School Program Volunteer
New Volunteer Orientation
Five Rivers MetroParks invites local school groups to embark on an exciting journey of discovery through our diverse onsite educational field trips. Our programs are designed to enrich a multidisciplinary curriculum, align with the Ohio Academic Content Standards, and connect classroom learning to the wonders of nature. For a complete list of the educational field trips we offer, please visit our community resource page on our website.
If you're new to our School Program Field Trips, we encourage you to attend our orientation session. This is a fantastic opportunity to establish a strong foundation for the upcoming season and see if this rewarding volunteer opportunity aligns with your interests. Volunteers do not need to have a teaching degree to support our educational field trips, but they do need to enjoy helping kids learn about nature and encourage their curiosity and excitement about discoveries! Current volunteers are welcome to join us for updates and to help welcome new volunteers to our team.
Our training sessions are held seasonally in both Spring and Fall, with field trips that reflect the unique beauty of each season. This initial session will cover best practices for engaging with students in nature, effective strategies for various age groups, a brief overview of the exciting field trips scheduled for this Spring, and a chance for volunteers to familiarize themselves with the special features of MetroParks. Additionally, you'll have the chance to develop specific skills and participate in hands-on activities designed to enhance your abilities.
We are gearing up for a busy field trip calendar, and we need enthusiastic volunteers who are passionate about inspiring youth. Your role is vital in creating enjoyable and educational experiences for every group. Training will span four days and will feature immersive field trips to Sugarcreek, Wegerzyn Gardens, and Carriage Hill MetroParks. Join us in making a meaningful impact, knowing your involvement can help shape the next generation’s connection with nature!
Note: Volunteers who participate in the Orientation and Welcome, plus stay for the afternoon training, will be provided with lunch. Lunch is available thanks to a grant through the Cox Arboretum Foundation.
Timeline & General Agenda for Spring Training
- *Wednesday, March 4 (10 am - Noon): Orientation and Welcome - Cox Arboretum MetroPark *Lunch provided if attending both sessions)
- Wednesday, March 4 (1 pm - 3:30 pm): Butterflies and Bees Field Trip - Cox Arboretum MetroPark
- *Thursday, March 5 (9 am - 1:30 pm): Nature Connections Field Trip - Cox Arboretum MetroPark *Lunch will be provided
- Tuesday, March 10 Morning Session (9 am - Noon): Growing Gardeners - Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark
- *Tuesday, March 10 Afternoon Session (12:30 pm - 3 pm): Habitat Safari - Carriage Hill MetroPark *Lunch provided for those attending both sessions.
- Wednesday, March 11 (Noon - 3 pm): Nature Connections - A 2nd Grade Experience - Sugarcreek MetroPark
Additional Notes
- This is a Long-Term Volunteer Opportunity. Learn more about our types of service here.
- Volunteers will be standing, walking, bending over, and reaching. Walking through the field trips will require hiking (about 1-1.5 miles), pond-dipping, and insect netting.
- Volunteers should make every effort to attend all sessions (four days).
- If you can not attend all sessions but still want to support field trips, contact Yvonne.Dunphe@metroparks.org to schedule shadow experiences. Please RSVP for dates you can attend.
- Dress for the weather, wear comfortable shoes for hiking, and wear your volunteer name badge and apparel.
DO YOU QUALIFY? This training and opportunity are reserved for long-term volunteers who have completed their onboarding qualifications and have received an eligible background check (for volunteers 18 and older), Learn more about our volunteer orientation and onboarding here.
Learn more about the Programming Volunteer Position here.
