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/event). 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.
Shooting Stars Buddy/Volunteer Handout
updated AUGUST 2026Contains all the information needed for prospective buddies and volunteers, including program specifics, the roles and responsibilities of volunteers, as well as scheduling, uniforms and communications.
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 21st exciting season of Shooting Stars Basketball (North county/San Marcos) or our inaugural San Diego/Clairemont Season of Shooting Stars Basketball in 2027. Our 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!
North County/San Marcos Season 20 (Fall 2026)
Date: Sundays from 9/13/26 to 11/8/26
Location: City of San Marcos Gymnasium, 274 Pico Ave, San Marcos, CA 92069
Time: TBD (afternoon), sessions are 1 hour 15 min
NEW–Winter/Spring 2027 San Diego/Clairemont Session!!
Date: Sundays 1/17, 1/24, 1/31, 2/7, 2/21, 2/28, 3/7 and 3/14/27
Location: Clairemont High School, 4150 Ute Drive, San Diego, CA 92117
Time: TBD (afternoon), sessions are 1 hour 15 min
North County/San Marcos Season 21 (Fall 2027)
Date: Sundays from 9/12/27 to 11/7/27
Location: City of San Marcos Gymnasium, 274 Pico Ave, San Marcos, CA 92069
Time: TBD (afternoon), sessions are 1 hour
Monthly “Shooting Stars-Together in Motion” Family Group Walk
Meet at Williams Barn in Walnut Grove Park, San Marcos
We thought it would be a great idea to get together as families and get in a little exercise. We plan to have monthly get-togethers where we can bond with other families in an informal environment. We will meet this time at Williams Barn at Walnut Grove Park in San Marcos. There is no cost for this event. Please remember to bring water and snacks for your families.
Monthly: Check calendar for dates/times
Family Social Meetup…Laser Tag!
This activity has already taken place. Stay tuned for next season!
Family Social Meetup…Laser Tag!
Our Family Social Meetups are designed for both the participants and their parents! The families will get some time to hangout with old friends and meet new ones while having fun playing Laser Tag or just hanging out. The plan for these Meetups will be to have them every couple of months at different venues.
Our inaugural Meetup will be at Invasion Laser Tag in San Marcos. 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.
Date: December 12 (Friday)
Time: 4:30-6:30
Suggested Cost Per Family (for food/drinks): $20
Note: This activity is open to all Shooting Stars Player and Volunteer Families.
Tennis Anyone? 4-Day Tennis Clinics!
This activity has already taken place. Stay tuned for next season!
Tennis Anyone? 4-Day Tennis Clinics!
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 or 2-on-1 on drills led by our tennis coaches.
Dates: June 21-24, 2027 (Monday to Thursday)
Location: Mira Costa College, Oceanside, CA
Time: afternoon TBD
Pickleball…Give it a Try! 4-Day Pickleball Clinics! (Spring and Summer)
This activity has already taken place. Stay tuned for next season!
Pickleball…Give it a Try! 4-Day Pickleball Clinics! (Spring and Summer)
Volunteers needed to help special needs participants learn the basics of the game of Pickleball…or to improve their skills. The volunteers will be working with participants 1-on-1 or 2-on-1 on drills led by our Pickleball coaches.
Dates:
Spring Session: April 3, 10, 17 and 27, 2027 (Saturdays)
Spring Sessions Time: afternoons TBD
Summer Sessions: Session #1-June 14-17, 2027 (Monday to Thursday) and Session #2-July 19-22, 2027 (Monday to Thursday)
Summer Sessions Time: Afternoons TBD
Location: Pickleball Republic-Carlsbad North (at the Shoppes at Carlsbad)
Indoor Fitness Clinic! (Spring)
This activity has already taken place. Stay tuned for next season!
Indoor Fitness Clinic! (Spring)
Volunteers needed to help the participants with our new INdoor Fitness Clinic. Activities may include Mobility Training, Aerobics, Jazzercise, Yoga and more! (these are possible activities – subject to change).
Dates:
Spring Session: May 1, 8, 15 and 22, 2027 (Saturdays)
Location: Orion Martial Arts, 635 N Twin Oaks Valley Rd (Ste 1), San Marcos
Time: afternoons TBD
Get Movin’…Outdoor Fun and Fitness Clinic!
This activity has already taken place. Stay tuned for next season!
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 13-16, 2026 (Monday to Thursday)
Location: Hollandia Park, Softball Field East, San Marc0s, CA
Time: 3:30-5:00
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!
This activity has already taken place. Stay tuned for next season!
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: 2:15pm – 3:30pm
Jazzercise Fitness and Movement!
This activity has already taken place. Stay tuned for next season!
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: 11:00am – 12:00pm
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.