Opportunities From: Montgomery County Volunteer Center

We need your help at Black Hill Regional Park and Discovery Center!

Join us for a variety of projects which can earn Student Service Learning (SSL) hours or come out to help just because it feels good to volunteer!

Projects will include meadow clean-ups, trash pick-ups, invasive plant pulls, garden work and much more.

All volunteers must register directly on the Montgomery Parks website here.

Sign up and get your friends to sign up too!

We welcome volunteers 6 years and older. Volunteers under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult!

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.

Make this Thanksgiving a time of giving and service! Join us in a volunteer park cleanup at Black Hill Discovery Center.

Volunteers will help remove litter from Black Hill Regional Park. We will provide bags and gloves.

What to Wear/Bring:
-Dress appropriately for outdoor weather
-Closed-toed shoes
-other items include bug spray, sunscreen, and reusable water bottle

Weather Policy:
This event is rain or shine. Registered volunteers will receive updates if clean-up is canceled to inclement weather.

All students receiving SSL hours must pre-register. All volunteers MUST register on our Montgomery Parks Website here.

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.

Friendly helpers are needed at our Halloween Eye Spy Train ride in Cabin John Regional Park this October!

Volunteers will help pass out and collect pencils for our guests' Eye Spy Cards, before and after they ride the train.

Family-friendly (NOT SCARY) costumes are required!

The train will be running Saturdays and Sundays in October. There will be two shifts each day: 9:15am to 1:00 pm; or 1:00 pm to 4:45 pm.

**Please only sign up for one shift per day! You must sign up directly on Montgomery Parks Website using this link.**

Volunteers need to be 14 and older (no exceptions!). 

This activity is outdoors, and Student Service Learning approved.

A confirmation letter with an event contact number and more details will be emailed after you are confirmed as coming.


***Eye Spy Train will be cancelled if it rains, and/or tracks are still wet***

Duties:
Hand out the supplies to guests waiting in line to take the train.

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.

Little Bennett Campground is hosting a spooky Haunted Trail and Magic Pumpkin Patch this Fall, and needs volunteers to help it be the spookiest place in the woods!

We have 4 ways you can help us! See choices below, and choose the shift(s) that work best for you.

1. Decorate Camp Store, Booth & Trail (Sept. 22, 23, 24, Mon./Tues./Weds. 3-6pm.) Help us decorate for Halloween in the building, around the campground, and on the haunted trail.

2. Haunted Trail Set Up (Sept. 30, October 1 & 2 Tues./Weds./Thurs. 3-6pm.)
Help us set up the stations on the haunted trail. Could include carrying supplies, setting up tents, hanging props in trees, and staging scenes.

3. Magic Pumpkin Patch Guide (Friday Nights Oct. 3, 10, 17, 24 and Oct 31. 5-8pm.) Set up and monitor the Magic Pumpkin Patch by greeting campers, helping children decorate seed markers, and guiding them through "planting" their magic seeds. At end of night, move pumpkins to the Magic Pumpkin Patch.

4. Haunted Trail Volunteers (Saturday Nights, Oct. 4, 11, 18, 25 and Nov 1) (6-9pm) Dress up and take your place on the Haunted Trail to deliver jump scares or support the behind-the-scenes team with fog machines, sound effects, and more.

Requirements for Haunted Trail Volunteers:

An email with all of these details and more will be sent to applicants before their shifts.

Review ALL shifts below TO PICK YOUR VOLUNTEER ACTIVITY AND DATE(S)! **You may have to click see more**

SSL Approved

**ALL VOLUNTEERS MUST APPLY ON THE MONTGOMERY PARKS WEBSITE HERE. Please note, each shift is a separate application.**

Volunteers ages 12-13 are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Both the adult and child must submit a volunteer application so we can track hours separately.

Please only sign up if you're certain you can attend. Spots are limited and no-shows leave us short-handed.

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.

