Opportunities From: Five Rivers MetroParks

Do you enjoy baking and working in the kitchen?  Is a behind-the-scenes opportunity one that suits you? Be a part of our pre-event setup team and help with the preparation of the "goodies" to be baked and given out at Christmas on the Farm!  Under the supervision of the assigned MetroParks staff, volunteers will be making batches of gingerbread recipes and freezing them for use.

Impact

Volunteers like YOU are an essential part of MetroParks' programs and events. Special Event volunteers ensure that events and large-scale programs run smoothly and safely. Your participation helps make events like this one possible.

Tasks Meet with your staff lead at the site when you arrive to review the recipe and details of the project. Help staff unload, organize, and collect equipment needed to start making the batter and prepare it for freezing. Assist staff in making the batter, getting batches ready for freezing, and getting the batches in the freezer.Eligibility This is an opportunity for the following volunteers: Long-Term and Short-Term who are 16 and older. Learn more about our types of service here.   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: Click here for a map of Carriage Hill MetroPark.  Volunteers should arrive 15 minutes early to park and meet up with the staff. Staff leads will orient volunteers to the day's activities, where supplies are located,  and other important information.Environment & Physical Demands: This program takes place indoors. Volunteers may participate in some bending, kneeling, reaching, and lifting objects to 10 lbs or more.   Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather. Period apparel is not required.  Wear your volunteer name badge, and a volunteer shirt if you have one. Volunteer vests will be available at the visitor center.

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.  

Sleigh rides are a favorite part of holiday events - and we need your help to make them smooth, safe, and memorable at this year's Christmas on the Farm! We're looking for volunteers to assist with wagon rides, helping guests board and exit safely, tracking the number of riders, and offering a warm welcome with basic event information.

Impact

Volunteers like YOU are an essential part of MetroPark's programs and events. Special Event volunteers ensure that events and large-scale programs run smoothly and safely. Your participation helps make events like this one possible. 

Tasks Providing a warm welcome to visitors and helping to answer any questions as able. Helping guests on and off the wagon safely.Counting and recording the number of visitors per ride. Assist guests into the wagon, and make sure they move safely to their seatsRide along and ensure rider safety, reminding visitors to stay seated while the wagon is moving. When able share you knowledge of Carriage Hill MetroPark with visitors.  Eligibility This opportunity is open to the following volunteers: Long-Term and Short-Term, and Public. Learn more about our types of service here. Additional Notes Parking and Meeting Instructions: Volunteers may park in the Visitor Center Parking lot located at 7800 E. Shull Rd. Meet with the staff lead at the Historic Farm. View the event map here. Volunteer Check-In will be available inside the visitor center.Cancellation: If you need to cancel a shift last minute or are running late, please contact the staff lead, Chris Snyder, at (812) 569-1377.Environment & Physical Demands: Physical duties include standing, walking, lifting, bending, and stretching.Dress: Reusable volunteer vests and event nametags will be provided for you at volunteer check-in onsite inside the visitor center.

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

Christmas on the Farm is a special event held at our Daniel A. Arnold historic farm. During this winter celebration, volunteer blacksmiths will start the coal forge to add warmth and enhance the seasonal activities. Historic blacksmiths will demonstrate simple blacksmithing techniques and share small trinkets with visitors. This is a wonderful way to celebrate the season and create lasting memories..

Impact

Volunteers represent what living in the 1880s might have been like and help visitors make a stronger connection to the history of Carriage Hill and experience life on an 1880s working farm. 

Tasks Greet and welcome participants. Interpret and provide historic information specific to the Blacksmith Shop on the Daniel A Arnold Historic Farm. Work with staff lead, historic interpreters, and program assistants to provide an engaging event for the public participants. Eligibility This is an opportunity for the following volunteers:  Long-Term adult volunteers who have qualified as Historic Interpreters as well as Historic Blacksmith Demonstrators. Learn more about our types of service here.  Additional Notes Parking & Meeting Instructions: Click here for a map of Carriage Hill MetroPark.  Volunteers are scheduled to arrive 15 minutes before the beginning of the program. Staff leads will orient volunteers to the day's activities, including planned demonstrations and to do a historical clothing check.  Volunteers will also have time for a review of what can be demonstrated 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.   Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather. Period apparel IS required.  If not yet fitted, the staff lead or volunteer coordinator will contact you to schedule a fitting. 

