Opportunities From: Five Rivers MetroParks

Individuals who volunteer their time and talents help put excitement and perspective into the activities at the Carriage Hill Historic Farm and the visitor center. Program Support Volunteers are needed and able to participate in various entry opportunities to support programs while not needing to be the expert at the activities. 

Impact

Volunteers enable us to accomplish so much more by lending a hand in simple activities, allowing demonstrators to take a break, or talking with the visitors about the activities while allowing the tasks to be completed.

Tasks Volunteers in the textile area will help with simple, but essential, tasks such as: Winding yarn from a skein into a ball Sorting buttons Winding modern thread onto wooden spools Cutting simple materials Warping the looms for use Assisting staff with prep needed for an upcoming program If visitors come  to the textile area, greet them and welcome them to Carriage Hill Share with visitors what is happening in the textile room when able Share information about the farm, the historical information on textile skills of the 1800s, and point out highlights of Carriage Hill Eligibility

This opportunity is open to the following volunteers: Short-term and Long-Term, who are 16 years or older. 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: Please park and walk to the visitor center. Knock on the door, and the staff will greet you! 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 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. There will be sharp objects, sewing machines, and other items that require you to be careful and work safely in a small space. Dress: Program Support 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 Programming Volunteer Position for more information on programming opportunities.  

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

  

Do you have some sewing, knitting, crocheting, weaving, or other textile skills you are willing to share? Join us at MetroParks as we breathe new life into fiber arts and textile skills! We're seeking enthusiastic volunteers to help us create, maintain, and repair essential items at our historic farm and other MetroParks facilities. This is your chance to put your expertise to good use while making a positive impact in the community. If you have experience in any textile craft, we invite you to share your skills with us. Don’t worry if you're still learning—there will be plenty of opportunities to grow your abilities alongside fellow enthusiasts during our workdays.

Each week will bring new and exciting projects as we build a vibrant community of textile volunteers. We’ll conduct a skills assessment at the start of each project to tailor opportunities to everyone’s strengths and interests. Together, we can preserve and celebrate these invaluable arts! Join us in making a difference, and let’s create something beautiful together!

Impact

Volunteers will support efforts on the historic farm by making the textile materials needed for the interpretive team of staff and volunteers to accurately represent what living on an 1880s farm might have been like.

Tasks 

Under the supervision of the assigned Staff Lead, volunteers will

Projects will be staff-driven needs for historic clothing, items for the historic house, and support of other programming needs, and will start with a simple project to assess the skill level of the interested volunteers.Support and assist staff with cutting out the pattern, simple sewing by hand and machine, and correct care of the finished project.
Knit and/or crochet items needed for winter wear. Items may include scarves, hats, socks, and wristers. Weaving will focus on scarves for use by the historic interpreters, towels for use in the kitchen of the Arnold home, and napkins for special programs.Volunteers will be working in small numbers and rotating the tasks/steps to make the project build proficiency in each of the steps of the project. Those volunteers who have done the modern knitting machine training can make socks, do simple projects, and demonstrate simple kids' bracelets for visitors. Visitors are welcomed into the textile room and may observe as volunteers are mending, making repairs, creating new clothing items, adding new buttons for historic clothing, and practicing their skills at Carriage Hill.Volunteers can support the staff lead with demonstrations while learning about the newer tools. Support new volunteers in gaining skills.  Eligibility

This opportunity is open to The following volunteers: Short-term and Long-Term who are 16 years or older, and who have completed the textile qualification. 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: Please park and walk to the visitor center. Knock on the entrance door if you are arriving a little late and the staff will greet you! 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 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. There will be sharp objects, knitting machines, looms, sewing machines, and other items that require you to be careful and work safely in a small space. 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 Volunteer Position for more information on skilled trade 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! 

   

​The 2nd Street Market supports small, local entrepreneurs with a strong emphasis on food, agriculture, gardening, and home decor in an atmosphere that provides a comfortable and inviting gathering place for the diverse population of the greater Dayton area. Our 2nd Street Market is looking for WEEKEND custodial support to help us keep the place sparkling clean. Not only will you get to flex your cleaning muscles, but you'll get to meet and interact with some amazing people from your community.

Impact

Five Rivers MetroParks provides clean, safe parks and conservation areas for the public to enjoy year-round. Our Park Maintenance volunteers help to manage and sustain 18 beautiful parks, 11 conservation areas, and 160 miles of hike, bike, mountain bike, and horseback-riding trails for park visitors to safely enjoy.

