Opportunities From: Five Rivers MetroParks

Help set up and support the region's premier outdoor adventure festival – The Wagner Subaru Outdoor Experience! Working with MetroParks staff, Exhibitor Support & Set Up volunteers assist with building the event by working directly with exhibitors to load in and set up their booths. These volunteers support other set-up duties as needed. 

Impact

Special Event volunteers are critical in ensuring that each special event or large-scale program runs smoothly from set-up to tear-down.  

Tasks Review the exhibitor area and general event layout. Greet and welcome exhibitors as they arrive. Ensure exhibitors are checked in on the provided sheet and give them their nametag and info packet. Answer any questions regarding the event, and direct any questions you are unsure how to answer to the staff. Assist with unloading and getting supplies to the exhibitor's assigned booth area. Utilize available hand carts, dollies, and other small hand equipment as needed.  Use safe lifting techniques, proper hand tools, and safety gear as appropriate and necessary. Volunteers will be provided with all needed equipment and safety gear on site.EligibilityThis opportunity is open to the following volunteers: Long-Term, Short-Term, Public Service, and Youth (ages 14-17 - See specific age requirements below).  Learn more about our types of service here.
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.Youth Volunteers: Youth volunteers ages 14-17 are not required to complete a background check. If you are a new youth volunteer, contact volunteer.services@metroparks.org to have your background check waived. Additional Notes Parking and Meeting Instructions: Parking is available for volunteers off Springfield Street. Volunteers should check in at Volunteer Central in the Bluegrass Shelter 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 MetroParkCancellation: If you need to cancel a shift last minute or are running late, please contact the staff lead, Shelby Shaw, at 937-274-3117. Environment and Physical Demands: This position does involve heavy lifting. Hand carts, dollies, and hand tools will be available for volunteer use. Volunteers will be provided with all needed equipment and safety gear on-site. 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 15lbs or more. Volunteers should bring their favorite water bottle, sunscreen, and bug spray. Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather and wear comfortable closed-toe shoes. If you have one, please wear your green or blue volunteer shirt. Reusable volunteer vests and event nametags will be provided for you onsite at volunteer check-in. Look for additional details about this opportunity at the bottom of this listing! See the Special Event Volunteer Position Description for more detailed information. 

Help support other amazing volunteers and staff at The Wagner Subaru Outdoor Experience by helping manage the hospitality service! Volunteers will help coordinate meals, snacks, and beverages for event volunteers, sponsors, and staff, providing much-needed support for those giving their time to make this event a success! 

Impact

Special Event volunteers are critical in ensuring that each special event or large-scale program runs smoothly from set-up to tear-down.  

Tasks Help to support fellow volunteers, staff, and sponsors, primarily those who may be unable to leave their stations, by keeping food and beverages replenished at drop-off/replenish station locations. Note: This volunteer opportunity will involve driving a gator to and from drop-off locations. Monitor and refresh cart items throughout the shift. Answer questions about the event and Five Rivers MetroParks to the best of your ability. Provide excellent customer service to ensure a positive visitor and volunteer experience. EligibilityThis opportunity is open to the following volunteers: Long-Term.  Learn more about our types of service here. Additional Notes Parking and Meeting Instructions: Parking is available for volunteers off Springfield Street. Volunteers should check in at Volunteer Central in the Bluegrass Shelter by the lagoon. Please arrive 15 minutes early to park, check in, and get to your volunteer location. The staff lead will orient volunteers to the activity, review how to safely and efficiently assist participants, and rotate for breaks.Click here to view a map of Eastwood MetroParkCancellation: If you need to cancel a shift last minute or are running late, please contact the staff lead, Bernadette Whitworth, at 937-276-7056. Environment and Physical Demands: Light physical duties include standing, walking, and light lifting to help set up and tear down booth materials. 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 15lbs or more. Volunteers should bring their favorite water bottle, sunscreen, and bug spray. Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes. If you have one, please wear your green or blue volunteer shirt. Reusable volunteer vests and event nametags will be provided for you onsite at volunteer check-in. Look for additional details about this opportunity at the bottom of this listing! See the Special Event Volunteer Position Description for more detailed information. 

