Our Outdoor Recreation team creates a learning environment to help individuals enjoy the outdoors in fun and safe activities. Hiking for Older Adults incorporates essential information for people to make a day hike, safely and comfortably, and allows participants to try the trekking poles Volunteers will support the staff lead and participants as they enjoy nature, increase their activity, and discover new trails and ways to improve physical and mental health in MetroParks. This opportunity will be at Twin Creek MetroPark, and starting at the Hopewell parking lot. Participants will be hiking an easy-to-moderate trail.
Impact
Volunteers help build access, comfort, convenience, and safety into our programs for all interested in learning. They enable more individualized support for first-time learners and create a better skill-building environment. Volunteers help people make a stronger connection to nature by making it easy to experience the outdoors in fun activities.
Tasks
- Greet and welcome participants.
- Assist with check-in of participants.
- Assist staff lead during the program to create a better learning environment for this unique group hike.
- Help distribute program materials and supplies as needed.
- Assist participants in staying with the group by hiking with them, observing any participant changes, and keeping the staff lead aware of any participants having difficulty.
- Share Park highlights, nature tidbits, and information staff shares with participants farther back on the hike.
- Assist staff lead in ensuring all participants feel they are part of the program
- Assist with clean-up and equipment tear-down after the program if needed.
Eligibility: This opportunity is open to the following volunteers: Short-term and Long-Term. Learn more about our types of service here.
Additional Notes
- Environment & 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 may participate in some bending, kneeling, reaching, and lifting objects of 15lbs or more. The environment may have uneven terrain and communication between the leader of the hike and volunteers will use a point-to-point radio. Volunteers should be able to hike the distance of the trails (3 miles in 2 hours).
- Parking & Meeting Instructions: Click here for a map of Twin Creek MetroPark. Volunteers should park and meet the staff in the parking lot. Your shift time begins 30 minutes before the program starts for quick review and last-minute prep, and to introduce you to this new program.
- Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather, wear long pants, closed-toe shoes, and your MetroParks name badge and t-shirt. Items like water bottles, sunscreen, and bug spray may help make your hike more comfortable. If you have not yet received your MetroParks name badge, please reach out to volunteer services at volunteer.services@metroparks.org.
Look for additional details about this opportunity at the bottom of this listing! See the Programming Volunteer Position Description for more information on Programming volunteer opportunities with us.
