Five Rivers MetroParks lakes, ponds, and rivers are rich in fish life. All members of the family, young and old, can find a place to fish for recreation, relaxation, or food. A "TRY IT" program designed for beginners, and volunteers are essential in helping provide more individualized attention and making first-time fishers have a positive experience. Our Outdoor Recreation team and volunteers create the learning environment to help individuals build skills to be successful in these activities. You do not need to be an expert to be a program support volunteer for this opportunity, but it is always a plus.
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. They help people make a stronger connection to nature by making it easy to experience the outdoors in fun activities.
Tasks
- There are several tasks for newer or less experienced volunteers to still be of great assistance, and they can learn more as they help.
- Assist in setting up: the registration area, gear area (equipment and supplies), and casting area.
- Set up means lifting totes to 15 lbs. and carrying items over potentially uneven terrain for a short distance. Volunteers may help set up a pop-up tent depending on the location.
- Greet and welcome participants.
- Assist with registration and check-in.
- Assist the staff lead during the program to create a better learning environment for this unique fishing skill.
- Help distribute program materials and supplies as needed.
- Assist participants in following the instructor's direction by walking around and observing.
- Assist participants with casting/instruction/tying on flies.
- Assist participants in removing and releasing the fish back into the water.
- Assist with clean-up and equipment tear-down after the program.
- Tear gear down and store it in the Fishing Trailer after the program.
Eligibility
This opportunity is open to individual, long-term, and short-term volunteers, ages 18 and up.
- GET STARTED: This opportunity requires Volunteer Onboarding (Profile, Volunteer Handbook Signature, and for those 18 and up, an eligible background check). Simply click the blue RESPOND button to begin completing the required qualifications, or click here to learn more about becoming a volunteer.
Additional Notes
- Parking & Meeting Instructions: Click here for a map of Eastwood MetroPark. Volunteers arrive an hour before the beginning of the program. Staff leads will orient volunteers to the agenda, tasks, and other important information.
- Environment & Physical Demands: This program takes place outdoors during the early evening. 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.), Volunteers may participate in some bending, kneeling, reaching, and lifting objects to 10 lbs or more. "Try It" programs have a walk-in welcome registration, and the number of participants won't be known until the start of the program.
- Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather, wear closed-toed shoes, and wear their MetroParks name badge and apparel.
Learn more about Programming opportunities with us on the Volunteer Position page! Have questions or need help getting started? Contact Volunteer Services at volunteer.services@metroparks.org or #937-275-7275 or join us at a Volunteer Open House.
Want to Branch Out? Exploring multiple opportunities is a great way to stay involved, b
uild new skills, and experience different parts of the parks! Consider these opportunities:
