Opportunities From: Five Rivers MetroParks

At the heart of every youth and family event are unique experiences that spark wonder and interest for chilren. If you’ve ever been curious about origami, we have a fantastic opportunity for you! You can join us for our prep sessions, and join us at this year’s Fall Family Adventure, where we’ll showcase a delightful origami owl. We are seeking enthusiastic volunteers to help us prepare these charming owls to showcase on a tree. 

Origami is a beautiful Japanese art form that transforms a simple square sheet of paper into intricate designs solely through folding—no glue or scissors needed! While the owl is a straightforward design, it’s perfect for our autumn event.

Come learn and practice with us as we create adorable owls for families to enjoy. If you find you love doing this, there is a special place at the Fall Family Adventure on October 18, helping show others home much fun you can have with a simple piece of paper.Let’s make this event memorable together! 

Impact

Volunteers help build access, comfort, convenience, safety, and FUN into our programs for all interested in learning! 

Tasks Arrive and check in with your Staff Lead to review videos and prepare supplies. Volunteers will learn how to make and create origami owls simultaneously.Review these videos as examples of the possible owls that will be made. Easy Origami OwlOrigami Owl version 2Eligibility This opportunity is open to the following volunteers: Long-Term, Short-Term, and Youth (ages 16-17 - See specific age requirements below).  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 to view the map of Wegerzyn Gardens. Volunteers should park in the main parking lot in front of the Administrative building and meet inside the building.  Please plan to arrive early to allow for parking, checking in, and connecting with the staff lead.  Cancelation:  If you need to cancel a shift at the last minute or are running late, please call staff lead, Betty Hoevel, at 937-276-7052. Environment & Physical Demands: ​​This is an indoor activity.  This opportunity involves working with paper and doing multiple folds to create the owl.  Dress: Please wear your volunteer name badge, and if you have one, your green or blue 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 volunteer opportunities with us.  

Do you like behind-the-scenes event prep work? Are you looking for a flexible at-home volunteer opportunity?

 Support the Fall Family Adventure by preparing the supplies for the event's craft stations at home with supplies and instructions provided before the event during this unscheduled volunteer opportunity. Volunteers will pick up supplies and instructions from Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark on September 22 - October 1, Prepare craft supplies at home, and return them no later than October 14th. Their efforts will ensure we have enough supplies for all the youth and families to enjoy during the event. While this may be a behind-the-scenes volunteer activity, you are helping kids and families create a take-home craft and memories together. 

Impact

Program support volunteers serve a critical role in ensuring large-scale programs run smoothly. These volunteers enable the staff to expand their ideas for activities to engage the public.

Tasks  Pick up supplies to prepare craft pieces and instructions between September 22 and October 1 at Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark, Administration building. Time for pick up is between 9 am - 4 pm Follow instructions to prepare the assigned craft pieces. Craft pieces will include a great deal of repetitive cutting of shapes.  You are not making the craft; you are helping get all the pieces cut for the crafts being made. Contact the staff lead with any questions or concerns during the project. If you cannot complete the craft preparation, please get in touch with the staff lead immediately. Return the completed craft pieces and additional supplies no later than October 14th to Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark, Administration Building, between the hours of  9 am - 4 pmEligibility This opportunity is open to the following volunteers: Long-Term, Short-Term, and Youth (ages 14-17 - See specific age requirements below).  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: Please pick up supplies between September 22 - October 1 from Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark between the hours of 9 am-4 pm. If you need an alternative pick-up time, please contact the staff lead. Return items to Wegerzyn Gardens Metropark no later than October 14th, Monday-Friday between the hours of 9 am-4 pm.Environment & Physical Demands: This is an unscheduled/flexible volunteer opportunity that can be completed at home. It does involve bending, light lifting, organizing, boxing materials, and a great deal of repetitive cutting. Dress: This is an at-home opportunity, but it can get messy, so please wear clothing that can get dirty/ 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. 

  

Calling all helping hands! Add to the beauty of Wegerzyn Gardens with lovely Fall decorations and help get the space ready for all the fun as you help decorate and set up this year's Fall Family Adventure.

Impact

Special Event volunteers serve a critical role in ensuring that events and large-scale programs run smoothly.

