This week marks the first instalment of the Driftwood’s Stepping Up focus on island volunteers and groups who need more of them.
So many not-for-profit groups on Salt Spring Island are short of helping hands to keep their programs and services running, and we’d like to make it a little easier for groups and potential volunteers to find each other.
A casual call for interest in my Dec. 31, 2025 Viewpoint column resulted in a field of raised hands from leaders of groups who said they needed volunteers and wanted to participate. The hope is that by meeting a current volunteer through short articles or Q&As and learning about types of positions available, readers might be motivated to check out volunteering opportunities that sound right for them.
This week we meet Salt Spring Trail and Nature Club president Carron Carson and Robyn Huntley of Salt Spring Literacy’s One to One Reading Program.
If your group would like to participate in upcoming Stepping Up columns, just send an email message to news@gulfislandsdriftwood.com or phone me at 250-537-9933.
Salt Spring Trail and Nature Club
The island’s trail and nature club was set up many years ago to stimulate interest in hiking and related outdoor activities and natural history, and to study flora and fauna in their natural habitats. The club runs weekly hikes, walks and rambles from September to June in addition to special events of interest. It is one of 55 clubs in the province that belong to BC Nature.
If you want to get involved with the club, send an email to president Carron Carson at cjcarson44@gmail.com.
Meet SSTNC volunteer Carron Carson!
At the end of January, I will be finishing my fourth year in the volunteer position as Salt Spring Trail and Nature Club president.
I have been a member of the club since 2015 when I retired from my full-time job and was anxious to get out and enjoy nature. When I had been a member for about a year, I felt comfortable enough to offer to lead one or two hikes or walks. I had not had any previous experience on the club’s executive when asked to become the president. Because the other club members and executive were so supportive and encouraging, I undertook the new position. I am pleased to report that over my tenure I have become far more confident in leading a group as well as in public speaking.
My job as president, which involves approximately three to four hours a week, is to lead the executive committee and oversee the actions of the club in general. I am the first contact for potential new members and a liaison between BC Nature and Gulf Island Trails.
I highly recommend this kind of a volunteer role for anyone wanting to combine great outdoor experiences with socializing with other like-minded islanders. There are currently executive board positions available as well as a need for leaders for hikes, walks and rambles.
Salt Spring Literacy’s One to One Reading Program
Salt Spring Literacy’s One to One Reading is a unique program that provides one-to-one tutoring to primary and intermediate children in elementary schools during regular school hours. Trained volunteers work with children who are selected by their teachers for extra reading practice. Typically, each student spends approximately 30 minutes two to three times a week with a volunteer tutor. One to One provides these children with an opportunity to practise their reading in an environment where it is OK to take risks, make mistakes and learn at their own pace.
New people are urgently needed to fill in for regular volunteers who are away for parts of the winter and early spring season. For more information, email Salt Spring Literacy children’s program coordinator Keiko Taylor at childrensprograms@saltspringliteracy.org or phone the Salt Spring Literacy office at 250-537-9717.
Meet One to One Reading Program volunteer Robyn Huntley!
Q. How long have you been volunteering with the One to One Reading Program?
A. Three years.
Q. What attracted you to this particular group?
A. I’ve lived on Salt Spring for 45 years. I worked in the elementary schools for almost 30 of those years and was familiar with the program so when I had the opportunity to be a volunteer, I was happy to join.
Q. What role do you have now and what other roles have you had?
A. I started out working with individual students and assisting them with their reading skills, but the past two years I have also been a coordinator for the Fernwood One to One Reading volunteers, relaying information and supporting the volunteers with any queries or concerns they may have.
Q. What do you like best about volunteering with the One to One Reading Program?
A. Being part of a lively, dynamic group of children and adults all working towards a similar goal.
Q. What is a challenge you’ve managed to overcome?
A. Encouraging students to read and play literacy games can come with its challenges, but the program provides training and experience as well as lots of materials to help make this possible.
Q. Is there an anecdote or memory you have that epitomizes the volunteer experience for you?
A. There are many moments of joy and feelings of accomplishment. One memory that sticks with me is the surprise and excitement in a young boy’s face when he realized he had read through a book he hadn’t been able to read before. This is just one of many happy and fulfilling experiences I have had working with this program.
Q. In a nutshell, why would you recommend volunteering with the One to One Reading Program?
A. I have met many interesting and talented adults and children who are a part of this program and I look forward to my volunteer day each week. I highly recommend becoming a volunteer for the One to One Reading Program.