Opportunities From: Five Rivers MetroParks

Love kids? Spend your time hanging out with the most adventurous youth in Dayton! The after-school program at Adventure Central promotes positive youth development, education, and leadership skills using an environmental foundation in a welcoming, safe, fun, and active setting. These kids are just bursting with energy and excitement! Depending on where the greatest need is for the day, the Program Assistant may spend time helping in the homework room, assisting in the kitchen during mealtimes, or outdoors monitoring play time and getting roped into all sorts of shenanigans from playing in the creek to jumping rope, to gaga ball!  Volunteers may also assist in the girl's or boy's group discussions and activities.

Impact

Volunteers will build trusting and positive relationships that strengthen values, build lasting life skills, and encourage an eagerness to explore life’s possibilities.  

Tasks

Interact with the kids - play, joke, chat! Monitor play for safety and harmony Assist staff in set-up and clean-up of program materials and equipment Assist in food prep, serving meals, cleaning up and organizing the kitchen after mealtime Support staff or lead designated activities during the programAssist staff with discussions during boy's group or girl's group

Eligibility

This opportunity is open to individual Short-term and long-Term, and youth volunteers, ages 14 and up who have completed the Adventure Central Training. 

GET STARTED: This opportunity requires Volunteer Onboarding (Profile, Volunteer Handbook Signature, and for those 18 and up, an eligible background check).  Simply click the blue RESPOND button to begin completing the required qualifications, or click here to learn more about becoming a volunteer.Volunteers will have completed the virtual training located on the Adventure Central Training Resources page in our Training Library.

Additional Notes

Parking & Meeting Instructions: Click here for a map of Wesleyan MetroPark. Volunteers should park and meet staff inside Adventure Central, located at 2222 N James H McGee Blvd Dayton, OH 45417. Cancelation: If you need to cancel a shift last minute or are running late, please contact the staff lead,  Ms. Lois, at 937-278-2601.  Environmental & Physical Demands: This project takes place indoors and outdoors - Please be aware of outdoor exposure risks (i.e. sun, poison ivy, ticks, etc.). Volunteers should be aware of seasonal allergies (i.e., grass, pollen, bees, etc.), and can expect to participate in bending, kneeling, reaching, walking, and may be lifting objects of 10lbs or more, etc. Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather, wear their MetroParks name badge and volunteer apparel, and bring a water bottle.

Learn more about the Programming opportunities with us on the Volunteer Position page!   Have questions or need help getting started? Contact Volunteer Services at volunteer.services@metroparks.org or #937-275-7275 or join us at a Volunteer Open House.

Want to Branch Out? Exploring multiple opportunities is a great way to stay involved, build new skills, and experience different parts of the parks! Consider this opportunity:

 Program Support Opportunities

Looking for a fun way to be part of the Wagner Subaru Outdoor Experience? Join the Five Rivers MetroParks team as a Line & Safety Assistant Volunteer for our popular Try Paddlesports activity! Participants will have the opportunity to experience kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) while learning basic paddling skills and on-the-water safety. Volunteers will be working alongside Taiters Kayak and supported and supervised by Five Rivers MetroParks staff at this opportunity.  Volunteers will help keep lines organized, assist with participant flow, reinforce safety, and create a welcoming experience for everyone. You'll play an important role in helping visitors feel comfortable and confident as they discover the fun of paddling and learn about the many waterways and paddling opportunities throughout our region.

Impact

Program Support volunteers are critical in ensuring we can provide high-quality, engaging programming like these to the public. They help build access, comfort, convenience, and safety into our programs for participants. They enable more individualized support for first-time participants and help create excitement and energy at outdoor recreation events. 

Tasks

Greet and welcome participants to the event and the paddlesport area. Ensure each paddler is wearing an activity wristband. Watch this video to learn more about our activity waivers. Assist the staff lead with posted safety guidelines for participation in recreation activities as needed. Monitor the dock area and water for safety. Answer any questions to the best of your ability, and direct them to staff if unsure. Assist participants in getting in and out of boats, if needed. Help set up and tear down as needed.Volunteers should take a few minutes towards the end of their shift to train their volunteer replacement.  Pass along all the tips and tricks you learned during your shift to the next shift volunteers.If there is not a replacement, please make contact with a MetroParks staff member or Volunteer Services. You are the face of MetroParks at this event...smile, be enthusiastic, and enjoy the event!

Eligibility

This opportunity is open to individual, public, long-term, or short-term volunteers, ages 16 and up. Simply click the blue RESPOND button to sign up or click here to learn more about becoming a volunteer.