Sustainability volunteers support the Waste Free Initiative at The Wagner Subaru Outdoor Experience by serving as Waste Free Educators, providing guidance to the public on how to properly dispose of their event waste as compost or recycling, educating the public on our Waste Free Initiative, and encouraging more sustainable living beyond the event.

Impact

Special Event volunteers are critical in ensuring that each special event or large-scale program runs smoothly from set-up to tear-down.  

Tasks Assist guests in the proper placement of recyclables, compostables, or trash. Create an independent learning moment by sharing our Waste-Free Initiative and pointing out the composting and recycling stations throughout the event.  Assist with setting up or tearing down booth materials as needed.EligibilityThis opportunity is open to the following volunteers: Long-Term, Short-Term, Public Service, and Youth (ages 14-17 - See specific age requirements below).  Learn more about our types of service here.
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. Youth Volunteers: Youth volunteers ages 14-17 are not required to complete a background check. If you are a new youth volunteer, contact volunteer.services@metroparks.org to have your background check waived.  Additional Notes Parking and Meeting Instructions: Parking is available for volunteers off Springfield Street. Volunteers should check in at Volunteer Central in the Bluegrass Shelter by the lagoon. Please arrive 15 minutes early to park, check in, and get to your volunteer location. The staff lead will orient volunteers to the activity, review how to safely and efficiently assist participants, and rotate for breaks.Click here to view a map of Eastwood MetroParkCancellation:  If you need to cancel a shift last minute or are running late, please call the staff lead, Chris Pion, at 937-275-5032.Environment & 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 15lbs or more. Volunteers should bring their favorite water bottle, sunscreen, and bug spray.Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes. If you have one, please wear your green or blue volunteer shirt. Reusable volunteer vests and event nametags will be provided for you onsite at volunteer check-in.Look for additional details about this opportunity at the bottom of this listing! See the Special Event Volunteer Position Description for more detailed information. 

TRAM Shuttle Driver volunteers enable the event to be more accessible to all individuals. They provide excellent customer service to the public and are many times the first contact for visitors to the event. By providing assistance as shuttle drivers, these volunteers allow visitors to be able to enjoy the event by offering rides to and from the parking area and the event footprint. 

Impact

Special Event volunteers play a critical role in ensuring that each special event or large-scale program runs smoothly, from setup to teardown.

Tasks Welcome visitors to the Wagner Subaru Outdoor Experience. Assist visitors by providing rides in the TRAM to and from the pick-up zones. Drive visitors safely to the main event drop-off location and back again to the parking lot drop-off location. Be familiar with facts and key features of the event to share with passengers on the way to the event drop-off location. Answer questions about the event & Five Rivers MetroParks to the best of your ability. Contact the staff with any questions you are unable to confidently answer. Keep a supply of event brochures available to distribute to visitors and refer to when referencing points of interest. Smile, and share your enthusiasm for the event and your Five Rivers MetroParks! You are the first face of the event for thousands of visitors! EligibilityThis opportunity is open to the following volunteers: Long-Term.  Learn more about our types of service here.

 Volunteers for this opportunity will need to be trained and qualified on our TRAMs and have the TRAM checkoff completed.

Additional Notes Parking and Meeting Instructions: Volunteers may park in the Eastwood MetroPark Springfield Street Parking Lot (near the lagoon). Check in with Volunteer Central at the Bluegrass Shelter near the Lagoon. After check-in, meet with the staff lead at the Info Central booth, where you will receive a brief on-site orientation. The staff lead will orient volunteers to the activity, review how to safely and efficiently assist participants, and rotate for breaks.  A review of the route and safety protocols will be conducted at the beginning of each shift.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, Chris Buck, at 937-567-4405. Environment and Physical Demands: ​​Light physical duties include standing, walking, and light lifting. 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 15lbs or more. Volunteers should bring their favorite water bottle, sunscreen, and bug spray. Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes. If you have one, please wear your green or blue volunteer shirt. Reusable volunteer vests and event nametags will be provided for you onsite at volunteer check-in.Please note that later shifts will involve driving after dark. Please be sure that you are comfortable driving the TRAM in nighttime conditions if you select a later shift.  Look for additional details about this opportunity at the bottom of this listing!  See the Programming Volunteer Position Description for programming volunteer opportunities with us.

