Do you enjoy working with kids, exploring nature, and creating memorable learning experiences? This fall, you can help students discover the wonders of the outdoors by volunteering with our School Program Volunteers!
Imagine guiding enthusiastic young learners on exciting educational adventures, helping them connect what they're learning in the classroom to the forests, prairies, streams, and wildlife of MetroParks. Whether you're encouraging curiosity, assisting with hands-on activities, or simply sharing your enthusiasm for nature, you'll play an important role in making every field trip meaningful.
ARE YOU ELIGIBLE? This opportunity is open to individual long-term volunteers, ages 18 and up, who have completed their volunteer onboarding qualifications (Volunteer Handbook Signature, Completed Volunteer Profile), and for those 18 and up, an eligible background check. New to MetroParks volunteering? Click here to learn more about how to become a volunteer! This opportunity requires a seasonal commitment.
WHAT TO EXPECT & WHAT YOU'LL REVIEW
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.
Welcome & School Program Kick-Off (approximately 3 hours, indoors):
- School Program Orientation: Understanding health hazards, proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and safe handling.
- Stay for Lunch and Discussion with Returning Volunteers: Through our foundation, we are able to provide lunch for all those who register and are interested in becoming a School Program Volunteer. New volunteers get a chance to engage with returning volunteers and ask even more questions.
- Get Connected and Sign Up: New volunteers are welcome to stay after lunch to learn how to find the opportunities, schedule for their shadow experiences, and start their journey as a School Program Volunteer.
Additional School Program Trainings (approximately 2 hours each):
As a School Field Trip volunteer, you'll receive specialized training to prepare you for each program and gain valuable insight into the activities planned for students. Next week, new volunteers are invited to join the immersive experiences at Germantown MetroPark and Taylorsville MetroPark while building your own knowledge of the natural world.
- Tuesday, August 11 (Tayylorsville MetroPark - CCC Shelter): Naturalist and former Director of Conservation, Dave Nolin will lead an exploration focusing on natural history and nature engagement skills.
- Wednesday, August 12 (Germantown MetroPark - Twin Valley Welcome Center): This session is an opportunity to get acquainted with this park and the Animals of Ohio field trip. Meet the Animal Ambassadors, walk the red trail, practice pond dipping, and look for insects at the Monarch Way Station.
*For a complete list of the educational field trips we offer, please visit our community resource page on our website.
GET STARTED!
RSVP to join us for this in-person orientation and welcome.
Need help with your RSVP? Call #937-275-7275 or email us at volunteer.services@metroparks.org for assistance.
Look for more Programming Volunteer Opportunities here!
