We are excited to be kicking off the Backcountry season with this volunteer training! Are you a volunteer interested in supporting outdoor recreation at Five Rivers MetroParks who enjoys hiking, backpacking, and camping? Then this is the training you don
't want to miss! We offer exciting opportunities that connect the community with the beauty of nature, and as dedicated programming volunteers, the staff are able to offer a diversity of programs and engaging experiences to our community.
Programming volunteers work alongside staff to provide support at programs year-round that help participants master new skills, learn about the natural world, and appreciate the value of open spaces.
We invite you to attend an engaging and interactive session at the Twin Valley Welcome Center, the hub of many of our Backcountry programs and resources. During this session, you’ll participate in hands-on activities and interactive stations designed to empower you with the knowledge and skills necessary to make a real impact. We will start with an introduction, getting acquainted, a review of this year's lineup of programs, and a brief show-and-tell. Understanding the commitment required for various programs will help you decide which opportunities best suit your interests.
ARE YOU ELIGIBLE?
This opportunity is open to long-term volunteers 18 years and older, who have completed their volunteer onboarding qualifications (Volunteer Handbook Signature, Completed Volunteer Profile), and an eligible background check. New to MetroParks volunteering? Click here to learn more about how to become a volunteer!
WHAT TO EXPECT & WHAT YOU'LL REVIEW
The training for Backcountry volunteers will cover a range of skill progressions, allowing volunteers to build confidence and knowledge to support our program staff and participants. We will focus on backpacking and camping basics, as well as the importance of sizing hiking poles for our hiking volunteer support. A key component of our outdoor recreation programming is the Leave No Trace principles. Volunteers will have the opportunity to learn more about these principles and how they impact our various backcountry programs. This training is required to assist with campouts and overnight backpacking trips.
As a volunteer, you'll gain practical experience in several areas, including:
- Types of backpacks and how to measure and adjust them
- Types of sleeping bags and their pros and cons
- Types of sleeping pads and their pros and cons
- Differences between stoves we use for backpacking vs. camping, and how to use them safely
- How to pack (both personally and for the group) for backpacking vs. camping, and the differences in equipment
- Use weights to simulate a full backpack, and be able to hike while developing skills to help others on the trail.
- Setting up campsites and tents
- Types of water filtration we use, and how to filter water in the backcountry
- How to use trekking poles, how to adjust them, and how they can assist on a hike
- Basic wayfinding skills and map reading
- About Leave No Trace principles and how we apply them to our programs
Volunteers are a vital part of the Outdoor Recreation team! This training will provide you with hands-on experiences, opportunities to build or refresh your skills, and all the details needed to feel confident and effective in your role as program support. Help others discover the wonders of the outdoors while building your own confidence and effectiveness. Our Outdoor Recreation team fosters a learning environment to support volunteers in developing skills for success in these activities.
GET STARTED!
RSVP to join us for this in-person training and practice session.
Need help with your RSVP? Call #937-275-7275 or email us at volunteer.services@metroparks.org for assistance.