Maryland Emancipation Day in commemoration of the 161th year 1864-2024 when Maryland Constitutional Convention wrote the third state constitution, which abolished slavery in Maryland, went into effect November 1, 1864.

Join us at the Oakley Cabin African American Museum & Park to help with living history, archaeology hands-on activities, crafts, and old-fashioned games for children.

Click here to find out more and to sign up! Come out and help Bring History to Life!

(Students can earn SSL hours also!)

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

The Agricultural History Farm Park is a scenic 455-acre park featuring rolling hills, open fields, an apple orchard, and a variety of farm animals which offers a unique perspective on the county's rich farming heritage. The Magruder-Bussard farmstead is located within Farm Park and past farming practices are interpreted for the public in a historic farmhouse, barn, assorted farm buildings, and portions of the general property. In addition to the farmstead, the Park includes a 39-acre parcel on the western edge of the farm that was once home to a kinship-based African American community called Newmantown. The Farm Park has many visitors, and volunteers who have a love of history will assist staff in helping visitors connect to the history of the Farm Park through special events and programs.

This opportunity is for individuals who would assist the Farm Park with its special events and programs, as needed, held throughout the year including the Harvest Festival and Montgomery County's Heritage Days. Individuals would help with set-up and clean-up; and assist staff with various duties and tasks at special events and/or programs.

This is perfect for someone who doesn't want to volunteer on a regular basis, but can pitch in when needed!

Training will be provided. SSL approved.

Click on this link to learn more and to apply on the Park's website, and then Duties and Requirements to learn more, and then Apply to be considered for this opportunity.

Click on this link to learn more about the Agricultural History Farm: http://www.montgomeryparks.org/parks-and-trails/agricultural-history-farm-park/

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

Step back in time to share your passion for history with visitors of all ages. Bring history to life as an Oakley Cabin Tour Guide.

Learn about the lives of Oakley Cabin's African American community following the end of the Civil War and Emancipation. You'll also be taught about the Reconstruction Era, how people lived off natural resources, 19th century folk remedies and other living history demonstrations.  Once trained you will be able to give tours of the Cabin to our guests who visit the site on weekends.

We are looking for guides who are comfortable working with youth and adult audiences, and able to commit to 5 weekends during the season, April through November.

Click here to learn more and to sign up on the Park's website.

SSL approved!

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

Want to share your love of history? Become a tour guide at the historic one-room Kingsley Schoolhouse in Little Bennett Regional Park.  Help visitors learn what school was like in the past.  Training provided! The school is furnished as it was in the 1920s in a beautiful rural setting. This position is very rewarding as most of our visitors really enjoy learning what school was like back in early Montgomery County! 

We're looking for volunteers with good communication skills, who enjoy working outdoors and can handle all types of conditions as the schoolhouse has no air conditioning or heat.  

The schoolhouse is open the first Sunday of each month, April through October.

Volunteer parking is available next to schoolhouse.

We are looking for volunteers that can commit to conduct at least 4 tours during the season.  Follow this link to learn more and to apply.

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

The Agricultural History Farm Park (AHFP) is seeking those with a love of history to share their time and talents in telling the story of Montgomery County's rich agricultural and cultural heritage!  This is a long-term volunteer position for at least one season.

Greeters/Docents will help visitors connect to the history of the Farm by assisting with:

Guides/Docents should be enthusiastic and willing to learn about local Maryland history and about the families that lived and worked at and around the farm. They should also have a general working knowledge of American History, open to visitor engagement and actively involved with museum house programs.

Docent schedules are:

This position requires public speaking, long periods of standing, sitting, walking, and working in a variety of weather conditions.

Training and supervision will be provided by the Museum Educator.