Tasks

Under the supervision of the Staff Lead, support and assist with the following:

keeping the Market tidy during operational hours, as well as light sweeping, table cleaning, and helping with trash removal after closing. Eligibility This opportunity is open to the following volunteers: Long-Term, Short-Term, and Youth.  Learn more about our types of service here.
Youth Volunteers: 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: There is free parking available in the Market lot or street parking nearby: 600 East 2nd Street, Dayton, OH 45402. Please enter through the Market office entrance (the door nearest Webster Street), where you will meet with Market Manager, Lynda Suda, or Market Coordinator, Sally Leatherman.Environmental & Physical Demands: This project takes place primarily indoors; However, you will be outside occasionally. Volunteers should dress for the weather and plan for and be aware of possible indoor allergies (i.e., dust). You can expect to participate in walking, bending, standing, reaching, and/or lifting objects of 30lbs. or more during your volunteer shift.  Cancelation:  If you need to cancel a shift last minute or are running late, please call Lynda Suda at 937-228-2088. Dress: Volunteers should dress to be indoors; However, you may occasionally walk trash out to the dumpster or need to complete outdoor tasks, so please be prepared for the weather. Please wear comfortable shoes, too! Look for additional details about this opportunity at the bottom of this listing! See the Park Maintenance Volunteer Position Description for more detailed information

Help us share our conservation message with the next generation while providing routine animal care for our most important ambassadors! Five Rivers MetroParks Wildlife Ambassadors assist our education team in sharing our conservation message with community members of all ages at a variety of programs, events, and outreach opportunities year-round. Wildlife Ambassador Animal Care Volunteers provide daily care for these important animal ambassadors year-round at the Twin Valley Welcome Center so that they can continue sharing our message. 

Impact

Volunteers like YOU provide hands-on daily care including monitoring, feeding, and cleaning to promote the health and well-being of our Wildlife Ambassadors so that they can share our conservation mission and the importance of healthy habitat for animals like them and people like us to a variety of audiences throughout our community.

Tasks

Cleaning & sanitizing - Provide regular cleaning for all Wildlife Animal Ambassador areas. Feeding - Feed the Wildlife Animal Ambassadors as directed by the specific wildlife ambassador’s schedule. Monitoring - Volunteers need to be detailed and observant during each shift taking notes on each wildlife animal ambassador as follows: Note the date of the action (cleaning, feeding, weighing, vet, any other info). Note what food was offered for consumption and what was eaten. Note any other procedure regarding the care of an animal (i.e. warm baths, medications, vitamins). Note any abnormalities noticed in animals (eating habits, physical conditions, etc.). Note defecations and shedding when observed.Sunday shifts alternate food prep and animal weights. Additional tasks as needed: Keeping bird feeders clean and full for the Window on Wildlife display.Supporting annual deep cleaning efforts for Wildlife Animal Ambassador care areas. Alert staff lead when issues arise right away,

Eligibility: This is an opportunity for individual Long-Term volunteers who are 18 and older and is also open to family-friendly volunteers with adult volunteers (18 and up) with children ages 9 and up who would like to volunteer regularly together. Learn more about our types of service here. 

Additional Notes

Commitment: Due to the training time invested in this opportunity, we are asking volunteers to commit to signing up for two Wildlife Ambassador Animal Care volunteer shifts per month.  This will allow volunteers to become familiar with the animals and stay updated on our processes. Volunteers who complete the Wildlife Ambassador Animal Care training can continue on to train for Wildlife Ambassador program and outreach opportunities! Environment & Physical Demands: This program takes place indoors and outdoors. Volunteers can expect bending, kneeling, reaching, and lifting objects 10 lbs. or more. Feeding is preferred for morning hours but once trained and checked off with the wildlife ambassadors, you have some flexibility.  If the time selected is not the time you will be doing animal care, please let the staff lead know in advance. Parking & Meeting Instructions: Please park in the lot and remember to check in to your volunteer shift before you get to the welcome center.  Click here for a map of Germantown MetroPark.   Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather and wear their MetroParks name badge and apparel.

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

Get Started! Visit the Wildlife Ambassador Training Page in our Training Library to see what training is required to become part of the Wildlife Ambassador Volunteers.

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 Description for more 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 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. Cancelation: If you need to cancel a shift last minute or are running late, please contact the staff lead,  Lois Woods,  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.

 

Put your computer skills to work - volunteer for a short-term data entry project! Are you detail-oriented and comfortable working indoors with computers? We're looking for dedicated volunteers to assist with a short-term data entry project supporting Five Rivers MetroParks! Help us enter data from waivers collected during The Wagner Subaru Outdoor Experience and make a meaningful impact behind the scenes. 

