Opportunities From: Five Rivers MetroParks

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.

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 

A simple token for a child creates wonderful memories! Historic Blacksmith volunteers are needed to help prepare for the Candy Cane demonstration activity to be done at the Christmas on the Farm event.  Volunteers will be making 1/8" bar stock candy canes.  This will allow for practice in the techniques to be demonstrated, and extra candy canes to be given out at the event.

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. 

Tasks Greet and welcome visitors if they are at the farm, and invite them to the upcoming events. Interpret and provide historic information specific to the Blacksmith Shop on the Daniel A Arnold Historic Farm. Demonstrate simple techniques of shaping the bar stock into a candy cane.Assist the staff lead in making this simple holiday item. Close to 600 are needed for the event Work with staff lead, historic interpreters, and program assistants to share needed information about the blacksmith shop and this project. Eligibility 

This is an opportunity is for the following volunteers:   Long-Term Volunteers who have qualified as Historic Interpreters, as well as, Historic Blacksmiths. Learn more about our types of service here. 

Additional Notes Parking & Meeting Instructions: Click here for a map of Carriage Hill MetroPark.  Volunteers should arrive 15 minutes before the beginning of the opportunity. Staff leads will orient volunteers to the day's activities, a review of what can be demonstrated, how they can work as a team, information important for new volunteers 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: Volunteers should dress for the weather. Period apparel isNOT required.    

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

Look for Additional Details about this opportunity at the bottom of this listing!  See the Skilled Trades Volunteer Position for more information on other skilled trades opportunities with us.  

Thank you for volunteering! 

Christmas on the Farm is a special event held at our Daniel A. Arnold historic farm. During this winter celebration, volunteer blacksmiths will start the coal forge to add warmth and enhance the seasonal activities. Historic blacksmiths will demonstrate simple blacksmithing techniques and share small trinkets with visitors. This is a wonderful way to celebrate the season and create lasting memories..

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. 

Tasks Greet and welcome participants. Interpret and provide historic information specific to the Blacksmith Shop on the Daniel A Arnold Historic Farm. Work with staff lead, historic interpreters, and program assistants to provide an engaging event for the public participants. Eligibility This is an opportunity for the following volunteers:  Long-Term adult volunteers who have qualified as Historic Interpreters as well as Historic Blacksmith Demonstrators. Learn more about our types of service here.  Additional Notes Parking & Meeting Instructions: Click here for a map of Carriage Hill MetroPark.  Volunteers are scheduled to arrive 15 minutes before the beginning of the program. Staff leads will orient volunteers to the day's activities, including planned demonstrations and to do 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 outdoors. Volunteers may participate in some bending, kneeling, reaching, and lifting objects to 10 lbs or more.   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 Historic Blacksmiths to serve in this opportunity. To learn more, visit our Historic Blacksmith Volunteer Training page here.

Look for Additional Details about this opportunity at the bottom of this listing!  See the Skilled Trades Volunteer Position for more information on skilled trades opportunities with us.  

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 holidays, decorating with the garden, and traditions of the season? Gardeners know holiday decorating is a breeze when using evergreens that can be found around the home.  Christmas on the Farm shares what it was like in the 1800's and ways they utilized materials found on the property to make seasonal decor. Volunteers will offer visitors some of the materials to make holiday decorations at home.

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 Gather materials and prepare some evergreen bundles ahead for visitors to take. Welcome visitors to the historic farm and the event. Help with wayfinding and event activity locations as needed.Share appropriate pruning information if they have evergreens at home to utilize for decorations.Share information about the various evergreens that can be used in decorations. Clean up of the equipment and the area at the end of the event.Eligibility This is an opportunity open to the following volunteers: Short-term and Long-term. Learn more about our types of service here.This opportunity is also open to OSUE Master Gardener for required service hours. 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 15 minutes before the beginning of the program. Staff leads will orient volunteers to the day's activities, including planned demonstrations.  Volunteers will also have time to review what can be demonstrated 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 will be standing for much of the time and utilizing pruners to prepare the bundles of evergreens. 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 resusable volunteer vests will be available at Volunteer Check-In inside the visitor center. Volunteers are also encouraged to wear their MetroParks volunteer apparel. Look for Additional Details about this opportunity at the bottom of this listing! See the Programming Volunteer Position for more detailed information on programming opportunities with us. 

If you're interested in this opportunity, you may also be interested in: Aullwood Luminary: Garden Decoration Prep

Celebrate the season and share your love of textiles at Christmas on the Farm at Carriage Hill's Historic Farm! We're looking for Textile Program Assistant volunteers to support textile demonstrations and help bring holiday traditions to life. We’re looking for Textile Program Assistant volunteers to support hands-on demonstrations and help bring holiday traditions to life. Demonstrations may include knitting, crocheting, weaving, spinning, sewing, and other related textile activities - Join us and help weave some holiday cheer! 

Impact

Volunteers will be demonstrating skills they have in modern times that also were popular in the 1880s and help visitors make a stronger connection to Carriage Hill and experience life on an 1880s working farm. 

Tasks Create a warm, welcoming and festive holiday atmosphere. Engage guests in the textile activities and demonstrations. Assist staff lead during the program to create a better learning environment for the interactive activities.During the day, volunteers will assist guests with crafting a simple holiday gift on the historic farm and volunteers stationed at the visitor center will demonstrate textile skills in the textile area.  During the evening portion, volunteers will support simple demonstrations in the visitor center.   Eligibility This opportunity is open to the following volunteers: Short-term and Long-Term who are 16 years or older and have been qualified in an area of textiles. 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. Staff leads will orient volunteers to the day's agenda, and review specific stations, 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. Be mindful of seasonal conditions (sun, insects, heat) and be prepared. Dress: Period apparel is NOT required. Volunteers should dress for the weather. Volunteer event nametags and reusable vests will be available inside the visitor center. Volunteers are also encouraged to wear their volunteer apparel. Look for additional details about this opportunity at the bottom of this listing! See the Programming Volunteer Position for more information on programming opportunities.