Opportunities From: Montgomery County Volunteer Center

**You MUST register directly with Montgomery Parks by applying to the Untold Stories Program Shift of your choice**

The Untold Stories program works with communities throughout the county to share diverse stories in parks, along trails, and online. With a focus on historical and cultural narratives, Untold Stories produces interpretive material (e.g. signage, audio content, digital maps) and public programs.

Volunteers with Untold Stories will support these efforts in three ways: 1) assist with info-sharing and activities at larger Parks events (e.g. Sligo Fest); 2) assist with public programs (e.g. Walk and Talks); and 3) assist with community meetings that are part of our community outreach and collaboration work.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

See below for more details about the types of duties for each type of event.

Parks events:

Assist with set-up (e.g. tables, chairs, printed material, etc.). Provide the public with information about the Untold Stories program. Be prepared to answer questions about the program. Help with hands-on activities (e.g. inviting the public to contribute to a story wall or map).

Public programs:

Assist with set-up (e.g. tables, chairs, printed material, etc.) Welcome attendees and manage sign-in process If needed, assist with crowd control and safety (e.g. safe street crossings during walking tours) Take event photos

Community meetings:

Assist with meeting set-up and break-down (e.g. seating, signage, refreshments, etc.) Welcome attendees and manage sign-in process, including sharing meeting agenda and other pertinent information as needed Facilitate any engagement activities, including collecting notes, etc. Take event photos

Student participation in this service project is at the discretion of the student’s parent/guardian and must be completed outside of school hours in a public space under direct supervision of the nonprofit organization. The nonprofit organization is responsible for maintaining student safety. Parents/guardians should contact the nonprofit directly with any questions and/or concerns.

PLEASE REGISTER HERE!

*All Montgomery Park Volunteer Opportunities require a separate sign-up on our website to be considered officially registered as a volunteer - you are not registered if you have ONLY signed up on the Montgomery County Volunteer website! MCPS Students - PLEASE DO NOT USE YOUR SCHOOL EMAIL*

Join Montgomery Parks at a volunteer park cleanup! Help beautify your community green spaces, keep litter out of our streams, and protect wildlife!  

Children under 14 years old must volunteer with a parent/guardian.All cleanups are pre-approved for SSL hours*. Forms are provided at the cleanup.Students must pre-register to receive SSL hours. Do not use an MCPS email.This opportunity is not eligible for court-ordered service. 

Please click on the ‘Register’ button to sign up for the cleanup. Please note that when an event fills up, it disappears from the schedule. Cleanups will be added throughout the season, so check back often! We’ll send cleanup details to all registered volunteers on the week of the cleanup.

Cleanup Leader: Dawson Pennypacker

For questions contact: volunteercleanups@montgomeryparks.org

Student participation in this service project is at the discretion of the student’s parent/guardian and must be completed outside of school hours in a public space under direct supervision of the nonprofit organization. The nonprofit organization is responsible for maintaining student safety. Parents/guardians should contact the nonprofit directly with any questions and/or concerns.

**You must register directly with Montgomery Parks for this Opportunity**

Montgomery Parks maintains several bike parks for off-road bike enthusiasts! We need volunteers to keep these parks in order!

Bike park maintenance that includes rebuilding lips, landings, berms and rollers. Volunteers will use hand tools like shovels, rakes and tampers to fill ruts and smooth the riding surface to make the park safe and fun.

Minimum age: 13

Student participation in this service project is at the discretion of the student’s parent/guardian and must be completed outside of school hours in a public space under direct supervision of the nonprofit organization. The nonprofit organization is responsible for maintaining student safety. Parents/guardians should contact the nonprofit directly with any questions and/or concerns.

PLEASE REGISTER FOR THE CLEANUP HERE!

*All Montgomery Park Volunteer Opportunities require a separate sign-up on our website to be considered officially registered as a volunteer - you are not registered if you have ONLY signed up on the Montgomery County Volunteer website! MCPS Students - PLEASE DO NOT USE YOUR SCHOOL EMAIL*

Join Montgomery Parks as we celebrate Earth Month through a volunteer park cleanup! Help beautify your community green spaces, keep litter out of our streams, and protect wildlife!  

Children under 14 years old must volunteer with a parent/guardian.All cleanups are pre-approved for SSL hours*. Forms are provided at the cleanup.Students must pre-register to receive SSL hours. Do not use an MCPS email.This opportunity is not eligible for court-ordered service. 

Please click on the ‘Register’ button to sign up for the cleanup. Please note that when an event fills up, it disappears from the schedule. Cleanups will be added throughout the season, so check back often! We’ll send cleanup details to all registered volunteers on the week of the cleanup.

Cleanup Leader: Radha Gholkar & Dawson Pennypacker

For questions contact: volunteercleanups@montgomeryparks.org

Student participation in this service project is at the discretion of the student’s parent/guardian and must be completed outside of school hours in a public space under direct supervision of the nonprofit organization. The nonprofit organization is responsible for maintaining student safety. Parents/guardians should contact the nonprofit directly with any questions and/or concerns.