Tasks  Assist with assembling and setting up seasonal decorations in the garden.  Assist with setting up tables, chairs, and event supplies.  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. 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: Parking is available in the Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark visitor lot. 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 at the last minute or are running late, please call the staff lead, Betty Hoevel, at 937-276-7052.Environment & Physical Demands: Physical duties include standing, walking, and moderate to heavy lifting to help set up and tear down the event. Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes. If you have one, please wear your green or blue volunteer shirt. Reusable volunteer vests and event nametags will be provided for you onsite at volunteer 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.

Be a part of the Welcome Team at this year's Fall Family Adventure! Whether coming or going, visitors appreciate when a friendly, smiling face is there to greet them or say farewell. As a volunteer in this role, you are the first and last(ing) impression of a successful event at Five Rivers MetroParks!  

Impact

Special Event volunteers serve a critical role in ensuring that events and large-scale programs run smoothly.

Tasks  Welcome participants as they arrive and thank them for attending as they leave. Check off registered attendants and keep a tally of registered and walk-in participants. Provide event information and handouts to participants. Answer questions from participants and assist with wayfinding to the best of your ability. Assist with cleaning up and tearing down the welcome table at the end of the event.  EligibilityThis opportunity is open to the following volunteers: Long-Term and Short-Term.  Learn more about our types of service here.
Additional Notes  Parking & Meeting Instructions: Parking is available in the Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark visitor lot. 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 at the last minute or are running late, please call the staff lead, Betty Hoevel, at 937-276-7052.Environment & Physical Demands: ​​Light physical duties include standing, walking, and light lifting to help set up and tear down booth materials. Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes. If you have one, please wear your green or blue volunteer shirt. Reusable volunteer vests and event nametags will be provided for you onsite at volunteer check-in.

Look for Additional Details about this opportunity at the bottom of this listing! See the Special Event Volunteer Position Description for more information on serving as a Special Events volunteer.

Share some "scary" creatures with participants of all ages at this year's Fall Family Adventure! Conservation Leader volunteers are needed to help participants learn more about these amazing creatures and perhaps realize they are not so scary after all.

Impact

Volunteers help build access, comfort, convenience, and safety into our programs for all interested in learning. Youth and family volunteers build leadership skills, learn how to mentor others, serve as a naturalist for their peers, and as a family play an important role in helping protect and promote our natural world!

Tasks Assist with station setup. Assist the staff lead during the program to create a better learning environment for this interactive program. Share practical experience and information as prompted. Help distribute program materials and supplies as needed. Engage shy participants and assist in keeping families excited.  Showcase various supplies or specimens.Eligibility

This is a Long-Term Volunteer Opportunity open to Conservation Leaders only. Learn more about our types of service here.  

Additional Notes  Parking & Meeting Instructions: Parking is available at the event. Please plan to arrive 15 minutes before your shift to allow for parking, checking in at the front of the event, and connecting with staff.  Environment & Physical Demands: ​​Light physical duties include standing, walking, and light lifting to help set up and tear down booth materials. Dress: Please wear your volunteer name badge and if you have one, your green or blue volunteer T-shirt. Reusable volunteer vests will be provided for volunteers on-site.   Look for Additional Details about this opportunity at the bottom of this listing! See the Programming Volunteer Position for more information on Programming volunteer opportunities with us.

Be a part of this year's Fall Family Adventure! A sweet treat makes everything better! Help make this event a little sweeter and enjoy those smiling faces as you help serve cookies, apple juice, water, and hot chocolate at this year's event. 

Impact

Special Event volunteers serve a critical role in ensuring that events and large-scale programs run smoothly.

Tasks  Help set up, stock, and serve at the refreshment station. We will be serving cookies, apple juice, water, and hot chocolate at this year's event.  Welcome participants as they arrive and thank them for attending. Serve as a resource for questions and additional event support as needed. Assist with station tear-down at the end of the event. Eligibility This 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. 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 NotesParking & Meeting Instructions: Parking is available in the Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark visitor lot. 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 at the last minute or are running late, please call the staff lead, Betty Hoevel, at 937-276-7052.Environment & Physical Demands: ​​Light physical duties include standing, walking, and light lifting to help set up and tear down. Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes. If you have one, please wear your green or blue volunteer shirt. Reusable volunteer vests and event nametags will be provided for you onsite at volunteer check-in. Look for Additional Details about this opportunity at the bottom of this listing! See the Special Event Volunteer Position Description for more information on serving as a Special Events volunteer.

