Opportunities From: Five Rivers MetroParks

NOTE: This event has been canceled for 2025 due to weather-related safety concerns.

Be a part of the glow - Volunteer for Aullwood's Winter Luminary Walk!  Creating the magical glow of this beloved tradition takes teamwork, timing, and a touch of holiday spirit. We're lighting the way with hundreds of glowing milk jug luminaries - and we need your help to make it all happen! Join us as we light hundreds of luminaries along the trail for this year's magical Aullwood Winter Luminary Walk! 

Impact

Volunteers like YOU are an essential part of MetroParks' programs and events. Special Event volunteers ensure that events and large-scale programs run smoothly and safely. Your participation helps make events like this one possible.

Tasks   Light milk jug luminaries along the trails and paths near the parking lot, Stillwater River, and leading up to the Aull House. Note: Volunteers will use 2 stick lighters and carry 5-10 extra votive candles with them as backup (provided).  Place event signage around the grounds as needed.
EligibilityThis opportunity is open to the following volunteers: Long-Term, Short-Term, Public Service, Youth (ages 14-17 - See specific age requirements below), and/or Groups.  Learn more about our types of service here.
Background Check: We do not require a background check for our public volunteer opportunities; however, persons with a criminal record may be disqualified and prohibited from service. Please review our background check policy here. For those required to complete Court Appointed Community Service, please click here. Additional Notes Parking and Meeting Instructions: Park in the visitor parking lot at 955 Aullwood Road, walk up the path, cross over Aullwood Road, and check in at the Aull House garage. Arrive 10 minutes prior to your shift to receive instructions regarding your volunteer assignment.Cancelation: If you need to cancel a shift last minute or are running late, please call the staff lead, Beth Langford, at 937-718-5658.Environment and Physical Demands: Volunteers should expect to do a lot of walking, standing, bending, and light lifting. Dress: Please wear your blue or green volunteer shirt, if you have one. Reusable volunteer vests and nametags will be provided at check-in. Dress for the weather and wear comfortable closed-toe shoes.

Look for Additional Details about this opportunity at the bottom of this listing!  See the Special Event Volunteer Position Description for more detailed information.  

If you're interested in this opportunity, you may also be interested in: Aullwood Luminary: Luminary Set Up

NOTE: This event has been canceled for 2025 due to weather-related safety concerns.

The magic of the Aullwood Winter Luminary Walk begins with that very first step—onto the porch of the historic Aull House. We’re looking for volunteers to be the warm, welcoming presence that sets the tone for a joyful holiday experience.

Impact

Volunteers like YOU are an essential part of MetroParks' programs and events. Special Event volunteers ensure that events and large-scale programs run smoothly and safely. Your participation helps make events like this one possible.

Tasks Ready the porch for visitors by plugging in/turning on lights. Welcome visitors to the porch and invite them to view the holiday decor of the house through the porch window. Share historical information about Marie and John Aull and the Aull House.Review the Fact Sheet: Volunteer Luminary Outline and Aullwood History Direct the flow of foot traffic and meter the number of visitors on the porch, directing them to enter the house. Provide excellent customer service and wayfinding.IMPORTANT: Please help extinguish the luminaries by blowing out the candles to preserve them for next year at the end of the evening.  EligibilityThis opportunity is open to the following volunteers: Long-Term, Short-Term, Public Service, and Youth (ages 14-17—see specific age requirements below). Learn more about our types of service here.
Background Check: We do not require a background check for our public volunteer opportunities; however, persons with a criminal record may be disqualified and prohibited from service. Please review our background check policy here. For those required to complete Court Appointed Community Service, please click here. Additional Notes Parking and Meeting Instructions: Park in the lot at the Aullwood Maintenance building at 930 Aullwood Road, or in the visitor parking lot at 955 Aullwood Road.  Walk up to Mrs. Aull's house to check in, for your instructions and supplies. Arrive 10 minutes before your shift to allow for parking and to meet the staff lead to receive instructions regarding your volunteer assignment.Cancellation:  If you need to cancel a shift last minute or are running late, please call the staff lead, Betty Hoevel, at 937-276-7052.Environment and Physical Demands: Volunteers should expect to stand for an extended period.  Dress: Please wear your blue or green volunteer t-shirt, if you have one. A reusable volunteer vest and name badge will be provided for you. Dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes. 

Look for Additional Details about this opportunity at the bottom of this listing!  See the Special Event Volunteer Position for more information on special event opportunities with us.

If you're interested in this opportunity, you may also be interested in: Christmas on the Farm Program Support  

NOTE: This event has been canceled for 2025 due to weather-related safety concerns.

Help us wrap up the magic from this year's Aullwood Winter Luminary Walk! As the final lights are blown out on another beautiful Aullwood Winter Luminary Walk, we need helping hands to bring it all to a close. We're looking for volunteers to assist staff with event tear down, helping us to carefully pack away the milk jug luminaries and decorations to restore the grounds from the parking lot to the Aull House. 