Be the friendly face and smile that welcomes visitors to the return of The Wagner Subaru Outdoor Experience! Info Central and Waiver Support volunteers are stationed at the entrance as well as at the waiver stations at the event and help welcome visitors, provide event information, distribute programs, and assist participants with completing activity waivers.

Impact

Special Event volunteers are critical in ensuring that each special event or large-scale program runs smoothly from set-up to tear-down.  

Tasks Greet the community as they enter The Wagner Subaru Outdoor Experience and thank them as they leave. Use the hand counters to record how many people enter the doorway for the event. Distribute programs as needed. Direct visitors to ways to start their experience at the event. Help guests understand the layout of The Wagner Subaru Outdoor Experience, answer questions, and be able to direct the community to activity areas, presentations, entertainment, demonstration times, and various locations. Direct presenters, volunteers, and vendors to check in.Watch this video to learn more about camping at the event. Make sure visitors know there is an activity waiver form for those who want to try an activity and have it available to sign, or direct them to other waiver stations. Watch this video to learn more about our activity waivers, and follow the process below for assisting visitors with the activity waivers: Read the inherent risks to the visitors and have them initial the inherent risk section of the waiver. Note: If under 18, a legal parent or guardian must sign for them; grandparents, aunts, uncles, or anyone who is not a legal guardian cannot sign the waivers.Give visitors who have completed the event waiver form a wristband.Alphabetically file the event waiver forms in the file folder box. EligibilityThis opportunity is open to the following volunteers: Long-Term, Short-Term, and Public Service.  Learn more about our types of service here.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 Notes Parking and Meeting Instructions: Parking is available for volunteers off Springfield Street. Volunteers should check in at Volunteer Central in the Bluegrass Shelter by the lagoon. Please arrive 15 minutes early to park, check in, and get to your volunteer location. The staff lead will orient volunteers to the activity, review how to safely and efficiently assist participants, and rotate for breaks.Click here to view a map of Eastwood MetroParkCancellation: If you need to cancel a shift last minute or are running late, please contact the staff lead, Andrea Reed, at 937-430-6003. Environment and Physical Demands: ​​Light physical duties include standing, walking, and light lifting. 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.). Volunteers should bring their favorite water bottle, sunscreen, and bug spray. Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes. If you have one, please wear your green or blue volunteer shirt. Reusable volunteer vests and event nametags will be provided for you onsite at volunteer check-in.Please note that this opportunity covers both the information tent as well as the waiver stations. Volunteers will be assigned to one of these two areas based on need. Look for additional details about this opportunity at the bottom of this listing! See the Special Event Volunteer Position Description for more detailed information.

Help us wrap up the region's premier outdoor adventure festival – The Wagner Subaru Outdoor Experience!  Clean-up and tear-down are essential parts of a well-run event, and for park users to be able to enjoy a clean, safe park after an event. Teardown volunteer support and assist with deconstructing the event by tearing down various areas around the park. 

Impact

Special Event volunteers are critical in ensuring that each special event or large-scale program runs smoothly from set-up to tear-down.  

Tasks Help staff with tearing down tents, tables, chairs, banners, displays, etc. Help disassemble, organize, and collect equipment and gear distributed throughout the event site.   Load supplies and equipment onto trailers and vehicles.Use safe lifting techniques, proper hand tools, and safety gear as appropriate and necessary. EligibilityThis opportunity is open to the following volunteers: Long-Term, Short-Term, Public Service, and Youth (ages 14-17 - See specific age requirements below).  Learn more about our types of service here.
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.Youth Volunteers: Youth volunteers ages 14-17 are not required to complete a background check. If you are a new youth volunteer, contact volunteer.services@metroparks.org to have your background check waived.  Additional Notes Parking and Meeting Instructions: Parking is available for volunteers off Springfield Street. Volunteers should check in at Volunteer Central in the Bluegrass Shelter 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, Shelby Shaw, at 937-274-3117. Environment and Physical Demands: This position does involve heavy lifting. Hand carts, dollies, and hand tools will be available for volunteer use. Volunteers will be provided with all needed equipment and safety gear on-site. 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 15lbs or more. Volunteers should bring their favorite water bottle, sunscreen, and bug spray. Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes. If you have one, please wear your green or blue volunteer shirt. Reusable volunteer vests and event nametags will be provided for you onsite at volunteer check-in. Look for additional details about this opportunity at the bottom of this listing! See the Special Event Volunteer Position Description for more detailed information.  

