Our historic farm field trips introduce children and their teachers to Carriage Hill MetroPark and the unique experiences offered at the historic farm. These field trips allow youth to enjoy hands-on experiences at the farm, witness demonstrations of everyday farming tasks, and receive a personal introduction to farm life. Volunteers begin the visit at the visitor center, where they welcome the group and lead them to the historic farm. During the walk, volunteers share interesting tidbits about the notable features of MetroParks.
Impact
The interpretative purpose of the farm is to use the Arnold Family, who once lived at Carriage Hill Farm, as a guide to how a real conservative farm family is in real-time at a real place. Volunteers engage visitors with their enthusiasm for history and what they will experience at the historic farm. By providing a personalized welcome and support for the students and their teachers during their visit, volunteers help create a more memorable field trip experience.
Tasks
- Inform historic interpreters and farm staff know that the group has arrived.
- Welcome students, teachers, and chaperones to Carriage Hill at the visitor center.
- Introduce yourself and outline the agenda for the tour.
- Distribute the historic farm map and any additional materials.
- If a large group, ensure teachers have assigned groups.
- Lead the group to the historic farm while sharing some information about Carriage Hill.
- Review the historic field trip outline /script for talking points to share.
- Using the provided map to highlight areas of interest.
- Review the virtual tour to familiarize yourself with the Historic Farm.
- At the farm gate, generate excitement for the staff and volunteers they will meet, as well as the things they will learn about the people and their times, emphasizing that this was a working farm with a real family.
- Assist in timekeeping for the tour group.
- Provide excellent customer service to participants and visitors.
Eligibility
This opportunity is open to individual Long-Term volunteers, ages 18 and up.
- GET STARTED: This opportunity requires Volunteer Onboarding (Profile, Volunteer Handbook Signature, and, for those 18 and up, an eligible background check). Simply click the blue RESPOND button to begin completing the required qualifications, or click here to learn more about becoming a volunteer.
Additional Notes
- Parking & Meeting Instructions: Click here for a map of Carriage Hill MetroPark. Volunteers are scheduled to arrive 30 minutes before the program starts. Staff leads 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.
- Dress: No Period Apparel Required! Volunteers should dress for the weather, wear their MetroParks name badge, and apparel. A volunteer vest will be available upon arrival if needed.
- Visit the Historic Interpreter page in our Training Library to see what training is required to become part of the Historic Interpreter volunteers.
Learn more about the Programming opportunities with us on the Volunteer Position page! 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.
Want to Branch Out? Exploring multiple opportunities is a great way to stay involved, build n
ew skills, and experience different parts of the parks! Consider this opportunity:
