Do you enjoy the outdoors and want to help others become more confident navigating the backcountry? Volunteers will help participants develop essential map-and-compass skills! Volunteers will support hands-on learning as participants learn the anatomy and basic functions of a compass, practice reading a map legend and understanding map scales, learn to read and interpret contour lines, identify geographic features on a map, and translate what they see on a map into real-world terrain and navigation. This is a great opportunity for those with experience in these areas to share their outdoor knowledge, encourage hands-on learning, and help participants build practical skills they can use in the backcountry.
Impact
Volunteers help make MetroParks programming more accessible, personal, engaging, and meaningful. By providing individualized support, they help participants feel welcomed, included, and empowered to fully participate. Volunteers bring energy, enthusiasm, and diverse perspectives that enrich programs and create more inclusive experiences. Their time and involvement directly enhance the participant experience while helping MetroParks expand its reach and connect with more people in the community.
Tasks
- Welcome and greet participants to Twin Creek MetroPark and the program.
- Assist staff with any setup or teardown needed.
- Work with staff and participants during the program to understand the instructions,
- Engage participants in the learning activities and practice the skills just learned.
- Assist with answering questions that you are able, and getting staff assistance when needed.
- Promote volunteerism as a way to give back and continue to learn.
Eligibility
This opportunity is open to individual, long-term, and short-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: Volunteers should park and meet the staff lead at the High View shelter. Staff will orient you to the activities, and other important information. View the Twin Creek MetroPark map.
- Cancellation: If you need to cancel a shift at the last minute or are running late, please call the staff lead.
- Environment & Physical Demands: This opportunity is outdoors, and the location has picnic tables for seating. Light physical duties include standing, walking, and light lifting. The activities will have volunteers walking through some uneven terrain and through the prairie. Volunteers should be aware of seasonal items (allergies, bugs, heat, bright sun).
- Dress: Please dress for the weather. Volunteers should wear hiking boots or sturdy shoes, and your MetroParks name badge and apparel.
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:
