Opportunities From: Five Rivers MetroParks

Love kids? Spend your time hanging out with the most adventurous youth in Dayton! The after-school program at Adventure Central promotes positive youth development, education, and leadership skills using an environmental foundation in a welcoming, safe, fun, and active setting. These kids are just bursting with energy and excitement! Depending on where the greatest need is for the day, the Program Assistant may spend time helping in the homework room, assisting in the kitchen during mealtimes, or outdoors monitoring play time and getting roped into all sorts of shenanigans from playing in the creek to jumping rope, to gaga ball!  Volunteers may also assist in the girl's or boy's group discussions and activities.

Impact

Volunteers will build trusting and positive relationships that strengthen values, build lasting life skills, and encourage an eagerness to explore life’s possibilities.  

Tasks Interact with the kids - play, joke, chat! Monitor play for safety and harmony Assist staff in set-up and clean-up of program materials and equipment Assist in food prep, serving meals, cleaning up and organizing the kitchen after mealtime Support staff or lead designated activities during the programAssist staff with discussions during boy's group or girl's group

Eligibility

This opportunity is open to the following volunteers: Long-Term, Short-Term, and Youth. Learn more about our types of service here.  

This opportunity is for ages 14 and older. Volunteers ages 14-17 must first be approved by a Volunteer Coordinator to Respond to this opportunity. Contact volunteer.services@metroparks.org to request approval.Volunteers will have completed the virtual training located on the Adventure Central Training Resources page in our Training Library.
Additional Notes: Parking & Meeting Instructions: Click here for a map of Wesleyan MetroPark. Volunteers should park and meet staff inside Adventure Central, located at 2222 N James H McGee Blvd Dayton, OH 45417. Cancelation: If you need to cancel a shift last minute or are running late, please contact the staff lead,  Ms. Lois, at 937-278-2601.  Environmental & Physical Demands: This project takes place indoors and outdoors - Please be aware of outdoor exposure risks (i.e. sun, poison ivy, ticks, etc.). Volunteers should be aware of seasonal allergies (i.e., grass, pollen, bees, etc.), and can expect to participate in bending, kneeling, reaching, walking, and may be  lifting objects of 10lbs or more, etc. Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather, wear their volunteer t-shirt and name badge, and bring a water bottle.

Visit the Adventure Central Training Resources page in our Training Library to see what training is required for this opportunity.

Look for additional details about this opportunity at the bottom of this listing! See the Programming Volunteer Position for information on programming volunteer opportunities with us.

 
   

 

 

Do you enjoy being around kids?  Know your way around a kitchen? Support our kitchen staff in preparing, serving, and cleaning up simple meals for the after-school program kids at Adventure Central.

Impact

Volunteers will provide nourishing meals and build positive relationships that strengthen values, build lasting life skills and encourage an eagerness to explore life’s possibilities.

Tasks Assist in food prep and plating meals. Assist in serving meals and providing friendly customer service to the Adventure Central program participants and staff. Assist in cleaning up and organizing the kitchen after mealtime.

Eligibility

This opportunity is open to Long-Term and Short-Term volunteers. Learn more about our types of service here.  

Volunteers will have completed the virtual training located on the Adventure Central Training Resources page in our Training Library.
Additional Notes: Parking & Meeting Instructions: Click here for a map of Wesleyan MetroPark. Volunteers should park and meet staff inside Adventure Central, located at 2222 N James H McGee Blvd Dayton, OH 45417. Cancellation: If you need to cancel a shift last minute or are running late, please contact the staff lead,  Lois Woods, at 937-278-2601.  Environmental & Physical Demands: This project takes place indoors. Volunteers will need to work safely around hot ovens, sharp knives, and active children.  Volunteers may participate in bending, kneeling, reaching, walking, and lifting objects of 10lbs or more, etc. Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather, wear their volunteer t-shirt and name badge, and bring a water bottle.Kitchen Support volunteers are welcome to eat a free meal during their volunteer shift, and sometimes take home leftovers!

Visit the Adventure Central Training Resources page in our Training Library to see what training is required for this opportunity.

Look for additional details about this opportunity at the bottom of this listing! See the Programming Volunteer Position Description for more information on programming volunteer opportunities with us.

Help support the region's largest outdoor ice rink at RiverScape MetroPark - no skating required! Set against the stunning backdrop of downtown Dayton and the Great Miami River, the rink offers a world-class winter experience. Be part of the magic this winter at RiverScape MetroPark!

