Programming

Programming volunteers keep our parks buzzing all year long! They help bring awesome nature‑filled programs to life—think exploring the outdoors, learning cool new skills, and inspiring people to live a little greener. Whether it’s recreation, conservation, gardening, history, or hands‑on fun like hiking, fishing, crafting, or cooking, volunteers bring their energy and love for MetroParks to every activity.
By connecting with participants one‑on‑one, volunteers boost the experience for everyone and pick up new skills along the way. With lots of roles to choose from, volunteers can jump into whatever sparks their interest and let their talents shine.

About This Position

This opportunity has opportunities that are more behind-the-scenes support and those that are working directly with participants. The subject matter, the participants, and the time commitment for program support are diverse, and volunteers are able to choose the ones that fit best for their interests and schedule. Program Support Volunteers are primarily for individuals 18 years or older, with some opportunities for families (Conservation Leaders), youth (Riding Center 14+, Historic Farm 16+, Textiles 16+) seeking long-term or short-term experiences. Some opportunities are only available to long-term volunteers due to the training requirements.

Opportunities within programming that will require training or previous knowledge to qualify:

• Program Assistant will have qualifications or a completed check-off for a particular subject matter (astronomy, backpacking, blacksmithing, camping, knitting, plant knowledge, sewing, and weaving are a few)
  
• Garden Guides participate in an annual spring training, seasonal updates, and learn to drive and are checked off on our motorized TRAMS
  
• School Program volunteers start with a virtual training qualification and participate in annual seasonal trainings. Although participation in the trainings is preferred, schedules sometimes conflict, and those individuals who miss some of the training dates may participate in Shadow Experiences.
  
• Historic Interpretation starts with virtual training, participating in a shadow experience, and requires annual check-offs.
  
• Conservation Leaders are family volunteers supporting our education and conservation teams. Youth ages 10 - 17 with their parent or guardian may qualify. There is an in-person orientation meeting and virtual training for the family.
• Riding Center Program Support includes Equestrian Arena Assistant, Pony Ride Assistant, and Trail Guides.  All volunteers interested in these positions must first qualify as a Barn Aide.   Additional training includes virtual training for each position.

What to Know Before You Get Started

• Entry-level Volunteers are welcomed with the opportunities to develop the skills, participate in additional trainings, or annual skills check-offs.
• Programming opportunities require volunteer onboarding (Profile, Volunteer Handbook Signature, and, for those 18 and up, an eligible background check).
• Many opportunities, beyond Program Support, also require training. Review the specific volunteer opportunity to learn what training is required.
• Some opportunities may also include an interview, orientation, training, shadow experience, or a skills check-off, depending on the tasks involved.
• What is a Shadow Experience? An opportunity for those volunteers in training to serve and learn more about the specific position and information needed to be successful in the role. You will be partnered with a qualified and experienced volunteer and/or Staff Lead during this shadow experience to observe, learn, and practice the skills.
• Programs are held at a variety of MetroParks locations and are frequently held at these locations: 2nd Street Market, Carriage Hill, Cox Arboretum, Possum Creek, and Wegerzyn Gardens.
• Program Support opportunities are offered on weekdays, weekday evenings, and weekends, depending on the season and the specific program.

Program Support volunteers provide general program support at a variety of programs across MetroParks without any additional required training.
All Programming volunteers provide assistance with program set up/tear down, participant welcome and check-in, program supply distribution & collection, and general assistance with program activities.
Programming volunteers may also train to lead School Tours and Field Trips, lead Garden Tours, support program education and skill development as Program Assistants, and provide Historic Interpretation.

Get Started

There are a few different ways to get involved as a Program Support Volunteer, depending on what you’re looking for:

• Find Opportunities that interest you
• Review the qualifications needed
  For volunteers interested in building skills, volunteering regularly, or supporting specific opportunities over time.
• Complete your onboarding (Profile, Volunteer Handbook Signature, and for those 18 and up, an eligible background check)
• Start with Program Support or start your training
  
• View the available Programming Volunteer Position opportunities below. Simply click the blue "VIEW DETAILS" button to learn more about each opportunity.
  • To sign up, click the blue "RESPOND" button and complete any required qualifications, including any required training.
  • You can also view any Programming Position Training and Events scheduled below, click the listing to learn more, and the blue "RSVP" button to register.

Want to Branch Out?

Want to explore other ways to get involved? There are many volunteer opportunities across MetroParks that offer similar experiences, skills, or ways to make an impact.

• Historic Blacksmith opportunities
• Historic Woodworker opportunities
• Ambassador opportunities

Exploring multiple opportunities is a great way to stay involved, build new skills, and experience different parts of the parks!

Have questions or need help finding the right fit?

Reach out to the Volunteer Services team at volunteer.services@metroparks.org or 937-275-7275 and ask to speak with a Volunteer Coordinator. You can also join us at a Volunteer Open House, an in-person opportunity to learn more about volunteering with Five Rivers MetroParks.