Community • April 13, 2022

Fun Volunteer Activities on Bainbridge Island

by Windermere Bainbridge Island

Looking for ways to easily volunteer on Bainbridge Island? Here are five fun opportunities. And who knows, you might make a new friend or learn something new. We enjoy giving back to our community and there are many local nonprofits that work so hard to make a difference. We hope this list serves as an inspiring starting point.

Assist and Enjoy Bainbridge Island Museum of Art (BIMA)

Bainbridge Island Museum of Art exhibits the art of both masters and emerging artists. If you love BIMA like we do, consider volunteering there. BIMA needs volunteers and will work with your schedule and interests to find a tailored role. In particular, volunteer opportunities can include docents, administrative volunteers, event support, and exhibition installation crew.

Serve as an Assistant Instructor with BI Parks and Recreation

While there are many ways to help out with Bainbridge Island Metro Park and Recreation District, one interesting way is to serve as an assistant instructor during an outdoor program or trip. You can see new sights, learn new skills, help with youth backpacking trips, adult kayaking classes, and more. To volunteer, simply fill out an application on their website.

Greet or Garden at Bloedel Reserve

Bloedel Reserve‘s gorgeous forests, gardens, and trails are enjoyed by people from all over the world, and the Reserve is often looking for different types of volunteers. From greeters to event volunteers, docents to gardeners, there are many volunteer options to choose from.

Support Furry Friends at PAWS of Bainbridge Island & North Kitsap

PAWS aims to reduce pet overpopulation and the unnecessary euthanasia of healthy, adoptable animals. They do an incredible job and are looking for volunteers to fill a variety of roles. In particular, they’re seeking adoption counselors, event volunteers, feline enrichment team members, foster homes, and people to work in the pet food bank.

Volunteer at West Sound Wildlife Shelter

Caring for more than 1,600 wildlife patients a year, West Sound Wildlife Shelter greatly appreciates volunteers. No previous experience is required and all volunteers receive training. There are many volunteer options such as feeding orphaned wild songbirds, lending a hand in their garden, and assisting with one of their fundraising events.

Community • August 3, 2021

Community Spotlight: Bainbridge’s Boys & Girls Club

by Windermere Bainbridge Island

The Boys and Girls Club of Bainbridge Island has persevered through the pandemic and has enriched the minds of countless youth. Since 2001, our Windermere Bainbridge Island office has proudly supported the Club by donating $250 per month, or $60,000 to date. Read on to learn more about the important work that this wonderful nonprofit does right here in our community.

Boys & Girls Club During the Pandemic

Our local Boys & Girls Club provides academic, engaging, and supportive out-of-school care for Bainbridge Island youth from kindergarten through 8th grade. This organization has also been an integral part of our community’s response to COVID-19. They, along with other local organizations, provided discounted rates and extended out-of-school programming.

Not even the pandemic could stop children from safely having fun and learning at the Boys & Girls Club of Bainbridge Island. The Club implemented remote learning programs to support children during stressful times. And, peer connection, adult mentorship, and engaging activities are still part of the curriculum. As part of their new virtual initiatives, they started offering Free Youth Force Job Readiness workshops.

This past year and a half, our Boys & Girls Club transformed from an after-school care center to a full-time, safe, and reliable place for kids to learn. Additionally, they’ve provided free childcare for frontline workers’ children. They continue to innovate by working with the Bainbridge Island School District and adapting their programs to meet the changing environment.

School Year Programs

Bainbridge’s Boys & Girls Club provides fun programs throughout the school year. There’s a program for K – 4th grade and a separate middle school program for 5th – 8th grade. Club members enjoy healthy snacks and choose from three to four program options. Kids can choose anything from cooking to sports, Minecraft to drone club. There is also a PowerHour to complete homework. 5th – 8th graders participate in PowerHour every day as well as a variety of program offerings from filmmaking to learning how to play the ukulele.

Get Involved

If you have a child or children who would like to get involved with our local Boys & Girls Club, the cost varies based on the program. You can find out more on their school year programs page. They also offer full-day camps during school breaks (winter, mid-winter, and summer). To see what the Club has been up to lately, check out their Facebook page.

Whether you have young children or not, it’s easy to see the long-lasting benefits of a nonprofit organization like this. The Club’s programs give students opportunities to try new things, gain confidence, make new friends, and learn in a safe, supportive environment. Every child deserves the opportunity to thrive. The Boys and Girls Club’s mission is to continue to uplift youth and help them reach their goals. If you would like to contribute to our local Club, you can easily donate online.

Assist and Enjoy Bainbridge Island Museum of Art (BIMA)

Serve as an Assistant Instructor with BI Parks and Recreation

Greet or Garden at Bloedel Reserve

Support Furry Friends at PAWS of Bainbridge Island & North Kitsap

Volunteer at West Sound Wildlife Shelter

Boys & Girls Club During the Pandemic

School Year Programs

Get Involved

The Windermere Foundation of Bainbridge Island donated a total of $52,475 to the community of Bainbridge Island in 2019. The list below is of each of the vital community service organizations of Bainbridge Island to receive funding, due to their consistent and strong contributions to our island.

The Windermere Foundation of Bainbridge Island donated a total of $57,050 to the community of Bainbridge Island in 2017. The list below is of each of the vital community service organizations of Bainbridge Island to receive funding, due to their consistent and strong contributions to our island.

The Windermere Foundation of Bainbridge Island donated a total of $35,200 to the community of Bainbridge Island in 2016. The list below is of each of the vital community service organizations of Bainbridge Island to receive funding, due to their consistent and strong contributions to our island.

The Windermere Foundation of Bainbridge Island donated a total of $31,300 to the community of Bainbridge Island in 2015. The list below is of each of the vital community service organizations of Bainbridge Island to receive funding, due to their consistent and strong contributions to our island.

The Windermere Foundation of Bainbridge Island donated a total of $28,6500 to the community of Bainbridge Island in 2014. The list below is of each of the vital community service organizations of Bainbridge Island to receive funding, due to their consistent and strong contributions to our island.

The Windermere Foundation of Bainbridge Island donated a total of $25,105 to the community of Bainbridge Island in 2013. The list below is of each of the vital community service organizations of Bainbridge Island to receive funding, due to their consistent and strong contributions to our island.

The Windermere Foundation of Bainbridge Island donated a total of $23,630 to the community of Bainbridge Island in 2012. The list below is of each of the vital community service organizations of Bainbridge Island to receive funding, due to their consistent and strong contributions to our island.

The Windermere Foundation of Bainbridge Island donated a total of $15,075 to the community of Bainbridge Island in 2011. The list below is of each of the vital community service organizations of Bainbridge Island to receive funding, due to their consistent and strong contributions to our island.