Impact

Volunteers enhance the visitor experience by assisting staff in the Rental Office. 

TasksGreet guests at the rentals service window. Hand out and process returned skates.Help with setup and teardown as needed (signs, skate return area, etc.)Help create a warm, friendly, and fun atmosphere at the RiverScape Ice Rink for all our guests.Eligibility  This opportunity is open to the following volunteers: Long-Term and Short-Term, and Youth. Learn more about our types of service here.Additional Notes Training: Volunteers will receive in-person training at the beginning of their first shift.Parking & Meeting Instructions: Volunteers may park at the Five Rivers MetroParks Main Office parking lot, located at 409 E. Monument Ave, Dayton 45402, with an appropriate volunteer parking pass. Additional street parking is available around RiverScape, and parking meters are free on the weekends. Please plan to arrive 10 minutes before your shift to allow for parking, checking in, and connecting with the staff lead. If you need a volunteer parking pass, please reach out to Volunteer Services at volunteer.service@metroparks.org or call 937-275-7275 and ask to speak with a Volunteer Coordinator.  Cancelation:  If you need to cancel a shift at the last minute or are running late, please call the staff lead, James Carter, at 937-277-4359. Environment & Physical Demands: ​​Light physical duties include standing, walking, and light lifting. Aerosol cleaning spray is used to disinfect the ice skates.  Dress: Please wear your volunteer name badge and, if you have one, your green or blue volunteer shirt. Look for additional details about this opportunity at the bottom of this listing! See the Ambassador Volunteer Position for more information on Ambassador volunteer opportunities with us.

Volunteers will share their textile skills and support staff in leading a fun program for youth and teach them basic crocheting skills. Crocheted and knitted dish cloths were commonplace in the 19th-century kitchen and even in our modern kitchen. The project for this class is to make a dishcloth, and possibly a coaster by crocheting in the round. To assist with these sessions, volunteers should have a textile qualification and be capable of guiding participants in using crochet needles, following directions to create the project, and developing basic crocheting skills.

Volunteers for this opportunity will be supporting the staff during a public program, and it DOES NOT REQUIRE PERIOD APPAREL! 

Impact

The individuals who volunteer their time and talents in the textile area help make it possible for others to experience these 19th-century skills that are still relevant today, create interest in these skills, enhance a more personalized experience in a program, and allow us to create beautiful items that have a function at the farm. Volunteers allow the interpretive teams to help visitors make a stronger connection to the history of Carriage Hill and experience life on an 1880s working farm.   

Tasks Assist with set up and prep for the classGreet and welcome participants to class and get them signed in. Volunteers will ​​support the instructor and students new to crocheting.Support and assist participants with their crocheting projects, and help them trouble shoot if there was errors along the way. Assist the staff lead in creating a better learning environment for this interactive opportunity, and give participants the encouragement needed to do a new skill. Volunteers will be paired with a student, ages 10-17, and will assist with instructions. Assist with the clean-up of the program. Eligibility

This opportunity is open to the following volunteers: Short-term and Long-term. Learn more about our types of service here. 

Volunteers must have completed the Textile qualification and have participated in the previous Textile workdays. Additional Notes Parking & Meeting Instructions:  Click here for a map of Carriage Hill MetroPark.  Volunteers will arrive 1/2 hour prior to the start of the program.  Parking is available in the Visitor Center lot, and volunteers should enter the Visitor Center and go to the Textile space to the left once they enter the building.  Staff leads will orient volunteers to the day's agenda and other important information. Environment & Physical Demands: This program takes place indoors. Volunteers may participate in some bending, kneeling, reaching, and lifting objects to 10 lbs or more. Volunteers must be comfortable working with youth and teens. Dress: Volunteers do not need to wear period apparel. Volunteers should dress for the weather and wear their MetroParks name badge and t-shirt. 

Look for Additional Details about this opportunity at the bottom of this listing!  See the Skilled Trades and Programming Volunteer Positions for more information on other volunteer opportunities with us.  

Visit the Historic Interpreter page in our Training Library to see what training is required to become part of the Historic Interpreter volunteers. 

Thank you for volunteering! 

