Opportunities From: Five Rivers MetroParks

School Program volunteers help build access, comfort, convenience, and safety into our school field trips. Those who support the school program field trips allow staff to extend the opportunities for school groups to get outside into a living classroom and connect STEM standards to real situations. Some of these field trips are also offered to Scouts and other groups who want to learn about nature.   Volunteers enable more individualized support for first-time learners and create an inclusive skill-building environment. Volunteers help make it possible for kids and teachers to develop a stronger connection to nature by making it easy to experience the outdoors in fun activities.

Discovering Soils Field Trip Plus

School group size: 

32 K - 5 grade students with 4 chaperones  

Discovering Soils is an interactive school field trip throughout the season at Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark, engaging young learners in a variety of activities and topics relating to soil science, and composting. Students will get their hands dirty digging and examining soil, learning what makes it so important, and how composting is a great way to keep our soil thriving.  Students will also plant seeds and learn about pollinators.  Volunteers will help with groups of children in sensory exploration in nature and be a part of inspiring future generations of gardeners!

Tasks  Welcome participants, assist with check-in, and help organize the group upon arrival.  Help staff with program setup and teardown, including distributing program supplies.   Assist with executing program objectives. Lead or assist in leading various stations within the specific field trip.  Assist with guided hikes (1-to-3 miles) and participate with children in program activities. Provide excellent customer service to participants and visitors. 

Eligibility: This opportunity is open to individual, long-term volunteers, ages 18 and up who have qualified as School Program Volunteer.  This opportunity is available for OSUE Master Gardener service hours.

GET STARTED: This opportunity requires Volunteer Onboarding (Profile, Volunteer Handbook Signature, and for those 18 and up an eligible background check), plus School Program Volunteer training. Simply click the blue RESPOND button to begin completing the required qualifications, or click here to learn more about becoming a volunteer.

***If you missed the training session but are interested in responding to this opportunity, email volunteer.services@metroparks.org to review the training materials and schedule shadow experiences.

Additional Notes

Parking & Meeting Instructions: Click here for a map of Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark. Volunteers should park and meet staff at Skeeter's Garden.  Volunteers are scheduled to arrive 1/2 hour before the school arrives for a brief orientation, review of stations and to gather supplies needed. 

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. Volunteers may lead a group over uneven terrain and may be walking (1-to 3-mile hikes) during this opportunity.

Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather, wear their MetroParks name badge and t-shirt,  long pants, closed-toe shoes, and have their favorite teaching aids, water bottle, sunscreen, and bug spray. 

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, build new skills, and experience different parts of the parks! Consider this/these opportunities:

Program Support

School Program volunteers help build access, comfort, convenience, and safety into our school field trips. Those who support the school program field trips allow staff to extend the opportunities for school groups to get outside into a living classroom and connect STEM standards to real situations. Volunteers enable more individualized support for first-time learners and create an inclusive skill-building environment. Volunteers help make it possible for kids and teachers to develop a stronger connection to nature by making it easy to experience the outdoors in fun activities.

Growing Gardeners Field Trip

School group size:  DPS Ready, Set, Grow Kindergarten Readiness

100 tentative - school staff chaperones.   Students will be broken into smaller groups. (returning group)

Growing Gardeners is an interactive school field trip throughout the season at Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark, engaging young learners in a variety of activities and topics such as soil science, plant identification, guided nature hikes, and basic gardening tasks. Volunteers will help with groups of children in sensory exploration in nature and be a part of inspiring future generations of gardeners!

Tasks 

Welcome participants, assist with check-in, and help organize the group upon arrival.  Help staff with program set-up & tear-down, including distributing program supplies.   Assist with executing program objectives. Lead or assist in leading various stations within the specific field trip.  Assist with guided hikes (1-to 3 miles) and participate with children in program activities. Provide excellent customer service to participants and visitors. 