Be the helping hands behind the scenes that bring this event together! Help us ensure this year's Fall Family Adventure is a success by supporting our entertainers, staff, and other volunteers.

Impact

Special Event volunteers serve a critical role in ensuring that events and large-scale programs run smoothly.

Tasks  Check in with the staff leads for an overview of the event, assessment of needs, and task instruction.  Assist with setup, teardown, or station preparation as needed. Walk around the event welcoming participants, providing event information, and checking in with staff, volunteers, and performers. Help keep activity lines short by directing participants to other activities when one is crowded. Support staff and volunteers by answering questions when able or directing questions or concerns to the staff lead, retrieving supplies, and providing quick breaks as needed. Provide additional support to activity stations that are busy and fill in for missing volunteers where needed. Eligibility
This opportunity is open to the following volunteers: Long-Term and Short-Term, Public, 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.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: Parking is available in the Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark visitor lot. 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 at the last minute or are running late, please call staff lead, Betty Hoevel, at 937-276-7052.Environment & Physical Demands: ​​Light physical duties include standing, walking, and light lifting to help set up and tear down booth materials. Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes. If you have one, please wear your green or blue volunteer shirt. Reusable volunteer vests and event nametags will be provided for you onsite at volunteer check-in.

Look for Additional Details about this opportunity at the bottom of this listing! See the Special Event Volunteer Position Description for more information on serving as a Special Events volunteer.

 

 

Do artistic, creative, and cheerful describe you? Help create that Fall magic at this year's Fall Family Adventure as a Program Support volunteer! Face painting is an amazing colorful opportunity that creates memorable experiences for children and adults. Face painting adds a new level of fun and excitement to any event! It encourages creativity and imagination in children and helps engage shy children in the fun.
Volunteers will paint the faces of kids and adults,  using one of three designs. Face paint brushes and towels will be provided.

Impact

Volunteers help build access, comfort, convenience, safety, and FUN into our programs for all interested in learning!  Volunteers help people make a stronger connection to nature by making it easy to experience the outdoors in fun activities.

Tasks Arrive and check in with your Staff Lead to review your activity assignment and prepare supplies. This program runs from 4 pm-7 pm. Volunteers will assist with setting up and closing their activity stations.Get yourself and your station organizedTest the paint on the back of your hand to make sure you have a nice, thick consistency. Draw a few practice designs to get ready for your first guestIntroduce the activity to participants and ensure everyone has an opportunity to participate. Provide a welcoming, safe, positive experience for all participants.SMILE!  It can help you and your guest relax and have fun/Review these tips for success:Nerves can make your hands shake.  Tip: rest the pinkie finger of your working hand on the forehead of your subject as you paint.Most kids will not be able to sit as still as a statue while you paint them. Tip:  Place your non-painting hand on the top of the child’s head. It calms them and gives you a little warning if they move their head. As soon as you feel their head moving, take your brush off their face.Messy area and paints. Tip: Spritz your sponge or dip your brush in clean water first. It will keep your paints drier and prevent dripping.  Use a towel to clean up after each guest.Eligibility This opportunity is open to the following volunteers: Long-Term, Short-Term, and Youth (ages 14-17 - See specific age requirements below).  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 to view the map of Wegerzyn Gardens. Volunteers should park in the main parking lot in front of the Administrative building and meet with the staff lead at Skeeter's Garden. Please plan to arrive 15 minutes before your shift to allow for parking, checking in, and connecting with the staff lead.  Cancelation:  If you need to cancel a shift at the last minute or are running late, please call staff lead, Betty Hoevel, at 937-276-7052. Environment & Physical Demands: ​​This is an outdoor activity, and you may get dirty.  This opportunity involves working with paint on kids and families. Physical duties include standing, walking, and lifting.   Dress: Please wear closed-toe shoes, your volunteer name badge, and if you have one, your green or blue volunteer T-shirt. Reusable volunteer vests will be provided for volunteers on-site.  Look for additional details about this opportunity at the bottom of this listing! See the Programming Volunteer Position for more information on Programming volunteer opportunities with us.  