Background Check: We do not require a background check for our public volunteer opportunities; however, persons with a criminal record may be disqualified and prohibited from service. Please review our background check policy here. For those required to complete Court Appointed Community Service, please click here.

Additional Note

Parking and Meeting Instructions: Parking is available for volunteers off Springfield Street. Volunteers should check in at Volunteer Central in the Bluegrass Shelter located directly across the footbridge by the lagoon. Please arrive 15 minutes early to park, check in, and get to your volunteer location. Click here to view a map of Eastwood MetroPark.Cancellation: If you need to cancel a shift last minute or are running late, please contact the staff lead.Environment and Physical Demands: This program takes place outdoors.  Please be aware of outdoor exposure risks ( i.e., sun, poison ivy, insects, etc). Volunteers should be aware of seasonal allergies (i.e., grass, pollen, bees, etc.), and will participate in some bending, kneeling, reaching, and lifting objects of 15 lbs. or more. This opportunity requires volunteers to be near the water and be observant of their surroundings.  Volunteers should bring their favorite reusable water bottle, sunscreen, and bug spray.Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes. Reusable volunteer vests and event nametags will be provided for you onsite at volunteer check-in.Special Note: While there will be alcoholic drinks available at this event, volunteers should abstain until after they have completed their volunteer service. Also, even though this is a dog-friendly event, volunteers are asked to enjoy the event with their furry friends after they have completed volunteering. IMPORTANT: Please review this Concussion Awareness Handout from the CDC before your volunteer shift. If you suspect that any participant might be showing signs or symptoms of a concussion, alert Five Rivers MetroParks staff right away.

Learn more about Programming opportunities with us on the Volunteer Position page! Have questions or need help getting started? Contact Volunteer Services at volunteer.services@metroparks.org or #937-275-7275 or join us at a Volunteer Open House. 

Want to Branch Out? Exploring multiple opportunities is a great way to stay involved, build new skills, and experience different parts of the parks! Consider these opportunities:

Additional Opportunities at the Wagner Subaru Outdoor Experience

Program Support Opportunities

Looking for a fun way to be part of the Wagner Subaru Outdoor Experience? Join the Five Rivers MetroParks team as a Boat Assistant Volunteer for our popular Try Paddlesports activity! Working alongside the experienced team from Taiters Kayak, and supported and supervised by Five Rivers MetroParks staff, you'll help create a safe, welcoming, and memorable experience for participants trying kayaking, canoeing, or stand-up paddleboarding for the first time. As a Boat Assistant Volunteer, you'll help participants select the appropriate watercraft, assist them with safely getting in and out of their boat, and perform a final safety check before they head out on the water. Your encouragement and attention to detail will help new paddlers feel confident as they discover the fun of paddlesports. 

Impact

Program Support volunteers are critical in ensuring we can provide high-quality, engaging programming like these to the public. They help build access, comfort, convenience, and safety into our programs for participants. They enable more individualized support for first-time participants and help create excitement and energy at outdoor recreation events.

Tasks

Greet and welcome participants to the event and the paddlesport area. Ensure each paddler is wearing an activity wristband. Watch this video to learn more about our activity waivers.Ensure each paddler is properly fitted for their life jacket. Watch this video to learn more about fitting a life jacket. Assist staff lead with posted safety guidelines for participation in recreation activities as needed. Assist paddlers with finding a boat. Assist people with moving into boats from the dock to the water and vice versa. Monitor the dock area and water for safety. Answer any questions to the best of your ability, and direct them to staff if unsure. Help set up and tear down as needed.Volunteers should take a few minutes towards the end of their shift to train their volunteer replacement.  Pass along all the tips and tricks you learned during your shift to the next shift volunteers.If there is not a replacement, please make contact with a MetroParks staff member or Volunteer Services. You are the face of MetroParks at this event...smile, be enthusiastic, and enjoy the event!

Eligibility

This opportunity is open to individual, public, long-term, or short-term volunteers, ages 18 and up. Simply click the blue RESPOND button to sign up or click here to learn more about becoming a volunteer.

Background Check: We do not require a background check for our public volunteer opportunities; however, persons with a criminal record may be disqualified and prohibited from service. Please review our background check policy here. For those required to complete Court Appointed Community Service, please click here.