Volunteers must be qualified as Historic Blacksmiths to serve in this opportunity. To learn more, visit our Historic Blacksmith Volunteer Training page here.

Look for Additional Details about this opportunity at the bottom of this listing!  See the Skilled Trades Volunteer Position for more information on skilled trades opportunities with us.  

Celebrate the holiday season at Carriage Hill Historic Farm with our Christmas on the Farm event! Our Historic Interpreter volunteers help visitors experience a special seasonal gathering that highlights traditions from Christmases past while creating new memories. This event features both daytime and nighttime activities, allowing visitors to enjoy a fun-filled day of events! Historic Interpreter volunteers provide demonstrations and bring history to life during Christmas on the Farm at the Daniel A Arnold Historic Farm.

Impact

Volunteers represent what living in the 1880s might have been like, and help visitors make a stronger connection to the history of Carriage Hill and experience life on an 1880s working farm. This opportunity will focus on historical farming, gardening, homesteading, and food preparation information.

Tasks Greet and welcome participants. Interpret and provide historic information on Daniel A Arnold Historic Farm. Engage participants and families in the activities on the farm during this program. Interpret and support an assigned demonstration. Demonstrations are as follows:  Historic Holiday Foods: in the Winter Kitchen of the DA House - Interpreting to the public. Discussing traditional Christmas foods and providing resources on how to make them today. Holiday Crafts: in the Sitting Room of the DA House - Interpreting to the public. Performing a basic craft (Knitting or crocheting), that demonstrates making a gift in the 1880s. An additional evening activity will be making pomander balls.   Christmas Traditions: in the Parlor of the DA House - Interpreting to the public. Describing traditional Christmas decorations, trees, ornaments, and overall traditions.   Christmas Tree Decorations: in the Old Summer Kitchen of the DA House - Interpreting to the public about the use of the Summer Kitchen, the Arnolds, and performing a basic craft that can be given to the public. The daytime activity is stringing popcorn for decoration. Kettle Corn Demonstration: Outside of the DA House - Interpreting to the public and answering questions as needed. Volunteers will be using the old kettle to make popcorn and distribute it to the public.   Gingerbread Baking: Outside of the DA House in the outside oven - Interpreting to the public and answering questions as needed. Volunteers will work with staff during the daytime portion to make gingerbread and distribute it to the public.Fresh Holiday Greens: In the new Summer kitchen - Interpreting to the public and answering questions as needed. Volunteers will create small greens giveaways for visitors during the daytime event.  An additional evening activity will be roasting chestnuts and distributing them to the publicParlor Games: In the parlor of the DA House - Interpreting to the public and answering questions as needed. Volunteers will engage the public with typical parlor games used in the 1800s.Barn Guide: Outside of the DA House at the barn - Interpreting to the public and answering questions as needed. Volunteers will share information about the heritage breeds at the historic farm and the history of the various barns at Carriage Hill.Santa's Assistant: Inside the DA Barn - Assisting Santa Claus pass out candy and toys, during Santa's breaks, volunteers will be reading "T'was the Night Before Christmas".  
EligibilityThis is an opportunity for the following volunteers: Long-Term volunteers ages 16 and up who have qualified as Historic Interpreters.  Learn more about our types of service here.  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: Click here for a map of Carriage Hill MetroPark.  Volunteer Check-In will be available inside the visitor center. Volunteers are scheduled to arrive 1/2 hour before the beginning of the program. Staff leads will orient volunteers to the day's activities, including planned demonstrations and a historical clothing check.  Volunteers will also have time for a review of what can be demonstrated and other important information.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 will be sent information on their specific activity demonstration before the event. With cold weather, please remember to take breaks and warm up. Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather. Period apparel IS required. If not yet fitted, the staff lead or volunteer coordinator will contact you to schedule a fitting. 

Volunteers must be qualified as a Historic Interpreter to serve in this opportunity. To learn more, visit our Historic Interpreter Training page here.

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.  

