Opportunities From: Five Rivers MetroParks

Do artistic, creative, and cheerful describe you? Help create that Fall magic at this year's Fall Family Adventure as a Face Paint Program Support volunteer! Face painting is a highlight for youth at any event and is one of our most popular stations at Fall Family Adventure. We like it because it encourages creativity and the use of imagination in children, helping them create a stronger connection to nature. Face Painters will paint the faces of kids (and adults if interested) using one of three simple, easy- to-paint designs. No experience or artistic skills are required. We will provide everything you need to successfully support this station.

Impact

Volunteers like YOU are an essential part of MetroParks' programs and events. Your participation helps make events like this one possible, allowing children and families to safely explore nature, learn, and have fun together in our parks.

Tasks

Arrival: Arrive and check in with your Staff Lead to review your activity assignment and prepare supplies. This program runs from 3 pm-7 pm. Volunteers will assist with setting up, organizing, and closing their activity stations.Getting Ready:Test the paint on the back of your hand to make sure you have a nice, thick consistency. Draw a few practice designs to get ready for your first guest.Tips for Success:Nerves can make your hands shake.  Tip: rest the pinkie finger of your working hand on the forehead of your subject as you paint.Most kids will not be able to sit as still as a statue while you paint them. Tip:  Place your non-painting hand on the top of the child’s head. It calms them and gives you a little warning if they move their head. As soon as you feel their head moving, take your brush off their face.Messy area and paints. Tip: Spritz your sponge or dip your brush in clean water first. It will keep your paints drier and prevent dripping.  Use a towel to clean up after each guest.Getting Started:SMILE!  It can help you and your guests relax and have fun. Welcome the kids over one at a time and ask them which of the three identified designs they would like to have painted on their face.Give each child a chance to see their masterpiece before they leave and you welcome the next guest.Use a towel to clean up after each guest.

Eligibility

This opportunity is open to individual, long-term, and short-term volunteers, ages 16 and up.  

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.

Additional Notes

Parking & Meeting Instructions: Click here to view the map of Wegerzyn Gardens. Volunteers should park in the main parking lot in front of the Administrative building and check in at the Volunteer Check-In table near the park kiosk. Please plan to arrive 15 minutes before your shift to allow for parking, checking in, and connecting with the staff lead at your volunteer location. Cancelation:  If you need to cancel a shift at the last minute or are running late, please call staff lead, Betty Hoevel, at 937-276-7052. Environment & Physical Demands: ​​This is an outdoor activity, and you may get dirty.  This opportunity involves working with paint on kids and families. Physical duties include sitting for long periods of time, bending, and light lifting.  Dress: Please dress for the weather. Reusable volunteer vests and event volunteer nametags will be provided for volunteers on-site.

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:

Program Support

Join us as we share our Wildlife Ambassadors at our booth during Fall Family Adventure! Qualified Wildlife Ambassador Animal Care volunteers are needed to support staff, handle the animals, and engage with community members at the event booth.

Impact

Help others discover the value of nature and conservation! Five Rivers MetroParks Wildlife Ambassadors play an important role in bringing our parks into the community and connecting people to the natural world. Whether you're talking with families at an event, answering questions about wildlife, or sharing your passion for conservation, you'll help create memorable experiences that encourage the public to appreciate, protect, and enjoy our region's natural spaces.

Tasks

Meet the staff at the location to assist with set-up. At end of the program, assist with clean-up of wildlife ambassador space and packaging of wildlife ambassadors.Handling and transporting animals. Welcome guests, introduce yourself and the wildlife ambassadors. Share program talking points and answer common questions with information from the Wildlife Ambassador Manual providing excellent customer service to the public. Support staff or lead designated activities during the program. Follow all safety procedures and ensures the safety of all participants. Alert staff when and if any issues arise.

Eligibility

This opportunity is open to long-term volunteers, ages 13 and up who have qualified as a Wildlife Ambassadors in Animal Care.

GET STARTED: This opportunity requires Volunteer Onboarding (Profile, Volunteer Handbook, Signature, and for those 18 and up an eligible background check), plus Wildlife Ambassador trainings. 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 & Meeting Instructions: Volunteers should park in the main parking lot in front of the Administration building and check in at the Volunteer check-in table near the park kiosk. Please plan to meet in front of the Playhouse.  Click here to view the map of Wegerzyn Gardens.Cancelation:  If you need to cancel a shift last minute or are running late, please contact your Staff Lead at the provided number. Environment & Physical Demands: ​​Volunteers can expect bending, kneeling, reaching and lifting objects 10lbs. or more, and standing for long periods. If you would like to request a service accommodation in order to volunteer at this opportunity, please contact Volunteer Services at least 1 week before the scheduled opportunity. Dress: Please dress for the weather. Reusable volunteer vests and event volunteer nametags will be provided for volunteers on-site. 

Learn more about Animal Care 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.

Administration Ambassador Animal Care Conservation Gardening Park Maintenance Programming Skilled Trades Special Events

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/these opportunity(ies):

Barn Aide

Farm Chores