Additional Note

Parking and Meeting Instructions: Parking is available for volunteers off Springfield Street. Volunteers should check in at Volunteer Central in the Bluegrass Shelter located directly across the footbridge by the lagoon. Please arrive 15 minutes early to park, check in, and get to your volunteer location. Click here to view a map of Eastwood MetroPark.Cancellation: If you need to cancel a shift last minute or are running late, please contact the staff lead.Environment and Physical Demands: This program takes place outdoors.  Please be aware of outdoor exposure risks ( i.e., sun, poison ivy, insects, etc). Volunteers should be aware of seasonal allergies (i.e., grass, pollen, bees, etc.), and will participate in bending, kneeling, reaching, and lifting objects of 15 lbs. or more. This opportunity requires volunteers to be near the water and be observant of their surroundings.  Volunteers should bring their favorite reusable water bottle, sunscreen, and bug spray.Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes. Reusable volunteer vests and event nametags will be provided for you onsite at volunteer check-in.Special Note: While there will be alcoholic drinks available at this event, volunteers should abstain until after they have completed their volunteer service. Also, even though this is a dog-friendly event, volunteers are asked to enjoy the event with their furry friends after they have completed volunteering. IMPORTANT: Please review this Concussion Awareness Handout from the CDC before your volunteer shift. If you suspect that any participant might be showing signs or symptoms of a concussion, alert Five Rivers MetroParks staff right away.

Learn more about Programming opportunities with us on the Volunteer Position page! Have questions or need help getting started? Contact Volunteer Services at volunteer.services@metroparks.org or #937-275-7275 or join us at a Volunteer Open House. 

Want to Branch Out? Exploring multiple opportunities is a great way to stay involved, build new skills, and experience different parts of the parks! Consider these opportunities:

Additional Opportunities at the Wagner Subaru Outdoor Experience

Program Support Opportunities

Help keep our paddling participants safe while introducing them to the fun of being on the water! Join the Five Rivers MetroParks team as a Life Jacket Assistant Volunteer at the Wagner Subaru Outdoor Experience. Working alongside Taiter's Kayak, and supported and supervised by Five Rivers MetroPark staff, you'll help participants select and properly fit a life jacket before they head out to enjoy a kayak, canoe, or stand-up paddleboard. A properly fitted life jacket is one of the most important pieces of safety equipment on the water, and you'll play a key role in helping visitors have a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable experience. Volunteers will greet participants, assist with sizing and fitting life jackets, answer basic questions, and help keep the life jacket area organized and running smoothly.

Impact

Program Support volunteers are critical in ensuring we can provide high-quality, engaging programming like these to the public. They help build access, comfort, convenience, and safety into our programs for participants. They enable more individualized support for first-time participants and help create excitement and energy at outdoor recreation events. 

Tasks

Greet and welcome participants to the event and the paddlesport area. Ensure each paddler is wearing an activity wristband. Watch this video to learn more about our activity waivers. Assist staff lead in distributing and fitting life jackets to participants.Review this video on fitting a life jacket before coming to your shift: Appropriate fitting of a Life Jacket.Assist staff lead with posted safety guidelines for participation in recreation activities as needed. Answer any questions to the best of your ability, and direct them to staff if unsure. Assist participants in getting in and out of boats, if needed. Help set up and tear down as needed.Volunteers should take a few minutes towards the end of their shift to train their volunteer replacement.  Pass along all the tips and tricks you learned during your shift to the next shift volunteers.If there is not a replacement, please make contact with a MetroParks staff member or Volunteer Services. You are the face of MetroParks at this event...smile, be enthusiastic, and enjoy the event!

Eligibility

This opportunity is open to individual, public, long-term, or short-term volunteers, ages 18 and up. Simply click the blue RESPOND button to sign up or click here to learn more about becoming a volunteer.

Background Check: We do not require a background check for our public volunteer opportunities; however, persons with a criminal record may be disqualified and prohibited from service. Please review our background check policy here. For those required to complete Court Appointed Community Service, please click here.

Additional Note

Parking and Meeting Instructions: Parking is available for volunteers off Springfield Street. Volunteers should check in at Volunteer Central in the Bluegrass Shelter located directly across the footbridge by the lagoon. Please arrive 15 minutes early to park, check in, and get to your volunteer location. Click here to view a map of Eastwood MetroPark.Cancellation: If you need to cancel a shift last minute or are running late, please contact the staff lead.Environment and Physical Demands: This program takes place outdoors.  Please be aware of outdoor exposure risks ( i.e., sun, poison ivy, insects, etc). Volunteers should be aware of seasonal allergies (i.e., grass, pollen, bees, etc.), and will participate in bending, kneeling, reaching, and lifting objects of 15 lbs. or more. This opportunity requires volunteers to be near the water and be observant of their surroundings.  Volunteers should bring their favorite reusable water bottle, sunscreen, and bug spray.Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes. Reusable volunteer vests and event nametags will be provided for you onsite at volunteer check-in.Special Note: While there will be alcoholic drinks available at this event, volunteers should abstain until after they have completed their volunteer service. Also, even though this is a dog-friendly event, volunteers are asked to enjoy the event with their furry friends after they have completed volunteering. IMPORTANT: Please review this Concussion Awareness Handout from the CDC before your volunteer shift. If you suspect that any participant might be showing signs or symptoms of a concussion, alert Five Rivers MetroParks staff right away.