Eligibility: This opportunity is open to individual, long-term volunteers, ages 18 and up who have qualified as School Program Volunteer.  Simply click the blue RESPOND button to sign up or click here to learn more about becoming a volunteer. This opportunity is available for OSUE Master Gardener service hours.

GET STARTED: This opportunity requires Volunteer Onboarding (Profile, Volunteer Handbook Signature, and for those 18 and up an eligible background check), plus School Program Volunteer training. Simply click the blue RESPOND button to begin completing the required qualifications, or click here to learn more about becoming a volunteer.

***If you missed the training session but are interested in responding to this opportunity, email volunteer.services@metroparks.org to review the training materials and schedule shadow experiences.

Additional Notes

Parking & Meeting Instructions: Click here for a map of Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark. Volunteers should park and meet staff at Skeeter's Garden.  Volunteers are scheduled to arrive 1/2 hour before the school arrives for a brief orientation, review of stations, and to gather supplies needed.  

Cancellation:  If you need to cancel a shift at the last minute or are running late, please contact your Staff Lead at the provided number.

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. Volunteers may lead a group over uneven terrain and may be walking (1-to 3-mile hikes) during this opportunity.

Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather, wear their MetroParks name badge and t-shirt,  long pants, closed-toe shoes, and have their favorite teaching aids, water bottle, sunscreen, and bug spray. 

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, build new skills, and experience different parts of the parks! Consider this/these opportunities:

Program Support

School Program volunteers help build access, comfort, convenience, and safety into our school field trips. Those who support the school program field trips allow staff to extend the opportunities for school groups to get outside into a living classroom and connect STEM standards to real situations. Volunteers enable more individualized support for first-time learners and create an inclusive skill-building environment. Volunteers help make it possible for kids and teachers to develop a stronger connection to nature by making it easy to experience the outdoors in fun activities.

Growing Gardeners Field Trip

School group size:  KB Child Development Center

20 preK children,  4 chaperones

Growing Gardeners is an interactive school field trip throughout the season at Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark, engaging young learners in a variety of activities and topics such as soil science, plant identification, guided nature hikes, and basic gardening tasks. Volunteers will help with groups of children in sensory exploration in nature and be a part of inspiring future generations of gardeners!

Tasks 

Welcome participants, assist with check-in, and help organize the group upon arrival.  Help staff with program setup and teardownup, including distributing program supplies.   Assist with executing program objectives. Lead or assist in leading various stations within the specific field trip.  Assist with guided hikes (1-to 3 miles) and participate with children in program activities. Provide excellent customer service to participants and visitors. 

Eligibility: This opportunity is open to individual, long-term volunteers, ages 18 and up who have qualified as School Program Volunteer.  Simply click the blue RESPOND button to sign up or click here to learn more about becoming a volunteer. This opportunity is available for OSUE Master Gardener service hours.

GET STARTED: This opportunity requires Volunteer Onboarding (Profile, Volunteer Handbook Signature, and for those 18 and up an eligible background check), plus School Program Volunteer training. Simply click the blue RESPOND button to begin completing the required qualifications, or click here to learn more about becoming a volunteer.

***If you missed the training session but are interested in responding to this opportunity, email volunteer.services@metroparks.org to review the training materials and schedule shadow experiences.

Additional Notes

Parking & Meeting Instructions: Click here for a map of Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark. Volunteers should park and meet staff at Skeeter's Garden.  Volunteers are scheduled to arrive 1/2 hour before the school arrives for a brief orientation, review of stations, and to gather supplies needed.  

Cancellation:  If you need to cancel a shift at the last minute or are running late, please contact your Staff Lead at the provided number.

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. Volunteers may lead a group over uneven terrain and may be walking (1-to 3-mile hikes) during this opportunity.

Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather, wear their MetroParks name badge and t-shirt,  long pants, closed-toe shoes, and have their favorite teaching aids, water bottle, sunscreen, and bug spray. 

