FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: YOUTH FOCUS

What animals do I get to pet?

Nova’s Ark is NOT a petting zoo. We do not breed or sell our animals. Our primary focus is to provide animal therapy experiences for individuals with special needs which heightens the communication and social skills focus.

As a volunteer, you interact with our special animals by:

• digging, cleaning and pushing wheel barrows of manure
• grooming
• feeding
• walking and handling

What do I need to wear?

You will get dirty and your footwear and clothing will never smell the same!! Please wear a closed toed shoe or boot. (No flip flops/sandals allowed!) and comfortable pants and tops. You may wish to dress in layers depending on the weather. Also it is a good idea to bring a change of clothing in case of accidents.

What should I bring with me?

• Big Smile, a Caring Heart and a Great Work Ethic
• A completed registration form signed by a parent.
• Pack a Boom-a-rang lunch (Everything that comes with you leaves with you.)
• Re-usable bottle for water that has your name on it.
• Sunscreen

Please keep any electronics at home or in your backpack. The Camels love iPhones!

When do I come?

All new volunteers begin with the Sunday Program from 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. On Sundays there are mentoring and training sessions which provides knowledge and hands on experiences with our veteran leads. All new volunteers interact directly with our veteran leads who have between 500 – 4,000 hours of volunteer experience at Nova’s Ark.

As the new volunteers gain experience, they may be invited to attend special events and interactive sessions involving our youth with special needs.

How long do I have to come?

Volunteers are a gift to Nova’s Ark. Whatever you can give is greatly valued. Your hours are recorded. The more often you come, the more experiences and stories you have and as a result you become more confident, ready to take on advanced roles and responsibilities.

You do not need to pre-book your Sunday visit. There is always a lot to do at the farm. The more hands, the stronger the team.

Can my little brother or sister come?

The volunteers at Nova’s Ark must be at least 12 years old. Your family is welcome to come visit when you have reached your 100 hour goal. Then you can be their tour guide. This is an opportunity for the volunteer to take on a leadership role. The volunteer will be able to share the stories of our special friends.

Do my hours of volunteering count for community involvement hours?

Yes, many of the high school volunteers come for their community involvement hours. Nova’s Ark is a recognized facility within the Durham District School Board.

It is an honour to have so many of our volunteers remain with Nova’s Ark after completing their mandatory community service hours.

What is my first job on the farm?

All of the new volunteers are given the hardest job first. That would be the goat shed. If they can clean this, they can do any job on the farm.

T: 905.706.1009   E: volunteers.novasark@bell.net