Calling all helping hands! Add to the beauty of Wegerzyn Gardens with lovely Fall decorations and help get the space ready for all the fun as you help decorate and set up this year's Fall Family Adventure.

Impact

Special Event volunteers serve a critical role in ensuring that events and large-scale programs run smoothly.

Tasks  Assist with assembling and setting up seasonal decorations in the garden.  Assist with setting up tables, chairs, and event supplies.  EligibilityThis opportunity is open to the following volunteers: Long-Term, Short-Term, Public Service, Youth (ages 14-17 - See specific age requirements below) and/or Groups.  Learn more about our types of service here.
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. Youth Volunteers: Youth volunteers ages 14-17 are not required to complete a background check. If you are a new youth volunteer, contact volunteer.services@metroparks.org to have your background check waived.  Additional Notes  Parking & Meeting Instructions: Parking is available in the Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark visitor lot. Please plan to arrive 10 minutes before your shift to allow for parking, checking in, and connecting with the staff lead. Meet the staff lead at the map kiosk in front of the administration building.Cancellation: If you need to cancel a shift at the last minute or are running late, please call the staff lead, Betty Hoevel, at 937-276-7052.Environment & Physical Demands: Physical duties include standing, walking, and moderate to heavy lifting to help set up and tear down the event. Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes. If you have one, please wear your green or blue volunteer shirt. Reusable volunteer vests and event nametags will be provided for you onsite at volunteer check-in.Look for additional details about this opportunity at the bottom of this listing! See the Special Event Volunteer Position Description for more detailed information.

Be a part of the Welcome Team at this year's Fall Family Adventure! Whether coming or going, visitors appreciate when a friendly, smiling face is there to greet them or say farewell. As a volunteer in this role, you are the first and last(ing) impression of a successful event at Five Rivers MetroParks!  

Impact

Special Event volunteers serve a critical role in ensuring that events and large-scale programs run smoothly.

Tasks  Welcome participants as they arrive and thank them for attending as they leave. Check off registered attendants and keep a tally of registered and walk-in participants. Provide event information and handouts to participants. Answer questions from participants and assist with wayfinding to the best of your ability. Assist with cleaning up and tearing down the welcome table at the end of the event.  EligibilityThis opportunity is open to the following volunteers: Long-Term and Short-Term.  Learn more about our types of service here.
Additional Notes  Parking & Meeting Instructions: Parking is available in the Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark visitor lot. Please plan to arrive 10 minutes before your shift to allow for parking, checking in, and connecting with the staff lead. Cancellation: If you need to cancel a shift at the last minute or are running late, please call the staff lead, Betty Hoevel, at 937-276-7052.Environment & Physical Demands: ​​Light physical duties include standing, walking, and light lifting to help set up and tear down booth materials. Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes. If you have one, please wear your green or blue volunteer shirt. Reusable volunteer vests and event nametags will be provided for you onsite at volunteer check-in.

Look for Additional Details about this opportunity at the bottom of this listing! See the Special Event Volunteer Position Description for more information on serving as a Special Events volunteer.

Be a part of this year's Fall Family Adventure! A sweet treat makes everything better! Help make this event a little sweeter and enjoy those smiling faces as you help serve cookies, apple juice, water, and hot chocolate at this year's event. 

Impact

Special Event volunteers serve a critical role in ensuring that events and large-scale programs run smoothly.

