Opportunities From: Five Rivers MetroParks

Be the first smile guests see - Volunteer at the Trailhead! A warm welcome sets the tone for a magical evening and we'd love your help greeting guests at this year's Aullwood Winter Luminary Walk! We're looking for volunteers to stand at the trailhead leading from the parking lot into Aullwood Garden. You'll be the first friendly face visitors see as they arrive, helping them start their journey on the right path.

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  Use a counter to track visitation (provided).   Stand at the trailhead in the visitor parking lot or at the street crossing and welcome guests as they arrive. We will need at least 2 volunteers at the street crossing and 2 at the parking lot entrance. 
Encourage guests to wait to walk the path until the start of the event at 4:00pm so they can enjoy the lighted luminaries on their walk. Direct visitors to follow the lit trail through Aullwood Garden.  Provide a smile, a welcome, and excellent customer service. 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 visitor parking lot at 955 Aullwood Road, walk up the path, cross over Aullwood Road, and check in at the Aull House garage. You will need to head back down to the parking lot for your shift.Cancelation:  If you need to cancel a shift last minute or are running late, please call the staff lead, Beth Langford, at 937-298-7913.Environment and Physical Demands: Volunteers should expect to stand for an extended period. Arrive 10 minutes before your shift to receive instructions regarding your volunteer assignment. BRING A FLASHLIGHT IF YOU HAVE ONE.   Dress: Please wear your blue or green volunteer t-shirt, if you have one. A reusable volunteer vest and namebadge 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 Lighting

Share the Aull Family's holiday legacy! Step into history and help share the magic of the holidays - just as the Aull Family once did! We're looking for volunteers to serve as House Greeters during the Aullwood Winter Luminary Walk, welcoming guests into the historic Aull House and sharing the story of John and Marie Aull. Thier legacy of conservation and community lives on in the gardens and traditions we celebrate today.

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 house for visitors by plugging in/turning on lights.  Welcome guests warmly to the Aull House and help guide the flow of visitor traffic through the house.Share the history of John and Marie Aull from the provided fact sheet. Highlight the conservation mission their gardens continue to inspire. Introduce the train display in the sitting room. 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 prior to your shift to allow for parking and 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, 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 at check-in.

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

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 (fact sheet provided). 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  

Celebrate the holiday season at Carriage Hill Historic Farm with our Christmas on the Farm event! Our Historic Interpreter volunteers help visitors experience a special seasonal gathering that highlights traditions from Christmases past while creating new memories. This event features both daytime and nighttime activities, allowing visitors to enjoy a fun-filled day of events! Historic Interpreter volunteers provide demonstrations and bring history to life during Christmas on the Farm at the Daniel A Arnold Historic Farm.

Impact

Volunteers represent what living in the 1880s might have been like, and help visitors make a stronger connection to the history of Carriage Hill and experience life on an 1880s working farm. This opportunity will focus on historical farming, gardening, homesteading, and food preparation information.

Tasks Greet and welcome participants. Interpret and provide historic information on Daniel A Arnold Historic Farm. Engage participants and families in the activities on the farm during this program. Interpret and support an assigned demonstration. Demonstrations are as follows:  Historic Holiday Foods: in the Winter Kitchen of the DA House - Interpreting to the public. Discussing traditional Christmas foods and providing resources on how to make them today. Holiday Crafts: in the Sitting Room of the DA House - Interpreting to the public. Performing a basic craft (Knitting or crocheting), that demonstrates making a gift in the 1880s. An additional evening activity will be making pomander balls.   Christmas Traditions: in the Parlor of the DA House - Interpreting to the public. Describing traditional Christmas decorations, trees, ornaments, and overall traditions.   Christmas Tree Decorations: in the Old Summer Kitchen of the DA House - Interpreting to the public about the use of the Summer Kitchen, the Arnolds, and performing a basic craft that can be given to the public. The daytime activity is stringing popcorn for decoration. Kettle Corn Demonstration: Outside of the DA House - Interpreting to the public and answering questions as needed. Volunteers will be using the old kettle to make popcorn and distribute it to the public.   Gingerbread Baking: Outside of the DA House in the outside oven - Interpreting to the public and answering questions as needed. Volunteers will work with staff during the daytime portion to make gingerbread and distribute it to the public.Fresh Holiday Greens: In the new Summer kitchen - Interpreting to the public and answering questions as needed. Volunteers will create small greens giveaways for visitors during the daytime event.  An additional evening activity will be roasting chestnuts and distributing them to the publicParlor Games: In the parlor of the DA House - Interpreting to the public and answering questions as needed. Volunteers will engage the public with typical parlor games used in the 1800s.Barn Guide: Outside of the DA House at the barn - Interpreting to the public and answering questions as needed. Volunteers will share information about the heritage breeds at the historic farm and the history of the various barns at Carriage Hill.Santa's Assistant: Inside the DA Barn - Assisting Santa Claus pass out candy and toys, during Santa's breaks, volunteers will be reading "T'was the Night Before Christmas".  
EligibilityThis is an opportunity for the following volunteers: Long-Term volunteers ages 16 and up who have qualified as Historic Interpreters.  Learn more about our types of service here.  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 for a map of Carriage Hill MetroPark.  Volunteer Check-In will be available inside the visitor center. Volunteers are scheduled to arrive 1/2 hour before the beginning of the program. Staff leads will orient volunteers to the day's activities, including planned demonstrations and a historical clothing check.  Volunteers will also have time for a review of what can be demonstrated and other important information.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 will be sent information on their specific activity demonstration before the event. With cold weather, please remember to take breaks and warm up. Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather. Period apparel IS required. If not yet fitted, the staff lead or volunteer coordinator will contact you to schedule a fitting. 