Impact

Volunteers provide quality administrative support to MetroParks staff, which enhances the efficiency of our operations and allows staff to dedicate more time to drive our mission forward.

Tasks Enter data from source documents into a prescribed computer database, files, or forms. Assist with records management, organization, and filing.Ensure accuracy and confidentiality while supporting administrative operations. Eligibility This opportunity is open to the following volunteers: Short-term and Long-Term. Learn more about our types of service here. Learn more about our types of service here.  Additional Notes Parking & Meeting Instructions: Meet in the MetroParks Office Lobby on the 3rd Floor. Off-street parking is plentiful and free with a MetroParks Volunteer Hangtag.  Please contact volunteer.services@metroparks.org if you need one.  Cancellation: If you need to cancel a shift at the last minute or are running late, please call the staff lead, Shelby Shaw, at 435-890-2003.Environment & Physical Demands: ​​The opportunity takes place in an indoor office setting and requires sitting, typing, and viewing a computer screen. Dress: Please wear your volunteer name badge and your green or blue volunteer shirt, if you have one. Look for additional details about this opportunity at the bottom of this listing! See the Administration Volunteer Position Description for more detailed information.

Do you have skills in carpentry, or would like to expand on your carpentry skills? Join our Woodworking at Cox Arboretum volunteer team! Once trained and checked off, volunteers use their skills and expertise to plan, strategize, and craft a variety of woodworking projects! Click here to review the Woodworking at Cox Arboretum MetroPark Volunteer Training.

Impact

Our Skilled Trades volunteers help drive our mission forward by assisting with maintenance projects in fabrication, repair, and interpretation. Through Woodworking, volunteers share their skills and talents to help Five Rivers MetroParks get important build projects accomplished throughout our parks.

Tasks

Under the supervision of the assigned staff, support and assist with the following:

review woodworking project specifications. utilizing woodworking tools and equipment, carry out the build or repair of the assigned project as a team. Eligibility This opportunity is open to the following volunteers: Trained, Long-Term, Adult volunteers. Learn more about our types of service here.Additional Notes Parking & Meeting Instructions: Click here for a map of Cox Arboretum MetroPark. Volunteers should park in the main parking lot (6733 Springboro Pike, Dayton, OH 45449) and meet staff at the maintenance building near the south end of the park, just beyond the green wooden gate.Environment & Physical Demands: This project takes place indoors and outdoors - Please be aware of outdoor exposure risks (i.e., sun, poison ivy, insects, etc.). Volunteers should be aware of seasonal and position-specific allergies (i.e., dust, grass, pollen, bees, etc.), and can expect to participate in routine standing, bending, kneeling, reaching, dragging, and lifting objects of 15lbs, often in a loud environment.Cancelation: If you need to cancel a shift last minute or are running late, please contact Uriah Langmeyer at Uriah.Langmeyer@metroparks.org.Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather, wear long pants and closed-toe shoes, and have their favorite work gloves, water bottle, sunscreen, and bug spray. Avoid wearing baggy or loose clothing as well as long jewelry because it can easily snag in machinery and other sharp tools. Training: New Woodworking at Cox Arboretum MetroPark volunteers can be onboarded any time during the year. To learn more about how to become a Woodworker at Cox Arboretum MetroPark, click here to review the Woodworking at Cox Arboretum MetroPark Volunteer Training. Look for Additional Details about this opportunity at the bottom of this listing! See the Skilled Trades Volunteer Position Description for more detailed information.     

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

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.  

Join Five Rivers MetroParks education team and support family programming throughout the year that connects visitors of all ages to the natural world through storytime,  history, and farm activities, and meaningful exploration of the connections of the two time periods! This opportunity will focus on a storytime followed by a related activity that follows the theme of the story.  Please help us share amazing stories with children, exciting them about discoveries they can find in nature, and encouraging them to get outside and explore. 

Impact

Program support volunteers help build access, comfort, convenience, and safety into our programs. Volunteers enable more individualized support for first-time learners and create an inclusive skill-building environment. Volunteers help people create a stronger connection to nature and history by making it easy to experience these things in fun activities.