Duties include:
-Greeting visitors.
-Managing flow during guided group tours.
-Giving tours to visitors.
-Interpreting history.
-Assisting with special events
-Inventorying

Requirements include:
- General Working knowledge of American history
- Ability to actively engage visitors
- Communication skills
- Physically capable to lead tours in the house and outside to other locations
- Pass a background screening

To learn more about this position and to apply follow this link: Historic Site Guide/Docent

To learn more about the Farm, follow this link: http://www.montgomeryparks.org/parks-and-trails/agricultural-history-farm-park/

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

YOU MUST SIGN UP FOR THIS POSITION ON THE PARK'S VOLUNTEER WEBSITE: HERE

*Looking for skilled ice skaters only!*
(Please be prepared to share your past and present skating history including, skating level, test level, and any other skating experience you may have)

Wheaton Ice Arena provides a variety of ice skating programs for the public. Adults and children can learn to skate and improve their skills through a variety of group lessons offered at the arena.

Ice Skating Instructional Assistants provide the extra hands necessary to provide high quality instruction and improve student success and enthusiasm for this wonderful sport. Under the supervision of the Wheaton Ice Skating Director, Instructional Assistants are assigned to help group lesson instructors in the arena's "Learn to Skate" program, which include lessons, clinics, and camps.

We are looking for volunteers that can commit to an entire skating season.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Assist the Ice Rink's Group Lesson Instructor during class time.
2. Demonstrate specific skills as requested by the instructor.
3. Help students learn new skills as directed by the instructor.

QUALIFICATIONS:
Must be a proficient ice skater having passed at least one of the following levels:
Youth/Basic 6 (Learn to Skate), Delta (ISI) or equivalent in order to assist with Basic Skills Classes.
Hockey 4 (Learn to Skate) or equivalent in order to assist with Hockey Classes.

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

YOU MUST SIGN UP FOR THIS POSITION ON THE PARK'S VOLUNTEER WEBSITE: HERE

*Looking for skilled ice skaters only!*

Cabin John Ice Rink provides a variety of ice-skating programs for the public. Adults and children can learn to skate and improve their skills through the group lessons we offer.

Ice Skating Instructional Assistants provide the extra hands necessary to provide high quality instruction and improve student success and enthusiasm for this wonderful sport. Under the supervision of the Cabin John Ice Skating Director, Instructional Assistants are assigned to help Group Lesson Instructors in the "Learn to Skate" program, which include lessons, clinics, and camps.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Assist the Ice Rink's Group Lesson Instructor during class time.
2. Demonstrate specific skills as requested by the instructor.
3. Help students learn new skills as directed by the instructor.

QUALIFICATIONS:
Must be a proficient ice skater having passed at least one of the following levels:
Youth/Basic 6 (Learn to Skate), Delta (ISI) or equivalent in order to assist with Basic Skills Classes.
Hockey 4 (Learn to Skate) or equivalent in order to assist with Hockey Classes.

We are looking for volunteers that can commit to an entire skating season.

Cabin John Ice Website: www.CabinJohnIce.com

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

The AHFP is a 455 acre park open 7 days a week from sunrise to sunset. It is a beautiful setting of a historic farm, including several outbuildings and a farmhouse.

Near the farmhouse are two demonstration gardens that are used to explain how people used smaller gardens to feed themselves and their families, and a garden for pleasure with beautiful flowers.

We need your help with watering, weeding, pruning, and other routine care. We are looking for help on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday. or Saturday during the growing season, flexible schedule worked out with site manager.

Some gardening experience is helpful, but training will be offered. High school youth 16 and older are welcome!

Duties for the maintenance of the garden beds include:
- Watering
- Weeding
- Dead heading
- Raking

Requirements include:
- Some gardening experience.
- Able to work out in different weather conditions, include heat, cold, humidity.
- Able to bend, kneel, grasp, lift weight up to 15 lbs.
- Able to work on unsteady ground.
- Background screening required.

SSL hours approved.

Follow this link to learn more and to apply: Ag. History Farm Park Gardener

Follow this link to learn more about the Farm itself: http://www.montgomeryparks.org/parks-and-trails/agricultural-history-farm-park/

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

**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!