Opportunities From: Five Rivers MetroParks

Equestrian Arena Assistant volunteers assist staff in conducting lessons and camps at the Carriage Hill Riding Center. These volunteers are the eyes, ears, hands and heart that ensure each participant has a fun, safe, and engaging experience. These volunteers train and qualify as Barn Aides before training to qualify as an Equestrian Arena Assistant. 

Impact

Arena Assistant Volunteers ensure a fun, safe experience riding lesson experience providing a connection to nature through high-quality equine programming. 

Tasks

Retrieve horses from stalls or paddocks and lead to cross ties. Assist with grooming and tacking Help with checking tack, getting riders mounted, and adjusting stirrups Assist with aiding and maintaining safe spacing between the horses during the lesson Keep an eye on safety issues throughout the lesson.

Eligibility: This opportunity is open to Long-Term, Short-Term and Youth volunteers ages 14 and up who have qualified as Equestrian Arena Assistants.

GET STARTED: This opportunity requires Volunteer Onboarding (Profile, Volunteer Handbook Signature, and for those 14 and up an eligible background check), plus Barn Aide and Equestrian Arena Assistant Volunteer training. Simply click the blue RESPOND completing the required qualifications or click here to learn more about becoming a volunteer.

Additional Notes

Parking & Meeting Instructions: Meet the staff near the barn office. Cancelation: If you need to cancel a shift last-minute or are running late, please call the Riding Center office cell phone number at #937-689-6939.Environment & Physical Demands: Volunteers should expect to work in outside weather conditions, year-round in a typical ban environment with exposure to cat and horse dander, dust, hay, and other environmental allergens.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 wear your volunteer name badge and volunteer apparel if you have it to make you easy to identify as a volunteer.

See the Programming Volunteer Position Description for more detailed information. 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.

This Shadow Experience opportunity is for those volunteers in training to serve as an Equestrian Arena Assistant. You will be partnered with a qualified and experienced Staff Lead during this shadow experience to observe, learn, and practice the required skills.

Equestrian Arena Assistant volunteers assist staff in conducting lessons and camps at the Carriage Hill Riding Center. These volunteers are the eyes, ears, hands and heart that ensure each participant has a fun, safe, and engaging experience. These volunteers train and qualify as Barn Aides before training to become an Equestrian Arena Assistant. 

Impact

Arena Assistant Volunteers ensure a fun, safe experience riding lesson experience providing a connection to nature through high-quality equine programming. 

Tasks

Retrieve horses from stalls or paddocks and lead to cross ties. Assist with grooming and tacking Help with checking tack, getting riders mounted, and adjusting stirrups Assist with aiding and maintaining safe spacing between the horses during the lesson Keep an eye on safety issues throughout the lesson.

Eligibility: This opportunity is open to Long-Term, Short-Term and Youth volunteers ages 14 and up who are currently in training to qualify as Equestrian Arena Assistants.

GET STARTED: This opportunity requires Volunteer Onboarding (Profile, Volunteer Handbook Signature, and for those 14 and up an eligible background check), plus Barn Aide and Equestrian Arena Assistant Volunteer training. Simply click the blue RESPOND completing the required qualifications or click here to learn more about becoming a volunteer.

Additional Notes

Parking & Meeting Instructions: Meet the staff near the barn office. Cancelation: If you need to cancel a shift last-minute or are running late, please call the Riding Center office cell phone number at #937-689-6939.Environment & Physical Demands: Volunteers should expect to work in outside weather conditions, year-round in a typical ban environment with exposure to cat and horse dander, dust, hay, and other environmental allergens.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 wear your volunteer name badge and volunteer apparel if you have it to make yourself easy to identify as a volunteer.

See the Programming Volunteer Position Description for more detailed information. 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.

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 the following volunteers: Long-Term, Short-Term, and Youth. Learn more about our types of service here.  

This opportunity is for ages 14 and older. Volunteers ages 14-17 must first be approved by a Volunteer Coordinator to Respond to this opportunity. Contact volunteer.services@metroparks.org to request approval.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 volunteer t-shirt and name badge, and bring a water bottle.