**You MUST register on Montgomery Parks' Website**

Archaeology Day gives families a chance to get a glimpse into the world of an archaeologist!

This free, family-friendly day is filled with hands-on activities, demonstrations, games, costumed interpreters, food trucks, music, and more! Volunteers are essential for the success of this event! There are three ways to volunteer with Family Archaeology Day:

Event Set-Up - 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Tasks may include:

Setting up tents Stocking water and snacks Checking in volunteers General activity organization Setting up tables and chairs Placing signs Lifting boxes weighing up to 15 pounds

Full Day Volunteer - 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Tasks may include:

Event set-up Running an activity (with training) Interacting with visitors of all ages Parking lot assistant Manning a table such as the welcome table, volunteer check-in, or prizes Event breakdown

Event Breakdown - 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Tasks may include:

Breaking down tents Disposing of trash and recycling Lifting boxes weighing up to 15 pounds Loading leftover supplies, tables, and chairs into vehicles Breaking down tables and chairs Removing signage, rope, etc.

Training will be provided the day of the event. Additional details will be sent out prior to the event via email.

**This Opportunity is approved for SSL Hours**

Student participation in this service project is at the discretion of the student’s parent/guardian and must be completed outside of school hours in a public space under direct supervision of the nonprofit organization. The nonprofit organization is responsible for maintaining student safety. Parents/guardians should contact the nonprofit directly with any questions and/or concerns.

**You must apply directly on Montgomery Parks' Website to this opportunity**

As a volunteer camp counselor, you'll assist staff in supervising children and leading activities. It's a great way to earn SSL hours while gaining experience working with kids, and it's a lot of fun!

Check out this year's list of camps to see which topic fits your schedule and interests:

Week 1: June 22 - June 26
Mission: Possible Spy Camp *new*

Week 2: June 29 - July 2 (4 days)
Animal Neighbors Preschool Camp (half-day)

Week 3: July 6 - July 10
Creek Explorers Camp

Week 4: July 13 - July 17
Wonderful Water Preschool Camp (half-day)

Week 5: July 20 - July 24
Junior Naturalist Camp

Week 6: July 27 - July 31
Bugs & Butterflies Preschool Camp (half-day)

Regular camps meet for a full day, and volunteer hours are 8:30am to 4pm

Preschool camps meet for only a half-day, and volunteer hours are 8:30am to 12:30pm.

See Duties and Requirements below for a complete program description of each camp week.

Apply Now!
There are a limited number of positions and they fill quickly. The position closes when full. Apply now to get an early interview date!

*SSL Forms will be signed after camp week is completed*

Minimum age: 14Duties & Requirements

Camp Counselors are required to volunteer for at least one week-long camp totaling 40 hours per session (20 hours for half-day preschool camps). Camps run Monday through Friday. All applicants must attend a Camp Counselor Training on Saturday, June 13 from 10am to 2pm at Locust Grove Nature Center. Camp Counselors must be comfortable working outside for the majority of their shift in variable conditions, including heat, humidity, rain, and mud. Camp activities make use of our various outdoor areas including the nature play space, the creek, campfire rings, outdoor classrooms, and our natural surface trails. All volunteers are expected to show up for their shift on time, be fully engaged with their group, report incidents or safety concerns to staff immediately, and proactively work to create a positive camp atmosphere for all. All volunteers must be at least 14 years of age and submit to a background check.

Student participation in this service project is at the discretion of the student’s parent/guardian and must be completed outside of school hours in a public space under direct supervision of the nonprofit organization. The nonprofit organization is responsible for maintaining student safety. Parents/guardians should contact the nonprofit directly with any questions and/or concerns.

What is a Naturalist Aide?
Naturalist Aides are volunteers who assist with either/or the preparation or execution of education programs, events, camps, and classes. Volunteering as a Naturalist Aide is a great way to gain experience in public engagement, work with a diverse range of audiences, and try out informal education techniques, all while learning about our local nature!

What does the Naturalist Aide position look like?
Naturalist Aides can pick and choose tasks based on their availability, abilities, and interest. Volunteers either assist with the preparation of education materials or with the facilitation of education experiences or do a bit of both.