Tasks  Help set up, stock, and serve at the refreshment station. We will be serving cookies, apple juice, water, and hot chocolate at this year's event.  Welcome participants as they arrive and thank them for attending. Serve as a resource for questions and additional event support as needed. Assist with station tear-down at the end of the event. Eligibility This opportunity is open to the following volunteers: Long-Term, Short-Term, Public Service, Youth (ages 14-17 - See specific age requirements below), and/or Groups.  Learn more about our types of service here.
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. Youth Volunteers: Youth volunteers ages 14-17 are not required to complete a background check. If you are a new youth volunteer, contact volunteer.services@metroparks.org to have your background check waived. Additional NotesParking & Meeting Instructions: Parking is available in the Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark visitor lot. Please plan to arrive 10 minutes before your shift to allow for parking, checking in, and connecting with the staff lead. Cancellation: If you need to cancel a shift at the last minute or are running late, please call the staff lead, Betty Hoevel, at 937-276-7052.Environment & Physical Demands: ​​Light physical duties include standing, walking, and light lifting to help set up and tear down. Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes. If you have one, please wear your green or blue volunteer shirt. Reusable volunteer vests and event nametags will be provided for you onsite at volunteer check-in. Look for Additional Details about this opportunity at the bottom of this listing! See the Special Event Volunteer Position Description for more information on serving as a Special Events volunteer.

Be the helping hands behind the scenes that bring this event together! Help us ensure this year's Fall Family Adventure is a success by supporting our entertainers, staff, and other volunteers.

Impact

Special Event volunteers serve a critical role in ensuring that events and large-scale programs run smoothly.

Tasks  Check in with the staff leads for an overview of the event, assessment of needs, and task instruction.  Assist with setup, teardown, or station preparation as needed. Walk around the event welcoming participants, providing event information, and checking in with staff, volunteers, and performers. Help keep activity lines short by directing participants to other activities when one is crowded. Support staff and volunteers by answering questions when able or directing questions or concerns to the staff lead, retrieving supplies, and providing quick breaks as needed. Provide additional support to activity stations that are busy and fill in for missing volunteers where needed. Eligibility
This opportunity is open to the following volunteers: Long-Term and Short-Term, Public, and Youth (ages 14-17 - See specific age requirements below.  Learn more about our types of service here.
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.Youth Volunteers: Youth volunteers ages 14-17 are not required to complete a background check. If you are a new youth volunteer, contact volunteer.services@metroparks.org to have your background check waived.  Additional Notes  Parking & Meeting Instructions: Parking is available in the Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark visitor lot. Please plan to arrive 10 minutes before your shift to allow for parking, checking in, and connecting with the staff lead.Cancellation:  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: ​​Light physical duties include standing, walking, and light lifting to help set up and tear down booth materials. Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes. If you have one, please wear your green or blue volunteer shirt. Reusable volunteer vests and event nametags will be provided for you onsite at volunteer check-in.

Look for Additional Details about this opportunity at the bottom of this listing! See the Special Event Volunteer Position Description for more information on serving as a Special Events volunteer.

 

 

Calling all helping hands!  Flex your muscles and assist staff behind the scenes as you help tear down this year's Fall Family Adventure.

Impact

Special Event volunteers serve a critical role in ensuring that events and large-scale programs run smoothly.

Tasks  Assist with breaking down and putting away seasonal decorations in the garden.  Assist with breaking down and putting away tables, chairs, event supplies, and displays.  EligibilityThis opportunity is open to the following volunteers: Long-Term, Short-Term, Public Service, Youth (ages 14-17 - See specific age requirements below) and/or Groups.  Learn more about our types of service here.
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. Youth Volunteers: Youth volunteers ages 14-17 are not required to complete a background check. If you are a new youth volunteer contact volunteer.services@metroparks.org to have your background check waived.  Additional Notes  Parking & Meeting Instructions: Parking is available in the Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark visitor lot. Please plan to arrive 10 minutes before your shift to allow for parking, checking in, and connecting with the staff lead. Cancelation: If you need to cancel a shift last minute or are running late, please call the staff lead, Betty Hoevel, at 937-276-7052.Environment & Physical Demands: Physical duties include standing, walking, and moderate to heavy lifting to help set up and tear down the event. Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes. If you have one, please wear your green or blue volunteer shirt. Reusable volunteer vests and event nametags will be provided for you onsite at volunteer check-in.Other: Gator Qualification Preferred 

Look for Additional Details about this opportunity at the bottom of this listing! See the Special Event Volunteer Position Description for more information on serving as a Special Events volunteer.