 

Help us get the word out about The Adventure Summit! Volunteers are needed to deliver event posters to area businesses and community spaces to help promote this incredible event. This is a flexible, unscheduled opportunity - you can volunteer when it is convenient for you!*

Impact

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

Tasks

The staff lead will contact volunteers to determine the best zones for delivery. Volunteers will be given a list of places to visit within a defined geographical area of Dayton to distribute posters. Volunteers may find additional places to visit that are not on the list. Look for places connected to recreation, close to bikeways, or places where people hang out: restaurants, coffee shops, gear shops, etc. Volunteers need to be able to pick up all supplies and instructions at the Main Office, 409 E Monument Ave, Third Floor, Monday-Friday from 8 a.m-5 p.m.Volunteers must be able to make deliveries before February 14th*. Distribution can occur on the volunteer's schedule--no set days or times, as long as deliveries are made before February 14th*. NOTE: Volunteers unable to complete deliveries must contact the staff lead right away so that alternative delivery arrangements can be made. When making deliveries, volunteers should: wear their MetroParks volunteer apparel and name badgeintroduce themselves as a volunteer with Five Rivers MetroParks ask for permission to hang posters using the provided tape or pushpinsnote which places they visited, and which were willing to display a poster and/or distribute palm cards to report back to staff.

Eligibility

This opportunity is open to the following volunteers: Short-term and Long-Term ages 16 and up. Learn more about our types of service here. 

Additional Notes

Environment & Physical Demands: Must have vehicle and gas and be willing to travel to area businesses. It is helpful to be knowledgeable about Five Rivers MetroParks and the Adventure Summit event. Learn more about this year's event here. Must be willing to initiate conversations and share enthusiasm with others.Dress: Please wear your volunteer name badge and if you have one, your green or blue volunteer shirt. Reusable volunteer vests will be provided for volunteers if needed.Poster Pick Up: When picking up your poster distribution items, please park in a Visitor space closest to the Main Office building, or park in the lot with your volunteer parking tag prominently displayed. Items may be picked up Monday-Friday between 8am-5pm.Questions? Contact volunteer.services@metroparks.org or call #937-275-7275. We'll be happy to help you!

Look for Additional Details about this opportunity at the bottom of this listing! See the Special Event 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, people-friendly, volunteers to help during the event by welcoming exhibitors, presenters, and the public, providing event information and helping with wayfinding.

Impact

Volunteers will make participating as a speaker, exhibitor, or participant welcoming, easy, and fun! Best of all 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 everyone to The Adventure Summit and provide event information.Answer general event questions and provide assistance with wayfinding. Help connect exhibitors and presenters with staff and assist with directing them to their locations.Enjoy the event! Eligibility This opportunity is open to public volunteers, 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 will be stationed near the entrance, so prepare to be exposed to cold temperatures.  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.

Individuals who volunteer their time and talents help put excitement and perspective into the activities offered by our programming teams.   Astronomy Assistant volunteers will assist with the assembly and use of the education telescope, help children and their teachers be able to find points of interest in the sky and get them excited to explore the sky. This volunteer opportunity is for those familiar with astronomy and will assist with the astronomy activities and assist in training program support volunteers for their roles in activities.   

Impact

Volunteers enable us to accomplish so much more by lending a hand in various activities.  They may demonstrate proper use of specialized equipment (ie. telescope), share their skills and experience to increase additional volunteer participation, and introduce other volunteers and participants to exciting science and night sky exploration. 

 Tasks Assist with setting up and tearing down the telescope. Welcome and greet students, their families, and teachers. Assist the staff lead in giving each student group a brief introduction to what they'll be seeing. Assist the Staff Lead in helping kids and teachers discover the solar system, view the sun, learn about how telescopes work, and other fun facts. Review safe solar viewing techniques and help ensure students understand the safety protocols. Participates in debriefing and evaluating current activities. Encourage volunteerism, and help direct to the website for information Eligibility 

This opportunity is open to the following volunteers: Short-Term and Long-Term Volunteers. Learn more about our types of service here. Volunteers must complete the Astronomy Assistant Interest and Assessment and Interview to qualify for this opportunity.

 Additional Notes Parking & Meeting Instructions: Volunteers will meet the staff at the Overfield School in Troy. The Overfield School address is:  172 South Ridge Avenue, Troy, OH 45373. Volunteers will meet the staff lead at the School.  The event will take place on the campus grounds in an open, mowed field next to the school and the Hobart Preserve. There will be reserved parking spaces for the volunteers. The Staff lead will orient volunteers to the day's agenda and other important information.Environment & Physical Demands: This program takes place outdoors. Volunteers may participate in some bending, kneeling, reaching, and lifting objects to 10 lbs or more. Volunteers may be standing or walking for the majority of their shift Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather and wear their MetroParks name badge and t-shirt.