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, build new skills, and experience different parts of the parks! Consider this/these opportunities:

Program Support

A special field trip is being planned with Dayton Public Health to encourage fathers and their children to share in the fun and excitement of connecting to nature.  The families will be participating in a two-part offering, with fishing sharing time with our Conservation Kids programming.  The fishing portion will end their field trip, and volunteers are an essential part of making these experiences fun and memorable.  Program support volunteers assist in teaching valuable fishing skills to families like fish handling, cutting bait, gear management, knot tying and rigging, and casting. Volunteers show kids and parents what kind of fishing opportunities exist in their MetroParks and the importance of being a steward to our public lands and waters. Supporting these beginning fishing programs allows for individualized attention and encouragement. Not everyone needs to be an expert to be a program support for this opportunity.  There are multiple tasks, and many hands make for a more successful experience or larger groups.

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 to test/hone basic fishing skills. Volunteer support in introductory fishing programs gives families a chance to discover a fun pastime activity, allowing them to feel more confident to get out and enjoy fishing throughout the season.

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.

Tasks

Assist with the setup of equipment and stations.Items include:  Pop-up tent, spin-cast rod rack, bait cups, gear area (equipment and additional supplies), casting area, and registration/check-in station.  Other stations include: Habitat and Handling, Knots and Rigging, Casting, and Fishing on the Farm Pond.Set up means lifting totes to 15 lbs. and carrying items over potentially uneven terrain for a short distance. Greet and welcome participants. Once participants have all checked in, pack all unnecessary things into the trailer and lock up. Assist the staff lead during the program to create a better learning environment for this fun fishing skill. Assist staff in teaching the basics of fishing at one of the stations. Help distribute program materials and supplies as needed. Assist participants in following the instructor's direction by walking around and observing. Assist staff in teaching simple knots, casting, and assisting school kids in the basics of catch-and-release fishing.Assist with participants taking fish off and releasing them back to the water, getting more bait, untangling the line, and tying new hooks onto the line. Assist with clean-up and equipment tear-down after the program.

Additional Notes

Parking & Meeting Instructions: Volunteers are scheduled an hour before the program to assist staff with set up, get oriented to the program, and review specific tasks. You will be meeting the staff lead at the farm shelter. Click here to view the map of Possum Creek.For an overview of the skills, please look at the Fishing Videos.  Environment & Physical Demands: This is an outdoor activity, so be aware of seasonal items (allergies, bugs, heat, bright sun). Volunteers may participate in some bending, kneeling, reaching, and lifting objects to 10 lbs or more.  Be prepared to potentially get muddy while assisting students fishing on the banks for the farm pond. Pond is susceptible to the weather, causing muddy banks. Exposure to bird feathers and sharp hooks is possible. Supporting participants may require steady hands and nimble fingers. Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather, wear closed-toed shoes, and wear their MetroParks name badge and apparel. Please bring a hat, sunscreen, bug spray, refillable water bottle if needed.

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, build new skills, and experience different parts of the parks! Consider these opportunities:  

Program Support

School field trips, family fishing and community group fishing days are in our lineup to get these kids and families excited about getting out and trying a fun activity!  Program support volunteers assist in teaching valuable fishing skills to families like fish handling, knot tying and rigging, and casting. Volunteers show kids and parents what kind of fishing opportunities exist in their MetroParks and the importance of being a steward to our public lands and waters. Supporting these beginning fishing programs allows for individualized attention and encouragement. Not everyone needs to be an expert to be a program support for this opportunity.  There are multiple tasks, and many hands make for a more successful experience or larger groups.

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 to test/hone basic fishing skills. Volunteer support in introductory fishing programs gives families a chance to discover a fun pastime activity, allowing them to feel more confident to get out and enjoy fishing throughout the season.

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.

