Opportunities From: Five Rivers MetroParks

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Program Assistant volunteers at Small Farm & Food Fest work alongside staff and Historic Interpreter volunteers at interactive demonstration and informational stations, helping visitors connect with hands-on activities and discover traditional skills. Whether you have experience with gardening, canning, textiles, or another related craft, your knowledge can inspire curiosity and create memorable experiences for guests of all ages. Volunteers will help demonstrations run smoothly, answer questions, encourage participation, and add their talents and experience to the day's activities. While you won't serve as a Historic Interpreter, you'll play an important role in making the event engaging, educational, and fun for everyone.
No period clothing is required—just a willingness to share your skills, interact with visitors, and help create an unforgettable day at Carriage Hill Historic Farm!

Impact

Volunteers will be demonstrating skills they have in modern times that were also popular in the 1880s, and help visitors make a stronger connection to Carriage Hill and experience life on an 1880s working farm. This opportunity will allow people to enjoy an experience at the historic farm, learn more about the various stations, and get a personal introduction to life on the farm.

Tasks

Assist the staff lead or work with other volunteers during the event to create a better learning environment for the interactive stations.Engaging participants and families in the activities on the farm during this day-long program Stations for the event will be throughout the Historic House and Farm, and volunteers will be matched based on interest and experience with the topic. Stations include: Heirloom Vegetable Display/Heirloom Garden at the Heirloom/Kitchen Garden-Interpreting the vegetable display and discussing heirloom vegetables/gardening. Passing out free seeds.  Review additional information:  Heirloom Vegetables and Heirloom GardenEquipment and Technology of the 1880s: Interpreting the various tools, equipment, and unique impliments used during this time period.  The telegraph office is back this year, and will be at this stations.Canned Goods Display/Canning + Preservation Information: at the Daniel Arnold House Yard-Interpreting the canned goods display for the fair and discussing modern canning methods with participants.Review additional information:  History of Canning, Hot Water Bath Canning, and Ball CanningTextile Tent/Hands-on Demonstration: at the Daniel Arnold House, Interpreting a textile display for the fair and engaging the public in textile-related skills, including Hand sewing, basic knitting, and spinning. Steam Engine Corn Demonstration: Volunteers will be distributing the freshly steamed corn, getting it buttery, and letting participants know how to dispose of the cob.Coverage for various stations and volunteer breaks as needed

Eligibility

This opportunity is open to individual, long-term, and short-term volunteers, ages 16 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. 

This opportunity is approved for OSU Master Gardener service.

Additional Notes

Parking & Meeting Instructions: Volunteers Check In at the Visitor Center, and then walk the path to the Historic Farm and meet the staff lead. Click here for a map of Carriage Hill MetroPark.  Volunteers arrive 15 minutes before the beginning of the program for the first shift, and there will be an overlap of 15 minutes for the 2nd shift. Staff leads will orient volunteers to the day's agenda, review specific stations, and provide other important information.Environment & Physical Demands: This opportunity takes place primarily outdoors. Volunteers may participate in some bending, kneeling, reaching, and lifting objects 5 lbs or more. Be mindful of seasonal conditions, heat/humidity (sun, insects, allergies) and be prepared. Volunteers who respond should have some experience with one or more of the stations listed. Dress: Period apparel is NOT required. Volunteers should dress for the weather. Please wear your volunteer name badge, and volunteer apparel. Volunteer vests will also be available at check-in. 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 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

All Program Support

Help create a memorable journey through history! As a Wagon Ride Host during Small Farm & Food Fest, you'll welcome guests aboard one of the festival's most popular experiences while helping them safely enjoy a relaxing ride around the historic Daniel Arnold Farm.
This role is perfect for volunteers who enjoy meeting new people, sharing information, and creating positive visitor experiences. You'll partner with MetroParks staff and Historic Interpreter volunteers to ensure each wagon ride is safe, welcoming, and engaging.