Impact

Volunteers like YOU are an essential part of MetroParks' programs and events. Special Event volunteers ensure that events and large-scale programs run smoothly and safely. Your participation helps make events like this one possible.

Tasks Collecting and packing away milk jug luminaries. Removing used candles and placing them in 5-gallon buckets. Cleaning up the fire rings.Tidying up the grounds and walkways. EligibilityThis opportunity is open to the following volunteers: Long-Term, Short-Term, Public Service, Youth (ages 14-17- See specific age requirements below), and/or Groups.  Learn more about our types of service here.
Background Check: We do not require a background check for our public volunteer opportunities; however, persons with a criminal record may be disqualified and prohibited from service. Please review our background check policy here. For those required to complete Court Appointed Community Service, please click here. Additional Notes  Parking and Meeting Instructions: Park in the lot at 930 Aullwood Road, and check in with your staff lead at the Aull House garage.  Arrive 10 minutes before your shift to receive instructions.Cancelation:  If you need to cancel a shift last minute or are running late, please call the staff lead, Beth Langford, at 937-718-5658.Environment and Physical Demands: Volunteers should expect to do a lot of walking as well as carrying heavy items such as full 5-gallon buckets and milk jugs. Twisting, bending, and kneeling may be required. Dress: Please wear your blue or green volunteer t-shirt, if you have one. A reusable volunteer safety vest and name badge will be provided at check-in. 

Look for Additional Details about this opportunity at the bottom of this listing! See the Special Event Volunteer Position Description for more detailed information.  

If you're interested in this opportunity, you may also be interested in: Aullwood Luminary: Luminary Set Up 

Five Rivers MetroParks and Wright State University are excited to invite you to be a part of The Adventure Summit, a celebration of outdoor culture and adventure! We're looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help before the event by helping to set up the various areas of the event and ensure signage is properly and securely placed.

Impact

Volunteers will leave knowing they have promoted an active, healthy lifestyle in the region and have contributed to making Dayton “The Adventure Capital of the Midwest!”

Tasks

Assist staff in general event set-up including tasks like sign placement, booth and table set-up, hanging banners, etc.

Eligibility

This opportunity is open to public volunteers and groups, ages 16 and up.  Learn more about our types of service here. We do not require a background check for our public volunteer opportunities; however, persons with a criminal record may be disqualified and prohibited from service. Please review our background check policy here. For those required to complete Court Appointed Community Service, please click here. 

Additional Notes

Environment and Physical Demands: This volunteer opportunity may include lifting, bending, and standing for extended periods. Volunteers may be going between indoors and outdoors during their shift.  Parking and Meeting Instructions: Parking is available in the Visitor and Student Union lots at Wright State University at 3640 Colonel Glenn Hwy, Fairborn, OH 45324.  Please arrive 15 minutes early to park and get checked in.  Dress: Please dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes. A volunteer nametag and volunteer safety vest are required and will be supplied at the event.Contact: If you have questions about your volunteer opportunity, please reach out to us at  volunteer.services@metroparks.org or call #937-275-7275. We're happy to help you! Look for additional details about this opportunity at the bottom of this listing! See the Special Events Volunteer Position Description for more information.

Five Rivers MetroParks and Wright State University are excited to invite you to be a part of The Adventure Summit, a celebration of outdoor culture and adventure! We're looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help before the event by welcoming exhibitors, assisting with unloading, guiding them to their booths, and supporting setup.

Impact

Volunteers will make participating as an exhibitor welcoming and easy. Volunteers will leave knowing they have promoted an active, healthy lifestyle in the region and have contributed to making Dayton “The Adventure Capital of the Midwest!”

Tasks

Welcome exhibitors as they arrive at the event. Help exhibitors unload, then direct them to the proper parking location. Assist exhibitors with their supplies and escort them to Information Central for registration. After they have registered, direct them to their designated booth space. Help exhibitors bring their gear to their booth space. Relay any special needs or questions to your staff lead. Assist with general event setup as needed during a slow time. Enjoy the event! Eligibility This opportunity is open to public volunteers and groups or small teams, ages 16 and up.  Learn more about our types of service here. We do not require a background check for our public volunteer opportunities; however, persons with a criminal record may be disqualified and prohibited from service. Please review our background check policy here. For those required to complete Court Appointed Community Service, please click here. 

Additional Notes

Environment and Physical Demands: This volunteer opportunity may include lifting, bending, and standing for extended periods. Volunteers will be going indoors and outdoors during their shift.  Parking and Meeting Instructions: Parking is available in the Visitor and Student Union lots at Wright State University at 3640 Colonel Glenn Hwy, Fairborn, OH 45324.  Please arrive 15 minutes early to park and get checked in.  Dress: Please dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes. Wear your blue or green volunteer t-shirt, if you have one. A reusable volunteer vest and name badge will be provided at check-in. Contact: If you have questions about your volunteer opportunity, please reach out to us at  volunteer.services@metroparks.org or call #937-275-7275. We're happy to help you! Look for additional details about this opportunity at the bottom of this listing! See the Special Events Volunteer Position Description for more information.