School Program volunteers help build access, comfort, convenience, and safety into our school field trips. Those who support the school program field trips allow staff to extend the opportunities for school groups to get outside into a living classroom and connect STEM standards to real situations. Volunteers enable more individualized support for first-time learners and create an inclusive skill-building environment. Volunteers help make it possible for kids and teachers to develop a stronger connection to nature by making it easy to experience the outdoors in fun activities.
Growing Gardeners Field Trip
School group size: Spring Valley Academy
50 2nd grade students with 5-8 chaperones
Growing Gardeners is an interactive school field trip throughout the season at Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark, engaging young learners in a variety of activities and topics such as soil science, plant identification, guided nature hikes, and basic gardening tasks. Volunteers will help with groups of children in sensory exploration in nature and be a part of inspiring future generations of gardeners!
Tasks
- Welcome participants, assist with check-in, and help organize the group upon arrival.
- Help staff with program set-up & tear-down, including distributing program supplies.
- Assist with executing program objectives.
- Lead or assist in leading various stations within the specific field trip.
- Assist with guided hikes (1-to-3 miles) and participate with children in program activities.
- Provide excellent customer service to participants and visitors.
Eligibility: This opportunity is open to Short-term and Long-Term who have qualified as a School Program volunteer. Learn more about our types of service here. This opportunity is available for OSUE Master Gardener service hours. If you missed the training session but are interested in responding to this opportunity, email volunteer.services@metroparks.org to review the training materials.
Additional Notes
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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 may participate in some bending, kneeling, reaching, and lifting objects of 15lbs or more. Volunteers may lead a group over uneven terrain and may be walking (1-to 3-mile hikes) during this opportunity.
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Parking & Meeting Instructions: Click here for a map of Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark. Volunteers should park and meet staff at Skeeter's Garden. Volunteers are scheduled to arrive 1/2 hour before the school arrives for a brief orientation, review of stations, and to gather supplies needed.
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Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather, wear their MetroParks name badge and t-shirt, long pants, closed-toe shoes, and have their favorite teaching aids, water bottle, sunscreen, and bug spray.
Look for additional details about this opportunity at the bottom of this listing! See the Programming Volunteer Position Description for more information.