Impact

Program Support volunteers serve a critical role at special events or large-scale programs by creating a more personalized experience in the various activities.  Volunteers enhance the visitor experience by adding depth and engagement, connecting each visitor to MetroParks for lasting memories of the park and the event!

Tasks

Greet and welcome participants. Assist guests into the wagon, and make sure they move safely to their seats. Review safety on the wagon, and remind them they must stay seated while the vehicle is moving. Engage participants with information regarding Carriage Hill and the activities happening on the farm during this day-long program.Review the Historic Farm Wagon Ride Information before arriving for your shift.

Eligibility

This opportunity is open to individual, long-term, and short-term volunteers, ages 16 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. 

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

Additional Notes

Parking and Meeting Instructions: Volunteers may park in the Visitor Center Parking lot located at 7800 E. Shull Rd. Meet with the staff lead at the Historic Farm. View the event map here.Cancellation: If you need to cancel a shift at the last minute or are running late, please contact the staff lead, Nick Wheeler, at (937) 508- 9833.Environment & Physical Demands: This opportunity is outside, and volunteers will be traveling in the wagon engaging the visitors. Physical duties include standing, walking, lifting, bending, and stretching.Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather, wear their MetroParks name badge and volunteer apparel.  A reusable volunteer vests and nametags will be available at volunteer check-in onsite.

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 opportunity:

Shadow Experience: Historic Interpreter

All Program Support

Do you enjoy gardening and love sharing your knowledge with others? If you have a strong gardening background, enjoy talking with people, and want to inspire others through an interactive activity, this is a rewarding way to make a difference while celebrating our agricultural heritage. Program Assistant during Small Farm & Food Fest and help visitors discover the beauty and purpose of the gardens at the Daniel Arnold Historic Farm. Engage guests of all ages in conversations about gardening, answer questions, and help create a welcoming, interactive experience.  

Impact

Program Support volunteers add depth to an event or program, help things run more efficiently, bring a 21st-century skill to share at an event or program, but are not Historic Interpreters.  These volunteers will support the staff to enhance the experience guests have at Carriage Hill Historic Farm. This opportunity will allow people to enjoy an experience at the historic farm, learn more about the various stations, and get a personal introduction to life on the farm!

Tasks

Greet and welcome participants. Engage participants and families in the activities at your station.These stations will be together in a historic barn, and volunteers will provide ongoing information for the public as well as help with program support for breaks and coverage in each of the stations as needed.Volunteers are asked to bring their favorite garden tool to add to the discussion in the tool area.  Please make sure your tool has your name on it.The four stations will be discussing the following topics:Station One: Basic Garden Tools to Have for the Beginning GardenerStation Two: The Benefits of HeirloomsStation Three: Companion PlantingStation Four: VermicultureVolunteers will need to review the handouts before beginning their shift. Handouts for each station:Tools - 10 Tools and Garden EquipmentBenefits of Heirlooms - Heirloom Vegetables and Heirloom Gardening
Companion Planting - Companion Plants for Pest Control and Companion Plantings in the GardenVermiculture - Basics and 101

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.  This opportunity is approved for OSU Master Gardener service.

Additional Notes

Parking & Meeting Instructions: Please park, ensure you have checked in at the volunteer booth and online, and meet the staff lead at the historic farm. 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. View Event Map here.Cancelation: If you need to cancel a shift last minute or are running late, please call Rick Musselman at (937) 594-8271.Environment & Physical Demands: This program takes place outdoors, but is in the open barn on the historic farm. Volunteers may participate in some bending, kneeling, reaching, and lifting objects to 10 lbs or more. There may be sharp objects and other items that require you to be careful and work safely.Dress: Program Support volunteers do not need to wear period apparel. Volunteers should dress for the weather and wear their MetroParks name badge and volunteer apparel. A volunteer event vest will be available.  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 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

