At the heart of every youth and family event is a memorable activity that creates a DIY themed memento. Have that creative spirit? Love working with crayons, construction paper and glue? Help create the Fall magic at this year's Fall Family Adventure as a Program Support volunteer! Have you ever wondered why arts and crafts are so important for child development? For children aged 3 – 8 experts say it is the most important way to help them grow and develop. Volunteers will be assisting children and their families with craft activities. These are fun activities, and they can give kids a sense of achievement and build confidence.
Impact
Volunteers help build access, comfort, convenience, safety, and FUN into our programs for all interested in learning! When kids use their fingers to manipulate art materials they are developing their fine motor skills, their coordination skills improve as they learn to use both hands at the same time. When kids make art or crafts they get to talk about their work which develops their communication skills. Kids get to learn about and recognize different shapes, count and sort out their art supplies, and even measure out lengths and sizes of art materials. Volunteers who support craft opportunities also foster mental growth in children by providing opportunities for trying out new ideas, new ways of thinking, and problem-solving.
Tasks
- Arrive and check in with your Staff Lead to review your activity assignment and prepare supplies. This program runs from 4 pm-7 pm.
- Volunteers will assist with setting up and closing their activity stations.
- Get yourself and your station organized
- Review the three craft activities and ensure supplies are ready and spaced for participation
- The Owl— Supplies will be ready, and simple steps for families to create their hanging owl. Check out the video to see the cute craft: The Owl
- Spider Ring—Some rings will be prepared ahead of time, but volunteers will work with families to create pipe cleaner rings, adding googly eyes to them. Check out the video to see this cute craft: Spider Ring
- The Fox—Simple directions: the fox is made from a paper tube and two cupcake papers– Participants will color and attach the cupcake papers, then use stickers to make a fox face.
- Introduce the activity to participants and ensure everyone has an opportunity to participate.
- Provide a welcoming, safe, positive experience for all participants.
- SMILE! It can help you and your guests relax and have fun!
Eligibility
- This opportunity is open to the following volunteers: Long-Term, Short-Term, and Youth (ages 14-17 - See specific age requirements below). Learn more about our types of service here.
- Youth Volunteers: 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:
- Parking & Meeting Instructions: Click here to view the map of Wegerzyn Gardens. Volunteers should park in the main parking lot in front of the Administrative building and meet with the staff lead at Skeeter's Garden. Please plan to arrive 15 minutes before your shift to allow for parking, checking in, and connecting with the staff lead.
- Cancelation: If you need to cancel a shift at the last minute or are running late, please call the staff lead, Betty Hoevel, at 937-276-7052.
- Environment & Physical Demands: This is an outdoor activity, and you may get dirty. This opportunity involves working with paint and glue. Volunteers must enjoy working with kids and families. Physical duties include standing, walking, and lifting.
- Dress: Please wear closed-toe shoes, your volunteer name badge, and if you have one, your green or blue volunteer T-shirt. Reusable volunteer vests will be provided for volunteers on-site.
Look for additional details about this opportunity at the bottom of this listing! See the Programming Volunteer Position for more information on Programming volunteer opportunities with us.