Tasks  Welcome participants and assist with check-in.  Help staff with program set-up & tear-down, including distributing program supplies.   Assist the staff lead with the story, take a portion, or read the whole story. Assist with and participate with families in program activities. Provide excellent customer service to participants and visitors.  Visit MetroParks Programs and Events page* to learn more about the corresponding program date you'll be volunteering.  Saturday, November 15 -  “A Broom for Ma” by Rhonda Cable. In this story, we will introduce you to the art and beauty of the Appalachian handcraft of broom making. Spend an autumn morning in the mountains with Amos and follow him step by step as he hand-makes a new broom for Ma.  Craft Activity: Small broom ornamentSaturday, December 20 -  “Wild Rose’s Weaving” by Ginger Churchill. In this story, Rose’s grandmother teaches her how to weave a rug and, in the process, teaches her about creativity, the influence of nature, and the interplay between art and life.  Craft Activity: Beginning WeavingSaturday, January 17 -  “One Horse Farm” By Dahlov Ipcar.  This book tells the story of a boy and a horse who grow up together on a farm and watch the world change around them.
Craft activity: Small Farm projectSaturday, February 14 -  “Once Upon a Thread: A Patchwork Story Sewn with Love” By Debbie Dee.  This is a story that shares a heartwarming celebration of creativity, courage, and the power of telling your story—one stitch at a time.
Craft activity: Small Quilt projectSaturday, March 21 -  “Marigold Garden” By Kate Greenaway.  Many well-known and loved nursery rhymes, presented with delightful imagery, are part of this storytime.  Rhymes include 'Blue Shoes', 'The Daisies', 'The Tea Party', 'To Mystery Land', 'When We Went Out with Grandma', 'When you and I Grow Up', and many more. It is a text sure to enchant both young and old.
Craft activity: Making pots and envelopes for seeds
  Eligibility

This opportunity is open to the following volunteers: Short-term and Long-Term. Learn more about our types of service here. Volunteers should have good reading skills, be enthusiastic, and enjoy working with children and families.

Additional Notes

Parking & Meeting Instructions: Parking is available at the the Visitor Center. Click here for the Map of Carriage Hill.  Volunteers are scheduled to arrive 1/2 hour before the program begins for set up and a brief orientation, review of roles and activities, and to gather supplies needed.  Please arrive early to park and check in.  If you need to reach the staff lead, please text 937-974-8601, and remember to include the subject and your name.

Environment & Physical Demands:  This opportunity is indoors, but depending on the story, may venture outdoors at the historic farm.  Volunteers may have light physical duties like standing, walking, and light lifting to help set up and tear down.  For some of the activities, nimble fingers may be helpful.  This is a family program, and volunteers should enjoy working with kids and families.

Dress:  Please dress appropriately for the weather.  Wear your volunteer name badge, and if you have one, your volunteer 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. 

 

Welcome to the Propagation Operation, or PropOps for short. Our goal is to propagate native plants to be used for restoration and conservation projects throughout the district. In addition to trees and shrubs, volunteers will be growing herbaceous plants as well at the Barbara Cox Center for Sustainable Horticulture at Cox Arboretum MetroPark. 

Impact

Protecting open space and natural areas is a priority for Five Rivers MetroParks, which protects nearly 16,000 acres of land — 90 percent of it in its natural state. Conservation volunteers are a part of our regional conservation story by assisting in implementing a variety of natural area management plans.  

Tasks

Under the supervision of the assigned staff, volunteers will support and assist with the following:

Transplanting propagated trees and small herbaceous plugs to be later planted throughout the parks. Maintain tree and herbaceous seedlings by watering, fertilizing, weeding, etc. Eligibility This opportunity is open to the following volunteers: Teens and adults (ages 14 and older), Long-Term, and Short-Term. Learn more about our types of service here. Youth Volunteers: 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 Cox Arboretum. Volunteers should park in the main lot in front of the visitor center at 6733 N Springboro Pike, Dayton, Ohio (Cox Arboretum MetroPark). Follow the paved path to the left of the Visitor Center, leading you around and behind the visitor center, where a staff person will be waiting for you inside or near the greenhouse.  Cancelation: If you need to cancel a shift last minute or are running late, please call Volunteer Services at 937-275-7275. Environment & Physical Demands: ​​This project takes place primarily indoors, inside the greenhouse. However, if the weather is nice or if the project demands, staff may open greenhouse bay doors and ask volunteers to support both indoor and outdoor tasks. Please be aware of outdoor exposure risks (i.e., sun, etc.), and of seasonal allergies (i.e., grass, pollen, bees, etc.). Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather, dress in layers, wear long pants, and closed-toe shoes (sneakers/tennis shoes), and have their favorite work gloves and a pre-filled water bottle.  Look for additional details about this opportunity at the bottom of this listing! See the Conservation Volunteer Position Description for more detailed information.   

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.

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

Impact

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

Tasks

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

Eligibility

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

Additional Notes

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

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

Impact

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

Tasks

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

Additional Notes

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