At the heart of every youth and family event is a memorable activity that creates a DIY themed memento. Have that creative spirit?  Love working with crayons, construction paper and glue? Help create the Fall magic at this year's Fall Family Adventure as a Program Support volunteer!  Have you ever wondered why arts and crafts are so important for child development? For children aged 3 – 8 experts say it is the most important way to help them grow and develop.  Volunteers will be assisting children and their families with craft activities.  These are fun activities, and they can give kids a sense of achievement and build confidence.

Impact

Volunteers help build access, comfort, convenience, safety, and FUN into our programs for all interested in learning! When kids use their fingers to manipulate art materials they are developing their fine motor skills, their coordination skills improve as they learn to use both hands at the same time. When kids make art or crafts they get to talk about their work which develops their communication skills.  Kids get to learn about and recognize different shapes, count and sort out their art supplies, and even measure out lengths and sizes of art materials. Volunteers who support craft opportunities also foster mental growth in children by providing opportunities for trying out new ideas, new ways of thinking, and problem-solving.

Tasks Arrive and check in with your Staff Lead to review your activity assignment and prepare supplies. This program runs from 4 pm-7 pm. Volunteers will assist with setting up and closing their activity stations.Get yourself and your station organizedReview the three craft activities and ensure supplies are ready and spaced for participationThe Owl— Supplies will be ready, and simple steps for families to create their hanging owl. Check out the video to see the cute craft: The Owl Spider Ring—Some rings will be prepared ahead of time, but volunteers will work with families to create pipe cleaner rings, adding googly eyes to them.  Check out the video to see this cute craft:  Spider RingThe Fox—Simple directions: the fox is made from a paper tube and two cupcake papers– Participants will color and attach the cupcake papers, then use stickers to make a fox face. Introduce the activity to participants and ensure everyone has an opportunity to participate. Provide a welcoming, safe, positive experience for all participants.SMILE!  It can help you and your guests relax and have fun!Eligibility This opportunity is open to the following volunteers: Long-Term, Short-Term, and Youth (ages 14-17 - See specific age requirements below).  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 to view the map of Wegerzyn Gardens. Volunteers should park in the main parking lot in front of the Administrative building and meet with the staff lead at Skeeter's Garden. Please plan to arrive 15 minutes before your shift to allow for parking, checking in, and connecting with the staff lead.  Cancelation:  If you need to cancel a shift at the last minute or are running late, please call the staff lead, Betty Hoevel, at 937-276-7052. Environment & Physical Demands: ​​This is an outdoor activity, and you may get dirty.  This opportunity involves working with paint and glue.  Volunteers must enjoy working with kids and families. Physical duties include standing, walking, and lifting.   Dress: Please wear closed-toe shoes, your volunteer name badge, and if you have one, your green or blue volunteer T-shirt. Reusable volunteer vests will be provided for volunteers on-site.  Look for additional details about this opportunity at the bottom of this listing! See the Programming Volunteer Position for more information on Programming volunteer opportunities with us.  

  

Help create the Fall magic at this year's Fall Family Adventure as a Program Support volunteer!   The game areas are where fun and laughter can be heard all through the park.  Volunteers will enjoy these activities just as much as the families.  Creativity and playfulness are good traits to have when volunteering in this area

Impact

Volunteers help build access, comfort, convenience, safety, and FUN into our programs for all interested in learning!  Games are more than having fun, and can be a great learning tool for kids and families.  They can help children work on skills such as concentration, strategizing, following directions, and patience.