All Program Support

Do you enjoy cooking, canning, food preservation, or sharing practical skills with others? Join our Cookery Tent team and help bring these time-honored traditions to life!   Program Assistant Volunteers are needed to assist with engaging, hands-on demonstrations throughout the day, including hot water bath canning, pressure canning, dehydrating meals for travel, cast iron care and seasoning, and both historic and modern camp cookery. Whether you're an experienced home canner, outdoor cooking enthusiast, or simply enjoy helping visitors learn something new, you'll play an important role in creating a fun and educational experience for families and community members. Share your knowledge, inspire others to build confidence in the kitchen and outdoors, and help preserve skills that have been passed down through generations. Come be part of a welcoming team and make a lasting impact—one demonstration at a time! This opportunity will require you to have some culinary knowledge or experience with at least one of the stations offered. Period clothing is not required.

Impact

Program Support volunteers add depth to an event or program, help things run more efficiently, bring a 21st-century skill to share at an event or program, but are not Historic Interpreters.  These volunteers will support the staff to enhance the experience guests have at Carriage Hill Historic Farm.. This opportunity will allow people to enjoy an experience at the historic farm, learn more about the various stations, and get a personal introduction to life on the farm.

Tasks

Assist the staff lead or work with other volunteers during the event to create a better learning environment for the interactive stations.Engaging participants and families in the activities on the farm during this day-long program Stations for the event will be throughout the Historic House and Farm, and volunteers will be matched based on interest and experience with the topic. Outdoor Cookery Stations will be under the Cookery Tent at the Historic Farm, and include: Hot Water Bath Canning: Volunteers will assist with providing basic principles of hot water bath canning, equipment and supplies needed, and seasonal items to can.Review Hot Water Bath CanningThe Basics of Pressure Canning: Volunteers will assist with providing basic principles of pressure canning, equipment and supplies needed, seasonal items to can, and pressure canning safety. Learn more about a History of CanningDehydrating Meals:  Volunteers will assist with providing basic principles of dehydrating meals for travel, equipment and supplies needed. As part of this station, suggestions will be provided for healthy, nutritious but frugal items to consider.Review Home Food Hydrating Talking PointsCaring for Cast Iron: Volunteers will assist with providing basic care and handling of cast iron, and how to best season it.Additional information can be found using these resources:  Lodge Cast Iron and Kent Rollins Cast Iron Cooking (YouTube)Camp Cookery: Volunteers will assist with providing basic information on camp cooking, equipment, and supplies needed. As part of this station, suggestions will be provided for caring for camp cooking items and practicing safety. Coverage for various stations and volunteer breaks as needed.Afternoon shift will assist with tear down of stations.

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: Volunteers Check In at the Visitor Center, and then walk the path to the Historic Farm and meet the staff lead. Click here for a map of Carriage Hill MetroPark.  Volunteers arrive 15 minutes before the beginning of the program for the first shift, and there will be an overlap of 15 minutes for the 2nd shift. Staff leads will orient volunteers to the day's agenda, review specific stations, and provide other important information.Environment & Physical Demands: This opportunity takes place primarily outdoors. Volunteers may participate in some bending, kneeling, reaching, and lifting objects 5 lbs or more. Be mindful of seasonal conditions, heat/humidity (sun, insects, allergies) and be prepared. Volunteers who respond should have some experience with one or more of the stations listed. Dress: Period apparel is NOT required. Volunteers should dress for the weather. Please wear your volunteer name badge, and volunteer apparel. Volunteer vests will also be available at check-in.Visit the Historic Interpreter page in our Training Library to see what training is required to become part of the Historic Interpreter volunteers. 

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

All Program Support

Come join us at Small Farm & Food Fest, a free, annual event for all-ages, that promotes healthy eating and sustainable living. With dozens of fun, hands-on activities, demonstrations, speakers, and a pop up farmer's market, there's something for everyone on the farm! Event Ambassador volunteers help set the tone of this event by greeting visitors and providing information about the day's festivities. 

