This opportunity is perfect for volunteers who enjoy the chilly days of winter and are looking for a unique experience that many people have never encountered. Volunteers will remain active while assisting the staff in the ice harvesting program and helping to keep everyone warm by the fire pit. Activities such as ice cutting and ice storage will showcase the practices of life on an 1800s farm. This distinctive and weather-dependent experience provides valuable insight into food preservation during that time period.
Individuals who volunteer their time and talents help put excitement and perspective into the activities at the Carriage Hill Historic Farm and the visitor center. Program Support Volunteers are needed and able to participate in various entry opportunities to support programs, while not needing to be the expert at the activities.
Impact
Volunteers enable us to accomplish so much more by lending a hand in simple activities, allowing demonstrators to take a break, or talking with the visitors about the activities while allowing the tasks to be completed.
Tasks
Under the supervision of the historic farm staff, volunteers assist and support with the following:
- Greet and welcome visitors to the historic farm.
- Assist the staff in harvesting the ice and loading it onto the wagon for transport.
- Assist staff in unloading the ice into the storage building.
- Maintain and monitor the fire pit.
- Engage visitors in the activities when and where possible and safe to do so.
- Assist the staff lead during the program to create a better learning environment for this interactive program.
Eligibility
This opportunity is open to the following volunteers: Short-term and Long-Term who are 16 years or older. Learn more about our types of service here.
- 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
- Environment & Physical Demands: This program takes place indoors and outdoors. Volunteers may participate in some bending, kneeling, reaching, and lifting objects to 20 lbs or more. This program is weather-dependent and the date may change to accommodate the ice being thick enough to cut. Notices will be sent to everyone if there is a date change.
- Parking & Meeting Instructions: Volunteers will meet at theCedar Lake Shelter. Click here for a map of Carriage Hill MetroPark. Volunteers arrive 15 minutes before the beginning of the program to park and meet the staff lead. Staff leads will orient volunteers to the day's agenda, review specific stations, and provide other important information.
- Dress: Period apparel is NOT required. Volunteers should wear their name badges, dress for the weather, and volunteer vests will be provided upon arrival.
Look for additional details about this opportunity at the bottom of this listing! See the Programming Volunteer Position Description for more information.
Interested in becoming a Historic Interpreter? Visit the Historic Interpreter page in our Training Library to see what training is required to become part of the Historic Interpreter team at the Historic Farm.