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.  

 

 The Great American Camp Out has many scouts camping, enjoying nature, and, with the help of volunteers, discovering some of the interesting things in the sky. Volunteers should enjoy working with families, be excited about exploring the night sky, and can share their time and talents to support the programming team in putting excitement and perspective into the evening's activities.  Astronomy Assistant volunteers will assist with the assembly and use of the education telescope. The volunteer opportunity is for those familiar with astronomy and will assist with the astronomy activities and assist staff train program support volunteers for their roles in activities.   

Impact

Volunteers enable us to accomplish so much more by lending a hand in various activities.  They may demonstrate proper use of specialized equipment (ie, telescope), share their skills and experience to increase additional volunteer participation, and introduce other volunteers and participants to exciting science and night sky exploration. 

 Tasks Assist with the setup and teardown of the telescope. Welcome and greet participants to Possum Creek and your station. Assist the staff lead in training additional volunteers in astronomy activities available at the program. Oversee staged equipment and assist participants in using the telescopeAssist participants in discovering constellations and night sky areas of interest.Assist in interpreting the night sky for guests by pointing out and identifying celestial objects and relaying fun facts and stories May assist with documenting the event through photos or video. Participates in debriefing and evaluating current activities. Encourage volunteerism, and help direct to the website for information Eligibility 

This is an opportunity for the following volunteers: Short-Term and Long-Term Volunteers. Learn more about our types of service here. Volunteers must complete the Astronomy Assistant Interest and Assessment and Interview to qualify for this opportunity.

 Additional Notes Parking & Meeting Instructions: Click here for a map of Possum Creek MetroPark.  Volunteers are scheduled to arrive before the start of the program. Staff leads will orient volunteers to the day's agenda and other important information. You will meet at the camping site.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. Volunteers may be standing or walking for the majority of their shift Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather and wear their MetroParks name badge and volunteer apparel. Red light headlamps or flashlights are helpful.

Look for additional details about this opportunity at the bottom of this listing! See the Programming Volunteer Position Description for more information.  

Blue Star Families was founded by military family members to empower military families to thrive as they serve. They (15 families) will be camping, enjoying nature, and the trails and features at MetroParks. Volunteers should enjoy working with families, be excited about exploring the night sky, and sharing their time and talents to support the programming team to put excitement and perspective into the evening's activities. Volunteers will assist with activities that highlight the night sky, share interesting constellation stories, and help campers discover constellations that can be seen.   Astronomy Assistant volunteers will assist with the assembly and use of the education telescope. The volunteer opportunity is for those familiar with astronomy and will assist with the astronomy activities and training program support volunteers for their roles in activities.   

Impact

Volunteers enable us to accomplish so much more by lending a hand in various activities.  They may demonstrate proper use of specialized equipment (ie. telescope), share their skills and experience to increase additional volunteer participation, and introduce other volunteers and participants to exciting science and night sky exploration. 

 Tasks Assist with the setup and teardown of the telescope. Welcome and greet participants to Possum Creek and your station. Assist the staff lead in training additional volunteers in astronomy activities available at the program. Oversee staged equipment and assist participants in using the telescope.Assist participants in discovering constellations and night sky areas of interest.Assist in interpreting the night sky for guests by pointing out and identifying celestial objects and relaying fun facts and stories May assist with documenting the event through photos or video. Participates in debriefing and evaluating current activities. Encourage volunteerism, and help direct to the website for information Eligibility 

This is an opportunity for the following volunteers: Short-Term and Long-Term. Learn more about our types of service here. Volunteers must complete the Astronomy Assistant Interest and Assessment and Interview to qualify for this opportunity.

 Additional Notes Parking & Meeting Instructions: Click here for a map of Possum Creek MetroPark.  Volunteers are scheduled to arrive before the start of the program. Staff leads will orient volunteers to the day's agenda and other important information. You will meet at the camping site.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. Volunteers may be standing or walking for the majority of their shift Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather and wear their MetroParks name badge and volunteer apparel. Red light headlamps or flashlights are helpful.

Look for additional details about this opportunity at the bottom of this listing! See the Programming Volunteer Position for more information on other programming opportunities with us.