Impact

Special Event volunteers serve a critical role in ensuring that each special event or large-scale program runs smoothly from setup to teardown. Event Ambassador volunteers help participants feel welcome, engaged and knowledgeable about the event.

Tasks

Provide excellent customer service by welcoming and directing visitors throughout the park and visitor center. Answer questions about the day's event schedule and layout. Distribute brochures or other literature appropriate to the conversation.Assist with event wayfinding. Provide back up support for event volunteer break coverage.Fill in at other station if needed.

Eligibility

This opportunity is open to individual, public, long-term, short term volunteers, ages 18. Simply click the blue RESPOND button to sign up or click here to learn more about becoming a volunteer.

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: Volunteers may park in the Visitors Center parking lot located at 7800 E. Shull Rd. Meet with the staff lead at the Visitor Center. View the event map here. Please plan to arrive 10 minutes before your shift to allow for parking, checking in, and connecting with the staff lead. Cancellation: If you need to cancel a shift last minute or are running late, please contact the staff lead, Rick Musselman, at 937-277-4834.Environment & Physical Demands: Physical duties include standing, walking, and the possibility of sitting. Walking will include traversing primarily paved surfaces but could include natural surfaces. Due to the nature of large public events, there may be down time at different points.If you would like to request a service accommodation in order to volunteer at this opportunity, please contact Volunteer Services at least 1 week before the scheduled opportunityDress: Please wear your volunteer name badge and volunteer apparel if you have them. Otherwise, wear comfortable attire suitable for the weather. Reusable volunteer vests and event nametags will be provided for you at volunteer check in onsite.

Learn more about Special Event 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: 

Historic Interpreter

Possum Creek Gardening 

Small Farm & Food Fest is a free, all-ages event that promotes healthy eating and sustainable living with dozens of hands-on activities, a pop-up farmers market, demonstrations, speakers, and more. Sustainability volunteers help to educate the public on sustainability practices and assist with proper waste disposal. Come help event participants learn their impact on the future by combining historic composting and modern day recycling methods!

Impact

Special Event volunteers are critical in ensuring events and large-scale programs run smoothly. Sustainability volunteers help educate participants about what a low-waste event program is, how to distinguish between various recycling and compostable items and encourage ongoing sustainable practices

Tasks

Assist guests in the proper event disposal of recyclables, compostables and trashAnswer participant's questions to the best of your ability and direct questions to staff when neededShare MetroParks' mission of working toward a waste-free eventEncourage and inspire visitors to continue sustainable practices at homeAssist with any set up or take down activities associated with relevant shifts

Eligibility

This opportunity is open to individual, public, long-term, and short term, volunteers, ages 18 and up. Simply click the blue RESPOND button to sign up or click here to learn more about becoming a volunteer.

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: Volunteers may park in the Visitor Center Parking lot located at 7800 E. Shull Rd. Meet with the staff lead at the Visitors Center.  View the event map here. Please plan to arrive 10 minutes before your shift to allow for parking, checking in, and connecting with the staff lead.Cancellation: If you need to cancel a shift last minute or are running late, please contact the staff lead, Grace Dietsch, (937) 528-7188.Environment & Physical Demands: Physical duties include standing, walking, lifting, bending, and stretching, and carrying items outside. Walking will include traversing paved, unpaved and natural surfaces. This station will be covered by a tent.If you would like to request a service accommodation in order to volunteer at this opportunity, please contact Volunteer Services at least 1 week before the scheduled opportunity.Dress: Please wear your volunteer name badge and volunteer apparel if you have them. Otherwise, wear comfortable attire suitable for the weather. Reusable volunteer vests and event nametags will be provided for you at volunteer check in onsite.

Click here to view a map of Carriage Hill MetroPark

Learn more about Special Events 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:

Heirloom Gardening

Barn Aide 

Join us as we introduce our wildlife animal ambassadors to youth and families at Small Farm & Food Fest at Carriage Hill MetroPark!  Wildlife Ambassador volunteers are needed to help handle and present the animals at the wildlife ambassador booth including the turtles and snakes.

