Do artistic, creative, and cheerful describe you? Help create that Fall magic at this year's Fall Family Adventure as a Face Paint Program Support volunteer! Face painting is a highlight for youth at any event and is one of our most popular stations at Fall Family Adventure. We like it because it encourages creativity and the use of imagination in children helping them create a stronger connection to nature. Face Painters will paint the faces of kids (and adults if interested) using one of three simple, easy to paint designs. No experience or artistic skills are required. We will provide everything you need to successfully support this station.
Impact
Volunteers like YOU are an essential part of MetroParks' programs and events. Your participation helps make events like this one possible, allowing children and families to safely explore nature, learn, and have fun together in our parks.
Tasks
- Arrival: Arrive and check in with your Staff Lead to review your activity assignment and prepare supplies. This program runs from 4 pm-7 pm. Volunteers will assist with setting up, organizing, and closing their activity stations.
- Getting Ready:
- Test the paint on the back of your hand to make sure you have a nice, thick consistency.
- Draw a few practice designs to get ready for your first guest.
- Tips for Success:
- Nerves can make your hands shake. Tip: rest the pinkie finger of your working hand on the forehead of your subject as you paint.
- Most kids will not be able to sit as still as a statue while you paint them. Tip: Place your non-painting hand on the top of the child’s head. It calms them and gives you a little warning if they move their head. As soon as you feel their head moving, take your brush off their face.
- Messy area and paints. Tip: Spritz your sponge or dip your brush in clean water first. It will keep your paints drier and prevent dripping. Use a towel to clean up after each guest.
- Getting Started:
- SMILE! It can help you and your guests relax and have fun.
- Welcome the kids over one at a time and ask them which of the three identified designs they would like to have painted on their face.
- Give each child a chance to see their masterpiece before they leave and you welcome the next guest.
- Use a towel to clean up after each guest.
Eligibility
- This opportunity is open to the following volunteers: Long-Term, Short-Term, and Youth (ages 14-17 - See specific age requirements below). Learn more about our types of service here.
- Youth Volunteers: 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: Click here to view the map of Wegerzyn Gardens. Volunteers should park in the main parking lot in front of the Administrative building and meet with the staff lead at Skeeter's Garden. Please plan to arrive 15 minutes before your shift to allow for parking, checking in, and connecting with the staff lead.
- Cancelation: If you need to cancel a shift at the last minute or are running late, please call staff lead, Betty Hoevel, at 937-276-7052.
- Environment & Physical Demands: This is an outdoor activity, and you may get dirty. This opportunity involves working with paint on kids and families. Physical duties include sitting for long periods of time, bending, and light lifting.
- Dress: Please wear closed-toe shoes and, if you have one, your green or blue volunteer T-shirt. Reusable volunteer vests and event volunteer nametags will be provided for volunteers on-site.