Our Historic and Cultural team creates a learning environment to help individuals enjoy the outdoors in fun and safe activities. They have created a series of hikes with the University of Dayton's Osher Lifelong Learning Institute to highlight various MetroParks, introduce them to the history and unique features, and incorporate essential information for people to enjoy a short hike in nature. Volunteers will support the staff lead and participants as they enjoy nature, discover new MetroParks treasures, learn about the area's history, increase their activity, and find different ways to explore nature. This opportunity will be at Adventure Central and Wesleyan MetroPark, and meeting at Adventure Central. Participants will be hiking an easy-to-moderate trail at a comfortable pace.
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 the 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 the staff shares with participants further back on the hike.
- Review materials for the hike before the start time.
- Assist the staff lead in ensuring all participants feel they are part of the program
- Share information about volunteering and any upcoming events.
Eligibility
This opportunity is open to the following volunteers: Short-term and Long-term. Learn more about our types of service here.
Additional Notes
- Parking & Meeting Instructions: Click here for a map of Wesleyan MetroPark. Volunteers should park and meet the staff in the parking lot. Your shift time begins 15 minutes before the program starts for quick review and last-minute prep, and to introduce you to this new program.
- 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).
- Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather, wear long pants, closed-toe shoes, and their 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 contact 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 for more information on programming opportunities with us.