Tasks Arrive and check in with your Staff Lead to review your activity assignment and prepare supplies. This program runs from 4 pm-7 pm. Volunteers will assist with setting up and closing their activity stations..Get yourself and your station organizedReview the game activities and ensure supplies are ready and spaced for participation. Pumpkin bean bag (garden green)—help kids select three bean bags and let them try to toss them through the eyes, nose, or mouth of our cut-out jack o lantern face. · Pumpkin ring toss (garden green)—line up six pumpkins into two rows of three with one-foot space between each pumpkin. Each contestant will have a hula hoop to toss and see if they can make the hoop land around one of the pumpkins in the row they are facing. Two can play at the same time. Dress a scarecrow (garden green)—Three scarecrow forms will be provided along with bags of clothes. Let each participant dress the scarecrow. When the person leaves, undress the scarecrows for the next participant. Spider Web Walk activity host (Skeeter's garden) - Kids will try to stay on the spider web while picking up strategically placed spiders. Check out this link to see an example of this game: Spider Web WalkPumpkin Maze activity host (picnic area near prairie)- kids will try to find their way out of the maze.Leaf Jumping pools (Skeeter's garden)- keep pools filled with leaves and invite guests to jump in and play.Owl Scavenger Hunt (Skeeter's garden) - ask kids if they can find all of the owls hung in the trees of the Children’s Discovery Garden.Introduce the activity to participants and ensure everyone has an opportunity to participate. Provide a welcoming, safe, positive experience for all participants.SMILE!  It can help you and your guests relax and have fun!Eligibility This opportunity is open to the following volunteers: Long-Term, Short-Term, and Youth (ages 14-17 - See specific age requirements below).  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 to view the map of Wegerzyn Gardens. Volunteers should park in the main parking lot in front of the Administrative building and meet with the staff lead at Skeeter's Garden. Please plan to arrive 15 minutes before your shift to allow for parking, checking in, and connecting with the staff lead.  Cancellation:  If you need to cancel a shift at the last minute or are running late, please call staff lead, Betty Hoevel, at 937-276-7052. Environment & Physical Demands: ​​This is an outdoor activity, and you may get dirty.  This opportunity involves working with paint and glue.  Volunteers must enjoy working with kids and families. Physical duties include standing, walking, and lifting.   Dress: Please wear closed-toe shoes, your volunteer name badge, and if you have one, your green or blue volunteer T-shirt. Reusable volunteer vests will be provided for volunteers on-site.  Look for additional details about this opportunity at the bottom of this listing! See the Programming Volunteer Position for more information on Programming volunteer opportunities.  

 

At the heart of every youth and family event is a memorable activity! And at MetroParks, we enjoy talking, sharing, and engaging visitors with nature.  Volunteers are an essential part of MetroParks helping individuals and families make a stronger connection to nature.  Through programs and events,  we offer the chance to learn and discover things about our natural world, as well as, help address some of the fears and barriers many may have.  Help create the Fall magic at this year's Fall Family Adventure as a Program Support volunteer! 

Impact

Volunteers help build access, comfort, convenience, safety, and FUN into our programs for all interested in learning! Volunteers support families to engage with nature through their senses, be more comfortable with our natural surroundings, and encourage inquisitiveness about nature.

Tasks Arrive and check in with your Staff Lead to review your activity assignment and prepare supplies. This program runs from 4 pm-7 pm. Volunteers will assist with setting up and closing their activity stations..Get yourself and your station organizedReview the four Nature Knowledge activities, the details of the fun facts to share, and how to make this a fun, engaging station.   If I were an owl—go over a list of things owls do that kids cannot as well as showing owl skull, scat, and wings. If I were a squirrel— what do squirrels do that helps them survive the winter? How do they find all they have buried?All about trees - How leaves change in fall? What determines when leaves will fall?  How do trees survive the winter?Nature's Natural Antifreeze - There are strategies plants and animals use to help them survive the winter.  Can you name them, and how they work?Introduce the activity to participants and ensure everyone has an opportunity to participate. Provide a welcoming, safe, positive experience for all participants.SMILE!  It can help you and your guests relax and have fun!Eligibility This opportunity is open to the following volunteers: Long-Term, Short-Term, and Youth (ages 14-17 - See specific age requirements below).  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. If you are a Conservation Leaders family, contact volunteer.services@metroparks.org to get registered. Additional Notes: Parking & Meeting Instructions: Click here to view the map of Wegerzyn Gardens. Volunteers should park in the main parking lot in front of the Administrative building and check in at the front of the building entrance.  You will then be directed to your location and staff lead to get your station ready for visitors. Please plan to arrive 15 minutes before your shift to allow for parking, checking in, and connecting with the staff lead.  Cancelation:  If you need to cancel a shift at the last minute or are running late, please call staff lead, Betty Hoevel, at 937-276-7052. Environment & Physical Demands: ​​This is an outdoor activity, and you may get dirty.  This opportunity involves working with various materials to help families learn more about nature.  Volunteers must enjoy working with kids and families. Physical duties include standing, walking, and lifting.   Dress: Please wear closed-toe shoes, your volunteer name badge, and if you have one, your green or blue volunteer T-shirt. Reusable volunteer vests will be provided for volunteers on-site. 

