Teen Volunteer Opportunities
From caring for animals to helping with day camps to learning about art and nature, volunteering in the parks will help you gain leadership skills, life skills and job skills. Plus, you might just have fun while you're at it.
Silverwood Teen Arts Council
The Silverwood Teen Arts Council (STAC) is focused on art and nature and takes place at Silverwood Park. Participants are exposed to a variety of artistic mediums, artists, and outdoor skills and also help to plan two teen nights each year in collaboration with professional artists.
Open to ages 13-19. STAC runs June to March. Participants commit to 30 hours of service.
Applications are open April to June, but may be accepted later into the STAC year.
Contact: Seth Eberle
Baker Outdoor Learning Center
Counselor-in-Training
Teens can continue the fun of summer camp while developing leadership skills. Participants learn how to foster friendships, solve problems and be a role model for kids. Includes training and at least one week of summer camp immersion assisting staff.
Open to ages 15–18. Camps take place June through August. Space is limited
Applications are accepted March through May.
Contact: Mary Morris
Eastman Nature Center
Naturalist Youth Leader Program
Experience working as an assistant naturalist, receive hands-on nature education training, learn about different ecosystems and become more comfortable in the outdoors at Eastman Nature Center.
Open to ages 12-18. Camps take place June through August.
Applications are accepted starting in January. Interviews are held in February.
Contact: Vicky Wachtler
Animal care volunteer
Help care for live reptiles and amphibians.
Open to all ages; volunteers under age 16 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. Animal volunteers commit to 1–2 hours weekly for a minimum of six months.
Contact: Brandon Baker
Lowry Nature Center
Day camps
Assist naturalists with camp at Lowry Nature Center, including helping with craft projects, outdoor nature activities and keeping an eye on campers during hikes.
Open to ages 13+. Camps take place June through August.
Applications are accepted March to June. Required training for the position is typically held in late May or early June.
Contact: Kirk Mona
Bluebird monitoring
Open bluebird houses and make notes about the nest, eggs and babies inside.
Open to all ages; volunteers under age 16 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. Trail monitoring is done every 7–10 days from April 1–August 1. Required training for this position is typically held in March.
Contact: Elise Bushard
Animal care volunteer
Help care for live reptiles and amphibians.
Open to all ages; volunteers under age 16 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. Must commit 1–2 hours weekly for at least six months.
Contact: Lauren Kitrell
Native bees
Assist a naturalist with native bee nest box surveys. Open to all ages; volunteers under age 16 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian.
Contact: Laurel Sundberg
Dragonfly surveys
Learn how to identify and record species, as well as net, handle and photograph/record dragonflies. Open to all ages; volunteers under age 16 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian.
Contact: Laurel Sundberg
Other Volunteer Opportunities
In addition to ongoing volunteer opportunities, Three Rivers is always looking for short-term volunteers. See additional volunteer options at Three Rivers.
