At the heart of every youth and family event is a memorable activity! And at MetroParks, we enjoy talking, sharing, and engaging visitors with nature. Volunteers are an essential part of MetroParks helping individuals and families make a stronger connection to nature. Through programs and events, we offer the chance to learn and discover things about our natural world, as well as, help address some of the fears and barriers many may have. Help create the Fall magic at this year's Fall Family Adventure as a Program Support volunteer!
Impact
Volunteers help build access, comfort, convenience, safety, and FUN into our programs for all interested in learning! Volunteers support families to engage with nature through their senses, be more comfortable with our natural surroundings, and encourage inquisitiveness about nature.
Tasks
- 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 and closing their activity stations.
- .Get yourself and your station organized
- Review the four Nature Knowledge activities, the details of the fun facts to share, and how to make this a fun, engaging station.
- If I were an owl—go over a list of things owls do that kids cannot as well as showing owl skull, scat, and wings.
- If I were a squirrel— what do squirrels do that helps them survive the winter? How do they find all they have buried?
- All about trees - How leaves change in fall? What determines when leaves will fall? How do trees survive the winter?
- Nature's Natural Antifreeze - There are strategies plants and animals use to help them survive the winter. Can you name them, and how they work?
- Introduce the activity to participants and ensure everyone has an opportunity to participate.
- Provide a welcoming, safe, positive experience for all participants.
- SMILE! It can help you and your guests relax and have fun!
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.
- If you are a Conservation Leaders family, contact volunteer.services@metroparks.org to get registered.
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 check in at the front of the building entrance. You will then be directed to your location and staff lead to get your station ready for visitors. 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 various materials to help families learn more about nature. Volunteers must enjoy working with kids and families. Physical duties include standing, walking, and lifting.
- Dress: Please wear closed-toe shoes, your volunteer name badge, and if you have one, your green or blue volunteer T-shirt. Reusable volunteer vests will be provided for volunteers on-site.
Look for additional details about this opportunity at the bottom of this listing! See the Programming Volunteer Position for more information on Programming volunteer opportunities with us.