Look for additional details about this opportunity at the bottom of this listing! See the Programming Volunteer Position for more information on Programming volunteer opportunities with us.  

Join us as we share our Wildlife Ambassadors at our booth during Fall Family Adventure! Qualified Wildlife Ambassador Animal Care volunteers are needed to support staff, handle the animals, and engage with community members at the event booth.

Impact

Help us share our conservation message with the next generation at scheduled outreach opportunities in the community! 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.

Tasks

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.

Meet the staff at the location 15 minutes prior to the program and assist with set-up. At end of the program assist with clean-up of wildlife ambassador space and packaging of the wildlife ambassadors. Welcome guests, introduce yourself and the wildlife ambassadors. Share program talking points and answer common questions with information from the Wildlife Ambassador Manual providing excellent customer service to the public. Support staff or lead designated activities during the program. Follow all safety procedures and ensures 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 14 and older who have qualified as Wildlife Ambassador Animal Care volunteers. Learn more about our types of service here. 

Additional Notes

Environment & Physical Demands: Volunteers can expect bending, kneeling, reaching, and lifting objects 10 lbs. or more, and standing for long periods. Parking & Meeting Instructions: This outreach opportunity takes place at Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark.Dress: Volunteers should wear their MetroParks name badge and volunteer apparel.

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

At the heart of every youth and family event are unique experiences that spark wonder and interest for chilren. If you’ve ever been curious about origami, we have a fantastic opportunity for you! You can join us at this year’s Fall Family Adventure, where we’ll showcase a delightful origami owl. We are seeking enthusiastic volunteers to help our families make these charming owls. 

Origami is a beautiful Japanese art form that transforms a simple square sheet of paper into intricate designs solely through folding—no glue or scissors needed! While the owl is a straightforward design, it’s perfect for our autumn event.

You can come learn and practice with us as we create adorable owls for the owl tree, or just join us for the event. There is fun to be had helping show others how much fun you can have with a simple piece of paper.  Help us make this event memorable! 

Impact

Volunteers help build access, comfort, convenience, safety, and FUN into our programs for all interested in learning! 

Tasks Arrive and check in with your Staff Lead to review videos and prepare supplies. Volunteers will learn how to make and create origami owls simultaneously.Review these videos as examples of the possible owls that will be made. Easy Origami OwlOrigami Owl version 2Eligibility This opportunity is open to the following volunteers: Long-Term, Short-Term, and Youth (ages 14-17 - See specific age requirements below).  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 to view the map of Wegerzyn Gardens. Volunteers should park in the main parking lot in front of the Administrative building and meet inside the building.  Please plan to arrive early to allow for parking, checking in, and connecting with the staff lead.  Cancelation:  If you need to cancel a shift at the last minute or are running late, please call staff lead, Betty Hoevel, at 937-276-7052. Environment & Physical Demands: ​​This is an indoor activity.  This opportunity involves working with paper and doing multiple folds to create the owl.  Dress: Please wear your volunteer name badge, and if you have one, your green or blue 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 volunteer opportunities with us.  

Calling all helping hands!  Flex your muscles and assist staff behind the scenes as you help tear down this year's Fall Family Adventure.

Impact

Special Event volunteers serve a critical role in ensuring that events and large-scale programs run smoothly.

Tasks  Assist with breaking down and putting away seasonal decorations in the garden.  Assist with breaking down and putting away tables, chairs, event supplies, and displays.  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. 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: Parking is available in the Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark visitor lot. Please plan to arrive 10 minutes before your shift to allow for parking, checking in, and connecting with the staff lead. Cancelation: If you need to cancel a shift last minute or are running late, please call the staff lead, Betty Hoevel, at 937-276-7052.Environment & Physical Demands: Physical duties include standing, walking, and moderate to heavy lifting to help set up and tear down the event. Dress: Volunteers should dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes. If you have one, please wear your green or blue volunteer shirt. Reusable volunteer vests and event nametags will be provided for you onsite at volunteer check-in.Other: Gator Qualification Preferred 

Look for Additional Details about this opportunity at the bottom of this listing! See the Special Event Volunteer Position Description for more information on serving as a Special Events volunteer.