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Volunteer

Help yourself to nature helping us help others

Volunteers are important to just about every aspect of Geauga Park District’s daily operations – and at the same time, they get to experience parks and programs “behind the scenes” and give back to their community, all while getting some fresh air.

As a Geauga Park District volunteer, you choose how much time you give, when, where and to what programs or projects. You stand to gain lifelong friends, knowledge and skills through experience and training, health benefits associated with exercise, and the understanding that you are making a positive impact on Geauga County. And volunteering is also a great way to build a resume or fulfill high school requirements.

Interested? How to get started

Please complete this Community Service Waiver or request an application from Holly Sauder, outreach coordinator, at hsauder@geaugaparkdistrict.org. Once submitted, you will be contacted to schedule a brief interview to discuss your availability. Background checks with fingerprinting are required of ages 18 and up. Youth volunteers are welcome, but those under 14 must volunteer with a background-checked adult.

Volunteer orientations are also scheduled each season and listed among our Programs & Events.

Opportunities to volunteer include:

  • indoor and outdoor public programs about hiking, astronomy, wildlife and exploration
  • programs with youth and in schools
  • special events such as Frozen Fest, Sap’s-a-Risin’!, the Caveman Crawl 5K Trail Run, Nature Arts Festival, Geauga County Fair and Jump Into Fall Days
  • kayak and canoe programs
  • patrolling The Maple Highlands Trail by bike
  • photography of people enjoying the parks
  • important natural resource management work and “citizen science”

Some opportunities are seasonal; others require more time. Training is available for most opportunities. You will be able to sign up for programs that interest you, as often as you’d like. We look forward to working with you!

Scouting Pitch your project

Geauga Park District would be honored to host your Eagle Scout or Gold Award project! Interested candidates should first visit their Geauga parks to brainstorm project ideas. Successful proposals identify an area of need aligned with our mission, or a creative and sustainable project that supplements our mission.

Staff consider all proposed projects, but cannot possibly accommodate them all; likewise, alternative concepts may need to be developed.

To propose a project, the following information must be submitted to Holly Sauder, outreach coordinator, at hsauder@geaugaparkdistrict.org:

  • Name, phone and email
  • Date of your 18th birthday (projects must be proposed at least six months in advance)
  • Preferred location, project description and time frame (as thorough as possible)
  • Troop number and scoutmaster’s name, phone and email

Please allow up to two weeks to process your request. If staff favor the proposal, an interview will then be scheduled to further discuss.

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