Join our Outdoor Recreation team and help create an enjoyable experience for participants exploring new MetroParks and outdoor activities in a supportive and safe environment! Our Hiking for Older Adults program is designed to equip individuals with the essential knowledge and skills they need to embark on day hikes with confidence and ease. Volunteers will assist participants in discovering the benefits of using trekking poles, which will be available for everyone to try. With the guidance of our staff, volunteers will enhance the hiking experience as participants explore the beauty of nature, increase their physical activity, and uncover new trails.
Embrace this opportunity to improve both your physical and mental well-being while supporting others in the stunning surroundings of MetroParks! This opportunity will be at Eastwood MetroPark, and hiking the heart-healthy, 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 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.
- Assist the 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
- Parking & Meeting Instructions: Click here for a map of Eastwood MetroPark. Volunteers should park and meet the staff in the parking lot. (the last one, right by the lagoon). Your shift time begins 30 minutes before the program starts for quick review, last-minute prep, and to introduce you to this 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 work environment may have uneven terrain. Volunteers should be able to hike the distance of the trails.
- 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 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 for more information on programming opportunities with us.
