School Program Volunteer Spring Training
Five Rivers MetroParks School Program Volunteers play a crucial role in creating enjoyable and educational experiences for every group, guiding them on an exciting journey of discovery through our diverse educational field trips. These enthusiastic volunteers are passionate about inspiring youth to explore the wonders of nature. Does this sound like you?
Our field trips are designed to enrich a multidisciplinary curriculum, align with Ohio Academic Content Standards, and connect classroom learning to the natural world. During the training, volunteers will learn about the activities planned for each field trip and how to engage groups using various MetroParks sites. The training will span four days and include immersive field trips to Sugarcreek, Wegerzyn Gardens, and Carriage Hill MetroParks.
Training sessions are held seasonally in both Spring and Fall, with field trips that showcase the unique beauty of each season. This session will focus on the Nature Connections field trip and will cover best practices for engaging with students in nature, effective strategies for various age groups, an overview of the exciting field trips scheduled for this Spring, and an opportunity for volunteers to familiarize themselves with the special features of Cox Arboretum. Hands-on activities are designed to meet objectives while directly engaging students with nature. Each session will enhance your skills, help you become familiar with leading activities, and allow you to be creative in engaging different age groups.
As we prepare for a busy field trip calendar, your participation will help us make a meaningful impact on our youth. All School Program Volunteers are encouraged to attend all training sessions.
Nature Connections Learning Objectives:
- Explain and give examples of different relationships between organisms.
- Explain three ways in which animals and plants are dependent on each other.
- Identify the needs of living things.
- Identify at least one way they can have a positive impact on the environment.
- Discover and identify spring interest.
To view the complete list of educational field trips we offer, please visit our community resource page on our website.
**If you are new to our School Program Field Trips, we encourage you to attend our morning orientation session on March 4. This is a fantastic opportunity to establish a solid foundation for the upcoming season and determine if this rewarding volunteer experience 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!
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.
Timeline & General Agenda for Spring Training
- *Wednesday, March 4 (10 am - Noon): Orientation and Welcome - Cox Arboretum MetroPark
- 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
- 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 are 18 or older, have completed their onboarding qualifications, and have received an eligible background check, Learn more about our volunteer orientation and onboarding here.
Learn more about the Programming Volunteer Position here.