Volunteers must be qualified as a Historic Interpreter to serve in this opportunity. To learn more, visit our Historic Interpreter Training page here.

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.  

If you're interested in this opportunity, you may also be interested in: Aullwood Luminary: House Greeter

Do you love the holiday season and sharing joyful moments with others? Join us as a Program Support Volunteer at this year's Christmas on the Farm at Carriage Hill's Historic Farm! We're looking for friendly, enthusiastic individuals to assist with a variety of fun holiday demonstrations and activities that bring the spirit of the season to life. You'll help guests feel welcome, ensure they have what they need, and add a little sparkle to their holiday experience. No experience needed and historic period dress is NOT required. We'll provide everything you need!

Impact

Program Support volunteers enhance the visitor experience by offering excellent customer service and sharing their passion for Carriage Hill and the event. Volunteers enable the staff to offer a diverse and engaging experience to those who come to the park.  They also help all of the day's visitors build awareness of all the amenities that MetroParks offers to community members.

Tasks Be a warm, welcoming presence throughout the event.Invite guests of all ages to participate in the activities on the farm during this holiday program. Provide one-on-one assistance as needed for guests of all ages. Help create a festive, family-friendly holiday atmosphere.Support an assigned demonstration. Demonstrations will be led by trained historic interpreter volunteers and/or staff. Here are some that are planned:  Historic Holiday Foods: in the Winter Kitchen of the DA House - Discussing traditional Christmas foods and providing resources on how to make them today. Holiday Crafts: in the Sitting Room of the DA House - Interpreting to the public. Performing a basic craft, that demonstrates making a gift in the 1880s. An additional activity will be making pomander balls.  Christmas Tree Decorations: in the Old Summer Kitchen of the DA House -The daytime activity is stringing popcorn for decoration. Kettle Corn Demonstration: Outside of the DA House - Volunteers will be using the old kettle to make popcorn and distribute it to the public.   Gingerbread Baking: Outside of the DA House in the outside oven - Volunteers will work with staff during the daytime portion to make gingerbread and distribute it to the public.Parlor Games: In the parlor of the DA House - Volunteers will engage the public with typical parlor games used in the 1800s.Barn Guide: Outside of the DA House at the barn - Interpreting to the public and answering questions as needed. Volunteers will share information about the heritage breeds at the historic farm and the history of the various barns at Carriage Hill.Santa's Assistant: Inside the DA Barn - Assisting Santa Claus pass out candy and toys,  during Santa's breaks, volunteers will be reading 'Twas the Night Before Christmas.  
EligibilityThis opportunity is open to the following volunteers: Long-Term volunteers ages 16 and up who have qualified as Historic Interpreters. Learn more about our types of service here. Additional Notes Parking & Meeting Instructions: Click here for a map of Carriage Hill MetroPark.  Volunteer Check-in will be available inside the Visitor Center. Volunteers are scheduled to arrive 1/2 hour before the beginning of the program. Staff leads will orient volunteers to the day's activities and assignments to specific stations.  Volunteers will also have time for a review of what can be demonstrated and other important information. 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 will be sent information on their specific activity demonstration before the event. With cold weather, please remember to take breaks and warm up. Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather. Period apparel is NOT required. Volunteer event nametags and reusable volunteer vests will be available at Volunteer Check-In inside the Visitor Center. 

Volunteers interested in Historic Interpreter opportunities can learn more by visiting our Historic Interpreter Training page here.

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.  

If you're interested in this opportunity, you may also be interested in: Aullwood Luminary: House Greeter