Sunday) at 12:30pm – 2:30pm
Event Dates: August 4, 6, 11, 13, 2025 (2 Mondays and 2 Wednesdays)
Location: San Marcos, CA
Time: 12:30pm – 1:45pm (Participants Ages 5-13), 2:15pm – 3:30pm (Participants Ages 14+)
Jazzercise Fitness and Movement!
Does music make you want to dance? Then this 2-session event is for you! Our friends at Jazzercise Fitness Center in San Marcos will keep us moving to the music. The participants will have so much fun that they won’t even know that they are getting a workout!
Volunteers will help participants follow along with the instructors and help the class to run smoothly.
Dates: August 2 and August 9 (2 Saturdays)
Location: North County San Diego
Time: 10:30am – 11:30am (Participants Ages 5-13), 11:45am – 12:45pm (Participants Ages 14+)
Questions?
If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact Rick Clark, 760 504-7242 (cell) or e-mail coachrick@shootingstarsgroup.org.