Embrace the winter season and make a difference as a volunteer in a truly distinctive experience that few have had the chance to enjoy. This opportunity allows you to engage visitors in this unique activity and help bring to life the fascinating history of food preservation on an 1800s farm. By participating in ice cutting and storage, you'll gain invaluable insights into the challenges and techniques of that era. Join us and be part of a unique, weather-dependent adventure that will enrich your understanding of the past while making lasting memories!
Impact
Volunteers enable us to accomplish so much more by lending a hand in simple activities, allowing demonstrators to take a break, or talking with the visitors about the activities while allowing the tasks to be completed.
Tasks
Under the supervision of the historic farm staff, volunteers assist and support with the following:
- Greet and welcome visitors to the program.
- Share information about the farm, including the purpose of the buildings, daily farm tasks, special activities that may be offered, the animals on the farm, unique aspects of clothing worn, and how these things relate to modern life.
- Be an ambassador for Carriage Hill and share points of interest in the park and upcoming events with visitors.
- Assist staff, as needed, with the ice harvest, maintaining the fire pit, and interpreting the activity for visitors.
- Engage visitors in the activities when and where possible and safe to do so.
- Assist the staff lead during the program to create a better learning environment for this interactive program.
Eligibility
This opportunity is open to the following volunteers: Long-Term who are 16 years or older and qualified as a historic interpreter. 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: Volunteers will meet at the Cedar Lake Shelter. Click here for a map of Carriage Hill MetroPark. Volunteers arrive 15 minutes before the beginning of the program to park and meet the staff lead. Staff leads will orient volunteers to the day's agenda, review specific stations, and provide other important information.
- Environment & Physical Demands: This program takes place outdoors. Volunteers may participate in some bending, kneeling, reaching, and lifting objects to 20 lbs or more. It is important that volunteers are able to stand for prolonged periods of time and in cold weather. This program is weather-dependent and the date may change to accommodate the ice being thick enough to cut. Notices will be sent to everyone if there is a date change.
- Dress: Period apparel is NOT required. Volunteers should wear their name badges, dress for the weather, and will receive a volunteer vest when they arrive.
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.