Visit the Adventure Central Training Resources page in our Training Library to see what training is required for this opportunity.

Look for additional details about this opportunity at the bottom of this listing! See the Programming Volunteer Position for information on programming volunteer opportunities with us.

 
   

 

 

Do you enjoy being around kids?  Know your way around a kitchen? Support our kitchen staff in preparing, serving, and cleaning up simple meals for the after-school program kids at Adventure Central.

Impact

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

Tasks Assist in food prep and plating meals. Assist in serving meals and providing friendly customer service to the Adventure Central program participants and staff. Assist in cleaning up and organizing the kitchen after mealtime.

Eligibility

This opportunity is open to Long-Term and Short-Term volunteers. Learn more about our types of service here.  

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. Cancellation: If you need to cancel a shift last minute or are running late, please contact the staff lead,  Lois Woods, at 937-278-2601.  Environmental & Physical Demands: This project takes place indoors. Volunteers will need to work safely around hot ovens, sharp knives, and active children.  Volunteers may participate in bending, kneeling, reaching, walking, and lifting objects of 10lbs or more, etc. Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather, wear their volunteer t-shirt and name badge, and bring a water bottle.Kitchen Support volunteers are welcome to eat a free meal during their volunteer shift, and sometimes take home leftovers!

Visit the Adventure Central Training Resources page in our Training Library to see what training is required for this opportunity.

Look for additional details about this opportunity at the bottom of this listing! See the Programming Volunteer Position Description for more information on programming volunteer opportunities with us.

Individuals who volunteer their time and talents help put excitement and perspective into the activities offered by our programming teams.   Astronomy Assistant volunteers will assist with the assembly and use of the education telescope, help children and their teachers be able to find points of interest in the sky and get them excited to explore the sky. This volunteer opportunity is for those familiar with astronomy and will assist with the astronomy activities and assist in training program support volunteers for their roles in activities.   

Impact

Volunteers enable us to accomplish so much more by lending a hand in various activities.  They may demonstrate proper use of specialized equipment (ie. telescope), share their skills and experience to increase additional volunteer participation, and introduce other volunteers and participants to exciting science and night sky exploration. 

 Tasks Assist with setting up and tearing down the telescope. Welcome and greet students, their families, and teachers. Assist the staff lead in giving each student group a brief introduction to what they'll be seeing. Assist the Staff Lead in helping kids and teachers discover the solar system, view the sun, learn about how telescopes work, and other fun facts. Review safe solar viewing techniques and help ensure students understand the safety protocols. Participates in debriefing and evaluating current activities. Encourage volunteerism, and help direct to the website for information Eligibility 

This opportunity is open to the following volunteers: Short-Term and Long-Term Volunteers. Learn more about our types of service here. Volunteers must complete the Astronomy Assistant Interest and Assessment and Interview to qualify for this opportunity.

 Additional Notes Parking & Meeting Instructions: Volunteers will meet the staff at the Overfield School in Troy. The Overfield School address is:  172 South Ridge Avenue, Troy, OH 45373. Volunteers will meet the staff lead at the School.  The event will take place on the campus grounds in an open, mowed field next to the school and the Hobart Preserve. There will be reserved parking spaces for the volunteers. The Staff lead will orient volunteers to the day's agenda and other important information.Environment & Physical Demands: This program takes place outdoors. Volunteers may participate in some bending, kneeling, reaching, and lifting objects to 10 lbs or more. Volunteers may be standing or walking for the majority of their shift Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather and wear their MetroParks name badge and t-shirt.

Look for additional details about this opportunity at the bottom of this listing! See the Programming Volunteer Position for more information on programming opportunities with us.  

 

 The Great American Camp Out has many scouts camping, enjoying nature, and, with the help of volunteers, discovering some of the interesting things in the sky. Volunteers should enjoy working with families, be excited about exploring the night sky, and can share their time and talents to support the programming team in putting excitement and perspective into the evening's activities.  Astronomy Assistant volunteers will assist with the assembly and use of the education telescope. The volunteer opportunity is for those familiar with astronomy and will assist with the astronomy activities and assist staff train program support volunteers for their roles in activities.   

Impact

Volunteers enable us to accomplish so much more by lending a hand in various activities.  They may demonstrate proper use of specialized equipment (ie, telescope), share their skills and experience to increase additional volunteer participation, and introduce other volunteers and participants to exciting science and night sky exploration. 

 Tasks Assist with the setup and teardown of the telescope. Welcome and greet participants to Possum Creek and your station. Assist the staff lead in training additional volunteers in astronomy activities available at the program. Oversee staged equipment and assist participants in using the telescopeAssist participants in discovering constellations and night sky areas of interest.Assist in interpreting the night sky for guests by pointing out and identifying celestial objects and relaying fun facts and stories May assist with documenting the event through photos or video. Participates in debriefing and evaluating current activities. Encourage volunteerism, and help direct to the website for information Eligibility 

This is an opportunity for the following volunteers: Short-Term and Long-Term Volunteers. Learn more about our types of service here. Volunteers must complete the Astronomy Assistant Interest and Assessment and Interview to qualify for this opportunity.

 Additional Notes Parking & Meeting Instructions: Click here for a map of Possum Creek MetroPark.  Volunteers are scheduled to arrive before the start of the program. Staff leads will orient volunteers to the day's agenda and other important information. You will meet at the camping site.Environment & Physical Demands: This program takes place indoors and outdoors. Volunteers may participate in some bending, kneeling, reaching, and lifting objects to 10 lbs or more. Volunteers may be standing or walking for the majority of their shift Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather and wear their MetroParks name badge and volunteer apparel. Red light headlamps or flashlights are helpful.

Look for additional details about this opportunity at the bottom of this listing! See the Programming Volunteer Position Description for more information.  

Blue Star Families was founded by military family members to empower military families to thrive as they serve. They (15 families) will be camping, enjoying nature, and the trails and features at MetroParks. Volunteers should enjoy working with families, be excited about exploring the night sky, and sharing their time and talents to support the programming team to put excitement and perspective into the evening's activities. Volunteers will assist with activities that highlight the night sky, share interesting constellation stories, and help campers discover constellations that can be seen.   Astronomy Assistant volunteers will assist with the assembly and use of the education telescope. The volunteer opportunity is for those familiar with astronomy and will assist with the astronomy activities and training program support volunteers for their roles in activities.   

Impact

Volunteers enable us to accomplish so much more by lending a hand in various activities.  They may demonstrate proper use of specialized equipment (ie. telescope), share their skills and experience to increase additional volunteer participation, and introduce other volunteers and participants to exciting science and night sky exploration. 

 Tasks Assist with the setup and teardown of the telescope. Welcome and greet participants to Possum Creek and your station. Assist the staff lead in training additional volunteers in astronomy activities available at the program. Oversee staged equipment and assist participants in using the telescope.Assist participants in discovering constellations and night sky areas of interest.Assist in interpreting the night sky for guests by pointing out and identifying celestial objects and relaying fun facts and stories May assist with documenting the event through photos or video. Participates in debriefing and evaluating current activities. Encourage volunteerism, and help direct to the website for information Eligibility 

This is an opportunity for the following volunteers: Short-Term and Long-Term. Learn more about our types of service here. Volunteers must complete the Astronomy Assistant Interest and Assessment and Interview to qualify for this opportunity.

 Additional Notes Parking & Meeting Instructions: Click here for a map of Possum Creek MetroPark.  Volunteers are scheduled to arrive before the start of the program. Staff leads will orient volunteers to the day's agenda and other important information. You will meet at the camping site.Environment & Physical Demands: This program takes place indoors and outdoors. Volunteers may participate in some bending, kneeling, reaching, and lifting objects to 10 lbs or more. Volunteers may be standing or walking for the majority of their shift Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather and wear their MetroParks name badge and volunteer apparel. Red light headlamps or flashlights are helpful.

Look for additional details about this opportunity at the bottom of this listing! See the Programming Volunteer Position for more information on other programming opportunities with us.