Tasks

Assist with the setup of equipment and stations.Items include:  Pop-up tent, spin-cast rod rack, bait cups, gear area (equipment and additional supplies), casting area, and registration/check-in station.  Other stations include: Habitat and Handling, Knots and Rigging, Casting, and Fishing on the Farm Pond.Set up means lifting totes to 15 lbs. and carrying items over potentially uneven terrain for a short distance. Greet and welcome participants. Once participants have all checked in, pack all unnecessary things into the trailer and lock up. Assist the staff lead during the program to create a better learning environment for this fun fishing skill. Assist staff in teaching the basics of fishing at one of the stations. Help distribute program materials and supplies as needed. Assist participants in following the instructor's direction by walking around and observing. Assist staff in teaching simple knots, casting, and assisting school kids in the basics of catch-and-release fishing.Assist with participants taking fish off and releasing them back to the water, getting more bait, untangling the line, and tying new hooks onto the line. Assist with clean-up and equipment tear-down 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: Volunteers are scheduled an hour before the program to assist staff with set up, get oriented to the program, and review specific tasks. You will be meeting the staff lead at the farm shelter. Click here to view the map of Possum Creek.For an overview of the skills, please look at the Fishing Videos.  Environment & Physical Demands: This is an outdoor activity, so be aware of seasonal items (allergies, bugs, heat, bright sun). Volunteers may participate in some bending, kneeling, reaching, and lifting objects to 10 lbs or more.  Be prepared to potentially get muddy while assisting students fishing on the banks for the farm pond. Pond is susceptible to the weather, causing muddy banks. Exposure to bird feathers and sharp hooks is possible. Supporting participants may require steady hands and nimble fingers. Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather, wear closed-toed shoes, and wear their MetroParks name badge and apparel. Please bring a hat, sunscreen, bug spray, refillable water bottle if needed.

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, build new skills, and experience different parts of the parks! Consider these opportunities:  

Program Support

Our historic farm field trips introduce children and their teachers to Carriage Hill MetroPark and the unique experiences offered at the historic farm. These field trips allow youth to enjoy hands-on experiences at the farm, witness demonstrations of everyday farming tasks, and receive a personal introduction to farm life. Volunteers begin the visit at the visitor center, where they welcome the group and lead them to the historic farm. During the walk, volunteers share interesting tidbits about the notable features of MetroParks.

Impact
The interpretative purpose of the farm is to use the Arnold Family, who once lived at Carriage Hill Farm, as a guide to how a real conservative farm family is in real-time at a real place. Volunteers engage visitors with their enthusiasm for history and what they will experience at the historic farm. By providing a personalized welcome and support for the students and their teachers during their visit, volunteers help create a more memorable field trip experience.  

Tasks

Inform historic interpreters and farm staff know that the group has arrived.Welcome students, teachers, and chaperones to Carriage Hill at the visitor center.Introduce yourself and outline the agenda for the tour.Distribute the historic farm map and any additional materials.If a large group, ensure teachers have assigned groups.Lead the group to the historic farm while sharing some information about Carriage Hill. Review the historic field trip outline /script for talking points to share.Using the provided map to highlight areas of interest.Review the virtual tour to familiarize yourself with the Historic Farm.At the farm gate, generate excitement for the staff and volunteers they will meet, as well as the things they will learn about the people and their times, emphasizing that this was a working farm with a real family. Assist in timekeeping for the tour group.Provide excellent customer service to participants and visitors.

Eligibility

This opportunity is open to individual Long-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 Carriage Hill MetroPark.  Volunteers are scheduled to arrive 30 minutes before the program starts. Staff leads 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.   Dress: No Period Apparel Required! Volunteers should dress for the weather, wear their MetroParks name badge, and apparel.  A volunteer vest will be available upon arrival if needed.  Visit the Historic Interpreter page in our Training Library to see what training is required to become part of the Historic Interpreter volunteers. 

Learn more about the 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, build new skills, and experience different parts of the parks! Consider this opportunity:

Shadow Experience: Historic Interpreter

Program Support