Learn more about Programming opportunities with us on the Volunteer Position page! Have questions or need help getting started? Contact Volunteer Services at volunteer.services@metroparks.org or #937-275-7275 or join us at a Volunteer Open House. 

Want to Branch Out? Exploring multiple opportunities is a great way to stay involved, build new skills, and experience different parts of the parks! Consider these opportunities:

Additional Opportunities at the Wagner Subaru Outdoor Experience

Program Support Opportunities

Help create a fun, welcoming, and safe paddling experience at the Wagner Subaru Outdoor Experience as a Safety Boater Volunteer! As a Safety Boater supporting the Try Paddlesports area, you'll be on the water helping monitor participants, responding to potential safety concerns, and providing a reassuring presence so everyone can focus on learning and having fun. Working alongside Taiters Kayak, and supported and supervised by Five Rivers MetroParks staff, volunteers help create memorable outdoor experiences while promoting safe paddling practices. Volunteers help participants feel informed, prepared, confident, and safe while enjoying time on the water. Your paddling experience can make a meaningful difference for first-time paddlers, families, and seasonal boaters who are eager to build their skills and confidence. Prior paddling experience and completion of Five Rivers MetroParks Safety Boater Training is required.

Impact

Safety Boaters volunteers are critical in ensuring we can provide high-quality, engaging and safe programming like these to the public. They help build access, comfort, convenience, and safety into our programs for participants. They enable more individualized support for first-time participants and help create excitement and energy at outdoor recreation events.

Tasks

Safely paddle throughout the Try Paddlesports paddling area. Provide paddling tips to participants. Alert staff to any issues, concerns, or hazards. Help set up and tear down as needed.Volunteers should take a few minutes towards the end of their shift to train their volunteer replacement.  Pass along all the tips and tricks you learned during your shift to the next shift volunteers.If there is not a replacement, please make contact with a MetroParks staff member or Volunteer Services. You are the face of MetroParks at this event...smile, be enthusiastic, and enjoy the event!

Eligibility

This opportunity is open to individual, long-term volunteers, ages 18 and up, who have qualified as Safety Boater. 

GET STARTED: This opportunity requires Volunteer Onboarding (Profile, Volunteer Handbook Signature, and for those 18 and up, an eligible background check), plus Safety Boater training and Check Off. Simply click the blue RESPOND button to begin completing the required qualifications or click here to learn more about becoming a volunteer.

Additional Note

Parking and Meeting Instructions: Parking is available for volunteers off Springfield Street. Volunteers should check in at Volunteer Central in the Bluegrass Shelter located directly across the footbridge by the lagoon. Please arrive 15 minutes early to park, check in, and get to your volunteer location. Click here to view a map of Eastwood MetroPark.Cancellation: If you need to cancel a shift last minute or are running late, please contact the staff lead.Environment and Physical Demands: This program takes place outdoors.  Please be aware of outdoor exposure risks ( i.e., sun, poison ivy, insects, etc). Volunteers should be aware of seasonal allergies (i.e., grass, pollen, bees, etc.), and will participate in bending, kneeling, reaching, and lifting objects of 15 lbs. or more. This opportunity requires volunteers to be near the water and be observant of their surroundings.  Volunteers should bring their favorite reusable water bottle, sunscreen, and bug spray.Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes. Reusable volunteer vests and event nametags will be provided for you onsite at volunteer check-in.Special Note: While there will be alcoholic drinks available at this event, volunteers should abstain until after they have completed their volunteer service. Also, even though this is a dog-friendly event, volunteers are asked to enjoy the event with their furry friends after they have completed volunteering. IMPORTANT: Please review this Concussion Awareness Handout from the CDC before your volunteer shift. If you suspect that any participant might be showing signs or symptoms of a concussion, alert Five Rivers MetroParks staff right away.

Learn more about Programming opportunities with us on the Volunteer Position page! Have questions or need help getting started? Contact Volunteer Services at volunteer.services@metroparks.org or #937-275-7275 or join us at a Volunteer Open House. 

Want to Branch Out? Exploring multiple opportunities is a great way to stay involved, build new skills, and experience different parts of the parks! Consider these opportunities:

Additional Opportunities at the Wagner Subaru Outdoor Experience

Program Support Opportunities