Naturalist Aide Tasks
Preparation: Naturalist Aides can come to the nature center during office hours or take on special projects, as needed by the nature center, that can be done on one''s own time. Such projects may involve
Arts and crafts to create samples of activity, décor, or prepare arts and crafts materials for program activities;Literature research to compile information for program content design.Writing projects to produce education materials for program content or education volunteer training;Inventory of supplies for upcoming education programs, camps, and classes.Facilitation: Naturalist Aides can assist in the execution of education programs. Opportunities to do so are posted on a calendar, allowing volunteers the flexibility to pick and choose shifts based on their availability. Tasks typically involve
Set up and/or break down of event and/or program materials (tables, chairs, distribution of supplies);Welcoming guests and checking them into the program or event;Running a station or booth demonstrating how to complete an activity;Assisting with safety measures for guests, such as serving as a sweep for hikes on trails.A Naturalist Aide is someone who...
Can work independently, as a team, and under staff direction.Is curious about nature and enjoys talking to people.(If signing up for program facilitation) is comfortable with outdoor conditions (heat, cold, wet conditions, mud, uneven trails).Volunteers that speak another language (ASL, Spanish, Amharic, a Chinese dialect, French, Korean, etc.) are strongly encouraged to apply!

Feeling excited? Here are your next steps:
All interested volunteers MUST apply directly through Montgomery Parks here! Volunteers are prompted to authorize a background check application to pursue this opportunity.The Volunteer Coordinator will invite you to schedule an 30-min interview.Complete an online course and an in-person tour of the facility.Minimum age: 18

Not approved for MCPS SSL hours.

**PLEASE DON'T APPLY TO THIS OPPORTUNITY - SEE LINK BELOW TO GO TO PARK'S WEBSITE**

*MCPS STUDENTS - PLEASE DO NOT USE YOUR SCHOOL EMAIL - EMAILS to STUDENTS FROM OUTSIDE THE SCHOOL SYSTEM ARE NOT ALLOWED AND WE CANNOT RESPOND TO YOU*

This listing is for information purposes only.

Montgomery Parks has many Student Service Learning (SSL) approved volunteer opportunities! Students can earn SSL hours volunteering in a variety of ways, depending on the time the year and what's available.  Some of the opportunities MAY include staffing and/or taking photos at our special events; helping out at nature centers as animal caretakers, camp counselors and naturalist aides; helping our Archeology Crew; assisting office administration; removing invasive plants and vines; helping out at park & stream cleanups; gardening; and much more!

Please search for and sign up for these or other SSL approved volunteer opportunities on our website at www.ParksVolunteers.org. SSL coordinators can contact the Parks Volunteer office at 301-495-2504 if there are any questions.

FYI - SSL hours will only be awarded by Park staff if they were notified and have given approval for the volunteer work ahead of time. For most of our SSL opportunities, volunteers must be at least 14 and older to volunteer on their own, but we do have some family volunteer opportunities that are eligible for SSL hours (Parent AND Child must fill out separate applications). Go to our website at www.ParksVolunteers.org, Search and Apply for Volunteer Opportunities, then click on Children and Families to see a list.

How can we empower our communities to help care for their local parks and streams with a deeper understanding of watershed science and stream ecology?

The Montgomery Parks Stream Striders volunteer program is accepting applications! Stream Striders facilitate conservation projects that involve an educational component as well as a service component. Applications are open for adult volunteers interested in leadership, watershed education, & community engagement at their local stream valley parks.

How do I become a Stream Strider?
1. Read the program qualifications & requirements HERE
2. Click "apply" 
3. Create an account & fill out application (have you vax card ready)
4. We will contact you for a brief interview
5. Complete a 2-part training

STREAM STRIDER WATERSHEDS:
Northwest Branch-Anacostia (1)
Rock Creek (1)
Paint Branch & Little Paint Branch (1)
Sligo Creek (2)
Long Branch (1)
(the numbers indicate spaces available)

QUALIFICATIONS:
- Must be 18 years+
- Complete a background check with Montgomery Parks
- Follow park protocols and safety measures
- Ability to work with a variety of groups in a leadership position
- Ability to present information and educate others
- Able to walk outdoors for up to 3 hours in a variety of trail surfaces and weather conditions (not including severe weather)
- Must be comfortable accessing areas off trail & in streams

COMMITMENT:
- Minimum of 4 months
- Minimum of one project/month
- Scheduling is flexible!

VOLUNTEER BENEFITS:
- Strong resume builder, long-term opportunity to build your leadership skills
- Improve the water quality at your local stream
- Work with volunteers from all ages, backgrounds, and abilities
- Access to stream/nature workshops happening in our parks
- Earn service credit toward your program/course (verification letters available)
- Volunteer on a flexible schedule

Questions?
301-495-1302 valeria.espinoza@montgomeryparks.org

Website: https://www.montgomeryparks.org/support/volunteer/

Montgomery Parks can be a great place for you to do your Girl Scout Silver or Gold Award projects!

Although sometimes Park Staff have projects in mind, the number of applicants far outnumbers them. It is often up to the scout to find a suitable project. We suggest you choose a park location that is convenient to you and explore the area to see what amenities you can help create or restore. 

Park staff will work with you to review your project proposal prior to approval.  The scout will then be responsible for good communication with Park Staff, and completing the project in a timely manner.

Follow this link to find out more and to register!