The enchanting maple season kicks off when temperatures soar above freezing during the day and dip below at night, resulting in the delightful flow of clear, sweet sap from the trees. At Carriage Hill's Historic Farm, you can be part of this wonderful experience! Volunteers play a vital role in our engaging interpretive stations that celebrate this delicious, natural treasure. Join us to assist with exciting demonstrations and activities, all centered around the magic of sap. Come be a part of this delicious journey!
Although the Historic Farm is not yet open for the season, the early-season programs like Maple Sugaring are examples of life on the historic farm. Historic Interpreters provide engaging activities and help visitors create a memorable experience at Carriage Hill Historic Farm.
Impact
Through oral history, letters, diaries, government records, and other primary and secondary sources, a picture of a lifestyle emerges that Carriage Hill interpreters can bring to life for the public. Volunteers represent what living in the 1880s might have been like, and help visitors make a stronger connection to the history of Carriage Hill and the experience of life on an 1880s working farm. This opportunity will allow people to enjoy an experience at the historic farm, learn more about maple sugaring, and get a personal introduction to life on the farm.
Tasks.
- Greet and welcome participants
- Assist staff in the setup and/or teardown of activities.
- Assist the staff lead during the program to create a better learning environment for this interactive program.
- Volunteers are needed to help interpret the activities of the day.
- Share information about the farm, as well as interpret how maple sugar is processed.
- Engaging participants and families in the activities on the farm during the program.
- Assist staff with demonstrations of the various processes involved in the maple sugar process.
- Demonstrations will include boiling down the sap, making maple sugar, and cooking with maple syrup and sugar. Guidance on using the woodstove will also be provided.
- Assist staff with tours of the historic farm.
- Review Maple Sugaring Information Sheets
Eligibility
This opportunity is open to the following volunteers: Short-term and Long-Term who are 16 years or older and have qualified as a historic interpreter. 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.
- Historic Interpreter Qualification: Visit the Historic Interpreter page in our Training Library to see what training is required to become part of the Historic Interpreter volunteers.
Additional Notes
- Parking & Meeting Instructions: Volunteers will meet at the Historic Farm. Click here for a map of Carriage Hill MetroPark. Volunteers arrive 30 minutes before the beginning of the program. Staff leads will orient volunteers to the day's agenda, review specific stations, and provide 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.
- Dress: Period apparel is required. Dress for the weather and layering under period clothing can keep you warmer. Volunteers who need to be fitted, or need seasonal period outerwear need to contact the staff lead to set an appointment before the opportunity.
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.
