Help families discover the magic of the Perseid Meteor Shower during our Conservation Kids PRO program! We're looking for enthusiastic astronomy volunteers to inspire curiosity and guide young explorers (ages 3–13) through an unforgettable evening under the stars. With approximately 15 youth participants, this hands-on program will explore the planets, stars, and constellations while sharing stories of the night sky. Volunteers need to have qualified as Astronomy volunteers and be able to comfortably interpret the night sky, guide constellation viewing, and share information about the Perseid meteor shower.
Impact
Volunteers enable us to accomplish so much more by lending a hand in various activities. They may demonstrate proper use of specialized equipment (e.g., a telescope), share their skills and experience to encourage 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 Twin Creek, the Camp Hook site, and your station.
- Oversee staging and set up of equipment.
- Assist participants in using the telescope.
- Use a laser pointer to identify constellations, planets, and prominent stars.
- Assist participants in discovering these areas of interest in the sky.
- Assist in engaging families in additional astronomy activities.
- Share your knowledge and enthusiasm to create a fun, engaging learning experience for children and their families
- May assist with documenting the event through photos or video.
- Participate in debriefing and evaluating current activities.
- Encourage volunteerism and help direct to the website for information.
Eligibility
This opportunity is open to individual, long-term volunteers, ages 18 and up, who have qualified as Astronomy volunteers.
- GET STARTED: This opportunity requires Volunteer Onboarding (Profile, Volunteer Handbook Signature, and for those 18 and up, an eligible background check), plus Astronomy Interest and Assessment and interview. Simply click the blue RESPOND button to begin completing the required qualifications or click here to learn more about becoming a volunteer.
- Volunteers must complete the Astronomy Assistant Interest and Assessment and Interview to qualify for this opportunity.
Additional Note
- Parking and Meeting Instructions: Parking is available for volunteers at the Amphitheatre and campsite parking lot. Volunteers should arrive early to park, check in with the staff lead, and get set up for the program.
- Cancellation: If you need to cancel a shift last minute or are running late, please contact the staff lead.
- Environment and 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 will participate in bending, kneeling, reaching, and lifting objects of 15 lbs. or more. Volunteers should bring their favorite reusable water bottle and bug spray.
- Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes. Please wear your MetroPark Volunteer name badge and volunteer apparel. If you have not yet received your official name badge, please reach out to Volunteer Services at volunteer.services@metroparks.org.
Learn more about 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 new skills, and
experience different parts of the parks! Consider these opportunities:
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