If you're interested in this opportunity, you may also be interested in: Aullwood Luminary: House Greeter

Do you love the holiday season and sharing joyful moments with others? Join us as a Program Support Volunteer at this year's Christmas on the Farm at Carriage Hill's Historic Farm! We're looking for friendly, enthusiastic individuals to assist with a variety of fun holiday demonstrations and activities that bring the spirit of the season to life. You'll help guests feel welcome, ensure they have what they need, and add a little sparkle to their holiday experience. No experience needed and historic period dress is NOT required. We'll provide everything you need!

Impact

Program Support volunteers enhance the visitor experience by offering excellent customer service and sharing their passion for Carriage Hill and the event. Volunteers enable the staff to offer a diverse and engaging experience to those who come to the park.  They also help all of the day's visitors build awareness of all the amenities that MetroParks offers to community members.

Tasks Be a warm, welcoming presence throughout the event.Invite guests of all ages to participate in the activities on the farm during this holiday program. Provide one-on-one assistance as needed for guests of all ages. Help create a festive, family-friendly holiday atmosphere.Support an assigned demonstration. Demonstrations will be led by trained historic interpreter volunteers and/or staff. Here are some that are planned:  Historic Holiday Foods: in the Winter Kitchen of the DA House - Discussing traditional Christmas foods and providing resources on how to make them today. Holiday Crafts: in the Sitting Room of the DA House - Interpreting to the public. Performing a basic craft, that demonstrates making a gift in the 1880s. An additional activity will be making pomander balls.  Christmas Tree Decorations: in the Old Summer Kitchen of the DA House -The daytime activity is stringing popcorn for decoration. Kettle Corn Demonstration: Outside of the DA House - Volunteers will be using the old kettle to make popcorn and distribute it to the public.   Gingerbread Baking: Outside of the DA House in the outside oven - Volunteers will work with staff during the daytime portion to make gingerbread and distribute it to the public.Parlor Games: In the parlor of the DA House - Volunteers will engage the public with typical parlor games used in the 1800s.Barn Guide: Outside of the DA House at the barn - Interpreting to the public and answering questions as needed. Volunteers will share information about the heritage breeds at the historic farm and the history of the various barns at Carriage Hill.Santa's Assistant: Inside the DA Barn - Assisting Santa Claus pass out candy and toys,  during Santa's breaks, volunteers will be reading 'Twas the Night Before Christmas.  
EligibilityThis opportunity is open to the following volunteers: Long-Term volunteers ages 16 and up who have qualified as Historic Interpreters. Learn more about our types of service here. Additional Notes Parking & Meeting Instructions: Click here for a map of Carriage Hill MetroPark.  Volunteer Check-in will be available inside the Visitor Center. Volunteers are scheduled to arrive 1/2 hour before the beginning of the program. Staff leads will orient volunteers to the day's activities and assignments to specific stations.  Volunteers will also have time for a review of what can be demonstrated and other important information. 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 will be sent information on their specific activity demonstration before the event. With cold weather, please remember to take breaks and warm up. Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather. Period apparel is NOT required. Volunteer event nametags and reusable volunteer vests will be available at Volunteer Check-In inside the Visitor Center. 

Volunteers interested in Historic Interpreter opportunities can learn more by visiting our Historic Interpreter Training page here.

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.  

If you're interested in this opportunity, you may also be interested in: Aullwood Luminary: House Greeter 

Historic Woodworker volunteers are needed during Christmas on the Farm to provide interpretation and demonstrations for the Wood Shop on the Daniel A Arnold Historic Farm.

Impact

Volunteers represent what living in the 1880s might have been like, and help visitors make a stronger connection to the history of Carriage Hill and experience life on an 1880s working farm. 

Tasks Greet and welcome participants. Interpret and provide historic information specific to the Wood Shop on the Daniel A Arnold Historic Farm. Work with staff lead, historic interpreters, and program assistants to provide an engaging event for the public participants. HEligibilityThis is an opportunity for the following volunteers: Long Term, adult volunteers who have qualified as Historic Interpreters and Historic Woodworker Demonstrators. Learn more about our types of service here. Additional Notes Parking & Meeting Instructions: Click here for a map of Carriage Hill MetroPark.  Volunteers are scheduled to arrive 15 minutes before the beginning of the event. Staff leads will orient volunteers to the day's activities including planned demonstrations and a historical clothing check.  Volunteers will also have time for a review of what can be demonstrated 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.  Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather. Period apparel IS required.  If not yet fitted, the staff lead or volunteer coordinator will contact you to schedule a fitting.

