Do you love the holiday season and sharing joyful moments with others? Join us as a Program Support Volunteer at this year's Christmas on the Farm at Carriage Hill's Historic Farm! We're looking for friendly, enthusiastic individuals to assist with a variety of fun holiday demonstrations and activities that bring the spirit of the season to life. You'll help guests feel welcome, ensure they have what they need, and add a little sparkle to their holiday experience. No experience needed and historic period dress is NOT required. We'll provide everything you need!
Impact
Program Support volunteers enhance the visitor experience by offering excellent customer service and sharing their passion for Carriage Hill and the event. Volunteers enable the staff to offer a diverse and engaging experience to those who come to the park. They also help all of the day's visitors build awareness of all the amenities that MetroParks offers to community members.
Tasks
- Be a warm, welcoming presence throughout the event.
- Invite guests of all ages to participate in the activities on the farm during this holiday program.
- Provide one-on-one assistance as needed for guests of all ages.
- Help create a festive, family-friendly holiday atmosphere.
- Support an assigned demonstration. Demonstrations will be led by trained historic interpreter volunteers and/or staff. Here are some that are planned:
- Historic Holiday Foods: in the Winter Kitchen of the DA House - Discussing traditional Christmas foods and providing resources on how to make them today.
- Holiday Crafts: in the Sitting Room of the DA House - Interpreting to the public. Performing a basic craft, that demonstrates making a gift in the 1880s. An additional activity will be making pomander balls.
- Christmas Tree Decorations: in the Old Summer Kitchen of the DA House -The daytime activity is stringing popcorn for decoration.
- Kettle Corn Demonstration: Outside of the DA House - Volunteers will be using the old kettle to make popcorn and distribute it to the public.
- Gingerbread Baking: Outside of the DA House in the outside oven - Volunteers will work with staff during the daytime portion to make gingerbread and distribute it to the public.
- Parlor Games: In the parlor of the DA House - Volunteers will engage the public with typical parlor games used in the 1800s.
- Barn Guide: Outside of the DA House at the barn - Interpreting to the public and answering questions as needed. Volunteers will share information about the heritage breeds at the historic farm and the history of the various barns at Carriage Hill.
- Santa's Assistant: Inside the DA Barn - Assisting Santa Claus pass out candy and toys, during Santa's breaks, volunteers will be reading 'Twas the Night Before Christmas.
Eligibility
- This opportunity is open to the following volunteers: Long-Term volunteers ages 16 and up who have qualified as Historic Interpreters. Learn more about our types of service here.
Additional Notes
- Parking & Meeting Instructions: Click here for a map of Carriage Hill MetroPark. Volunteer Check-in will be available inside the Visitor Center. Volunteers are scheduled to arrive 1/2 hour before the beginning of the program. Staff leads will orient volunteers to the day's activities and assignments to specific stations. Volunteers will also have time for a review of what can be demonstrated and other important information.
- Environment & Physical Demands: This program takes place indoors and outdoors. Volunteers may participate in some bending, kneeling, reaching, and lifting objects to 10 lbs or more. Volunteers will be sent information on their specific activity demonstration before the event. With cold weather, please remember to take breaks and warm up.
- Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather. Period apparel is NOT required. Volunteer event nametags and reusable volunteer vests will be available at Volunteer Check-In inside the Visitor Center.
Volunteers interested in Historic Interpreter opportunities can learn more by visiting our Historic Interpreter Training page here.
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.
If you're interested in this opportunity, you may also be interested in: Aullwood Luminary: House Greeter