In this shadow experience, staff will work with you to show you how to confidently handle and interpret the animals to the public.

Five Rivers MetroParks Wildlife Ambassador volunteers assist with animal care and animal programming, sharing our conservation message with community members of all ages at a variety of programs, events, and outreach opportunities year-round.

Impact

Volunteers like YOU 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

Assist staff in set-up and clean-up of wildlife ambassador booth space.With the help of your staff lead you will:Welcome guests to the booth, introduce yourself and the wildlife ambassadorsProvide excellent customer service to the public when approached with questions. Review talking points regarding the wildlife ambassadors in the Wildlife Ambassador Manual.Follow all safety procedures and ensure the safety of all participants. Alert staff when and if any issues arise.

Eligibility

This is an opportunity for individual Long-Term volunteers who are qualified Wildlife Ambassador Animal Care volunteers.

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

Additional Notes

Parking & Meeting Instructions: Arrive at Carriage Hill Metropark at 7800 E Shull Road, Dayton OH 45424 and meet your staff lead to help unload in the parking lot. View a map of Carriage Hill MetroPark here. Volunteer Services will offer a volunteer check-in table for assistance checking in, picking up an event nametag and a volunteer vest.Dress: Please wear you volunteer name badge and volunteer apparel. Volunteer vests and nametags will be available at volunteer check-in.Environment & Physical Demands: This program takes place indoors. Volunteers can expect bending, kneeling, reaching, and lifting objects 10 lbs. or more, carrying animals in carriers from the van in the parking lot to the presentation space and standing for long periods. Volunteers can also expect to speak about the animals and assist with their presentation.If you would like to request a service accommodation in order to volunteer at this opportunity, please contact Volunteer Services at least 1 week before the scheduled opportunity. 

Learn more about Programming 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.

Come join us at Small Farm & Food Fest, a free, annual event for all-ages, that promotes healthy eating and sustainable living! With dozens of fun, hands-on activities, demonstrations, speakers, and a pop up farmer's market, there's something for everyone on the farm! Help us wrap up the day's fun by taking down this event and restoring the park to it's usual look.

Impact

Special Event volunteers are critical in ensuring that each special event or large-scale program runs smoothly from set-up to tear-down. Your efforts to help staff dismantle and put away the event structures and equipment keep the work load lighter for everyone!

Tasks

Help staff collect, load and organize equipment and gear that was used throughout the event site. Help with tasks such as removing signage, collapsing pop-up tents or disassembly of historic tents, taking down tables and chairs, and returning items to storage. Use safe lifting techniques, proper hand tools for the task, and safety gear as appropriate and necessary. You may be asked to lift and/or carry 25lbs or more.

Eligibility

This opportunity is open to individual, public, youth, long-term, or short term volunteers, ages 14 and up. Simply click the blue RESPOND button to sign up or click here to learn more about becoming a volunteer.

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: Volunteers may park in the Visitor Center lot located at 7800 E. Shull Rd. Meet with the staff lead at the Visitor Center. View the event map here. Please plan to arrive 10 minutes before your shift to allow for parking, checking in, and connecting with the staff lead. Cancellation: If you need to cancel a shift last minute or are running late, please contact the staff lead, Rick Musselman, at 937-277-4834.Environment & Physical Demands: Physical duties include standing, walking, lifting, bending, and stretching, carrying and wayfinding. Walking will include traversing paved, unpaved, and natural surfaces. Volunteers may be asked to carry 25lbs or more.Dress: Please wear your volunteer name badge and volunteer apparel if you have them. Otherwise, wear comfortable attire suitable for the weather. Closed toe shoes are required. Reusable volunteer vests and event nametags will be provided for you at volunteer check in onsite.

Learn more about Special Events 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:  

Beer and Wine Sales 

The Wagner Subaru Outdoor Experience