Volunteers must be qualified as a Historic Woodworker to serve in this opportunity. To learn more, visit our Historic Woodworker Volunteer Training page here.

Look for Additional Details about this opportunity at the bottom of this listing!  See the Skilled Trades Volunteer Position for more information on skilled trades opportunities with us.  

Do you love the holidays and all the great family activities? Christmas on the Farm is back, and Santa is expecting mail this year from Carriage Hill.  Volunteers will assist families in crafting a letter to Santa and ensure it gets in the mail.  Volunteers will be in the Visitor Center classroom and no period clothing is needed. 

Impact

Program Support volunteers enhance the visitor experience by offering excellent customer service and sharing their passion for Carriage Hill and the event. Volunteers enable the staff to offer a diverse and engaging experience to those who come to the park.  They also help all of the day's visitors build awareness of all the amenities that MetroParks offers to community members.

Tasks Welcome guests as they arrive at the event and thank them as they leave. Assist children and families with letters to Santa or holiday coloring. Assist with wayfinding and answer basic questions about the MetroParks and Carriage Hill MetroPark. As needed, distribute event information, schedules of activities, and Christmas Traditions handouts. Provide excellent customer service by welcoming and orienting visitors throughout the park and/or event.  The first shift will help staff lead with the setup of the station, 2nd shift will help with the transition to the evening program, and the 3rd shift will help with the teardown. Eligibility This is an opportunity for the following volunteers: Short-Term and Long-Term who are 16 and older. Learn more about our types of service here.  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: Click here for a map of Carriage Hill MetroPark.  Volunteer Check-In will be available inside the visitor center. Staff leads will orient volunteers to the day's activities, including planned demonstrations.  Volunteers will also have time to review the tasks, and make sure all the supplies are at hand, and other important information. Environment & Physical Demands: This program takes place indoors. Volunteers may participate in some bending, kneeling, reaching, and lifting objects to 10 lbs or more.  With cold weather, it may be chilly even in the visitor center. Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather. Period apparel is NOT required.  Volunteer event nametags and reusable volunteer vests will be available at Volunteer Check-In inside the visitor center. Volunteers are also encouraged to wear their MetroParks volunteer apparel. 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. 

If you're interested in this opportunity, you may also be interested in:  Aullwood Photo Station Attendant  

Do you love the holidays, decorating with the garden, and traditions of the season? Gardeners know holiday decorating is a breeze when using evergreens that can be found around the home.  Christmas on the Farm shares what it was like in the 1800's and ways they utilized materials found on the property to make seasonal decor. Volunteers will offer visitors some of the materials to make holiday decorations at home.

Impact

Program Support volunteers enhance the visitor experience by offering excellent customer service and sharing their passion for Carriage Hill and the event. Volunteers enable the staff to offer a diverse and engaging experience to those who come to the park.  They also help all of the day's visitors build awareness of all the amenities that MetroParks offers to community members.

Tasks Gather materials and prepare some evergreen bundles ahead for visitors to take. Welcome visitors to the historic farm and the event. Help with wayfinding and event activity locations as needed.Share appropriate pruning information if they have evergreens at home to utilize for decorations.Share information about the various evergreens that can be used in decorations. Clean up of the equipment and the area at the end of the event.Eligibility This is an opportunity open to the following volunteers: Short-term and Long-term. Learn more about our types of service here.This opportunity is also open to OSUE Master Gardener for required service hours. Additional Notes Parking & Meeting Instructions: Click here for a map of Carriage Hill MetroPark.  Volunteer Check-In will be available inside the visitor center. Volunteers are scheduled to arrive 15 minutes before the beginning of the program. Staff leads will orient volunteers to the day's activities, including planned demonstrations.  Volunteers will also have time to review what can be demonstrated 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 will be standing for much of the time and utilizing pruners to prepare the bundles of evergreens. With cold weather, please remember to take breaks and warm up. Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather. Period apparel is NOT required.  Volunteer event nametags and resusable volunteer vests will be available at Volunteer Check-In inside the visitor center. Volunteers are also encouraged to wear their MetroParks volunteer apparel. Look for Additional Details about this opportunity at the bottom of this listing! See the Programming Volunteer Position for more detailed information on programming opportunities with us. 

If you're interested in this opportunity, you may also be interested in: Aullwood Luminary: Garden Decoration Prep

Celebrate the season and share your love of textiles at Christmas on the Farm at Carriage Hill's Historic Farm! We're looking for Textile Program Assistant volunteers to support textile demonstrations and help bring holiday traditions to life. We’re looking for Textile Program Assistant volunteers to support hands-on demonstrations and help bring holiday traditions to life. Demonstrations may include knitting, crocheting, weaving, spinning, sewing, and other related textile activities - Join us and help weave some holiday cheer! 

Impact

Volunteers will be demonstrating skills they have in modern times that also were popular in the 1880s and help visitors make a stronger connection to Carriage Hill and experience life on an 1880s working farm. 

Tasks Create a warm, welcoming and festive holiday atmosphere. Engage guests in the textile activities and demonstrations. Assist staff lead during the program to create a better learning environment for the interactive activities.During the day, volunteers will assist guests with crafting a simple holiday gift on the historic farm and volunteers stationed at the visitor center will demonstrate textile skills in the textile area.  During the evening portion, volunteers will support simple demonstrations in the visitor center.   Eligibility This opportunity is open to the following volunteers: Short-term and Long-Term who are 16 years or older and have been qualified in an area of textiles. Learn more about our types of service here.  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:  Click here for a map of Carriage Hill MetroPark.  Volunteer Check-In will be available inside the Visitor Center. Staff leads will orient volunteers to the day's agenda, and review specific stations, and other important information.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. Be mindful of seasonal conditions (sun, insects, heat) and be prepared. Dress: Period apparel is NOT required. Volunteers should dress for the weather. Volunteer event nametags and reusable vests will be available inside the visitor center. Volunteers are also encouraged to wear their volunteer apparel. Look for additional details about this opportunity at the bottom of this listing! See the Programming Volunteer Position for more information on programming opportunities.  

Help light up Carriage Hill! An evening at Christmas on the Farm brings the park to life with glowing luminaries, a cozy firepit, and joyful seasonal activities - and we need your help to make it all happen! We're seeking volunteers to assist with the setup, relighting, and removal of luminaries along the trail from the Visitor Center through the Historic Farm. Creating the magical glow of this beloved event takes teamwork and precise timing to light and maintain hundreds of luminaries. 

Impact

Volunteers like YOU are an essential part of MetroParks' programs and events. Special Event volunteers ensure that events and large-scale programs run smoothly and safely. Your participation helps make events like this one possible.

Tasks   Setting up and lighting luminaries along the trail. *Relighting luminaries as needed during the event. *Removing and packing up luminaries at the end of the event. *Assisting with firepit preparation and monitoring for safety. Volunteers should be comfortable starting, tending, and extinguishing a fire pit. After the luminaries have been placed, volunteers will start a fire with dry kindling and paraffin candles.Monitor guest activity near the fire to ensure a safe environment. Assist visitors in finding appropriate trash receptacles, and help ensure trash is not thrown into the fire.*Note: Volunteers will be placing and lighting the luminaries during the first shift and extinguishing and removing them during the last shift. Welcome, and invite guests over as they pass by, providing excellent customer service. Eligibility This 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: Click here for a map of Carriage Hill MetroPark. Volunteer Check-In will be available inside the Visitor Center.Cancelation: If you need to cancel a shift last minute or are running late, please call the staff lead, Rick Musselman, at (937) 594-8271.Environment & Physical Demands: This program takes place at night and outdoors. Volunteers can expect to participate in bending, kneeling, reaching, and lifting objects to 10 lbs or more. This opportunity involves a lot of walking as well as managing fires. With cold weather, please remember to take breaks and warm up. Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather. Period apparel is NOT required.  A volunteer event nametag and a reusable volunteer vest will be available for you at Volunteer Check-In inside the visitor center.

Look for Additional Details about this opportunity at the bottom of this listing! See the Special Event Volunteer Position Description for more detailed information.

If you're interested in this opportunity, you may also be interested in: Aullwood Luminary: Fire Pit Float