Volunteer with Parks and Recreation
VOLUNTEERS MAKE PROGRAMS HAPPEN!
For more information on how you, your group or your business can become a volunteer, contact Kim at 349-3739 or ecenbark@bloomington.in.gov.
WINTER/SPRING 20010 VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNTIES
ONE-DAY SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES
Children's Expo - FILLED
Friday, February 12 set-up
Saturday, February 13 event
It's the 25th annual Children's Expo and Health Fair, Healthy Hearts and Valentines. The Children's Expo features FREE health screenings for sweethearts ages 5 yrs. and under. Health screenings, sponsored by Monroe County Step Ahead, ensure that preschool children are ready to begin school with no barriers to learning. Screenings are offered by qualified professionals in the areas of speech, dental, hearing, vision, development, lead and scoliosis. Visitors explore the expo hall with its interactive booths, listen to live entertainment, and interact with exhibitors promoting products and services just for children and families.
Duties: Calling all volunteers who are interested in child development. Assist with decorating for the "Healthy Hearts & Valentines" theme, help professionals perform children's health screenings, assist with registration, provide vendor hospitality and much more!
Program Time:
Friday set-up, 4-7 p.m.
Saturday shift #1, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Saturday shift #2, 2-6 p.m.
Training: Volunteers will be trained at the beginning of their shift.
Location: Ivy Tech Campus, 200 Daniels Way
Age of Volunteers: 16 yrs. and up
Number of Volunteers: 15-20 per shift
Community Gardens
Schedule a day, March-October
The Community Gardens Program grows both plants and community. Since 1984, the Parks and Recreation Department has offered community gardening opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds. A favorite venue of volunteer groups, the gardens benefit from a number of service projects throughout the year.
Duties: Volunteers assist the staff in maintaining paths, turning compost, weeding, and harvesting as well as creating and maintaining ornamental, wildlife, and demonstration plantings.
Program Time: Schedule your group for a three- to four-hour shift.
Training: Volunteers will be trained at the beginning of their shift.
Location: Crestmont, Willie Streeter, Rev. Ernest D. Butler, or Green Thumbs Center Gardens
Age of Volunteers: 12 yrs. and up
Number of Volunteers: 5-25
Bloomington in Bloom - Pick it up! - BLOOMINGTON RESIDENTS ONLY
Schedule a day, March-June
Bloomington in Bloom is a city-wide initiative encouraging community members to play a role in making Bloomington a better place to live, work and visit. The "Pick it up" campaign is designed to keep Bloomington free from litter and encourages neighborhoods, businesses and volunteer groups to play an active role.
Duties: The concept is as simple. Identify a community area, register your project, pick up your bags, organize your group, pick up litter, leave bags for pick-up and share a photo.
Program Time: Project is flexible and can be coordinated at your leisure.
Location: Register your project and pick up bags at City Hall, Housing and Neighborhood Development Office, 401 N. Morton St.
Age of Volunteers: All ages welcome
Number of Volunteers: Group can vary in size
Seusspicious Behavior - FILLED
Saturday, March 6
Come celebrate and eat some cake! You better hurry or you'll be late! Visit the Monroe County Public Library for a Read Across America birthday celebration for Dr. Seuss. Come see a Seusstacular live performance by Bloomington High School North students, make Seusspicious crafts and play Seussrific games!
Duties: Seuss-like volunteers are needed to assist with hands-on activities that include crafts and games. In addition, assist with setup and teardown of the event.
Program Time: 12:30-4:30 p.m.
Training: Volunteers will be trained at the beginning of their shift.
Location: Monroe County Public Library, 303 E. Kirkwood Ave.
Age of Volunteers: 16 yrs. and up
Number of Volunteers: 10
Leonard Springs Nature Day Program
Wednesday, March 24 (Rain date: Friday, March 26)
Volunteer to teach area sixth grade students about our awesome natural heritage through multiple stations including karst, creeks, wetlands, forests, and soils.
Duties: If you have an interest in the outdoors and enjoy working with children, sign up for our Leonard Springs Nature Day programs. We ask that you try and sign up for the primary and rain dates that fit with your schedule.
Program Time: 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Training: Volunteers will be trained at the beginning of their shift.
Location: City of Bloomington Leonard Springs Nature Park, 4685 S. Leonard Springs Rd.
Age of Volunteers: 18 yrs. and up
Number of Volunteers: 18 per day
Egg Scramble
Friday, March 26
Mr. Bunny is working the night shift, so grab a basket or bag and a flashlight so you can enjoy Bloomington's 12th annual Egg Scramble, an after-dark egg hunt for adults! Each one of 3,000 plastic eggs is filled with a prize or piece of candy. Grand prizes are hidden in special eggs throughout the course.
Duties: Hop on over and help Mr. Bunny with course construction, pre-scramble activities, registration, and tear-down.
Program Time: 6:30-9:45 p.m.
Training: Volunteers will be trained at the beginning of their shift.
Location: City of Bloomington Bryan Park, 1100 S. Woodlawn Ave. - Woodlawn Group Shelter
Age of Volunteers: 18 yrs. and up
Number of Volunteers: 15
Leonard Springs Nature Day Program
Tuesday, March 30 (Rain date: Thursday, April 1)
Volunteer to teach area sixth grade students about our awesome natural heritage through multiple stations including karst, creeks, wetlands, forests, and soils.
Duties: If you have an interest in the outdoors and enjoy working with children, sign up for our Leonard Springs Nature Day programs. We ask that you try and sign up for the primary and rain dates that fit with your schedule.
Program Time: 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Training: Volunteers will be trained at the beginning of their shift.
Location: City of Bloomington Leonard Springs Nature Park, 4685 S. Leonard Springs Rd.
Age of Volunteers: 18 yrs. and up
Number of Volunteers: 18 per day
Bryan Park Creek Maintenance Days
Wednesday, April 7
The Parks and Recreation Department has earned Community Wildlife Habitat certification from the National Wildlife Federation. The Bryan Park Creek naturalized area played a key role in certification and requires periodic maintenance to control invasive species and ensure native plant success.
Duties: Volunteers assist with monthly upkeep of this natural area! Help maintain the native plants along beautiful Bryan Park Creek.
Program Time: 5:30-7 p.m.
Training: Volunteers will be trained at the beginning of their shift.
Location: Bryan Park, 100 S. Woodlawn Ave. - Woodlawn Ave. Shelter
Age of Volunteers: 12 yrs. and up (Children under 12 yrs. must be accompanied by an adult.)
Number of Volunteers: 5-30
Bloomington in Bloom - Red, White and U Kickoff
Saturday, April 10 - Campaign Day
Bloomington in Bloom is a city-wide initiative encouraging community members to play a role in making Bloomington a better place to live, work and visit. We are encouraging individuals and groups to recycle, plant trees, volunteer, display flowers, compost, pick up litter, remove graffiti, garden - because beautifying Bloomington starts with you!
Campaign Day: On this day, volunteers learn about the Bloomington in Bloom campaign, distribute thousands of door hangers with Bloomington in Bloom materials, seed packets, and promotional items, and educate individuals, neighborhoods and businesses on ways to make Bloomington clean, sustainable, and beautiful.
Program Time: 9 a.m. - Noon
Training: Volunteers will be trained at the beginning of their shift.
Location: City Hall/Shower's Building - 401 N. Morton St.
Age of Volunteers: 12 yrs. and up
Number of Volunteers: 75 vol.
Hoosier Hustle
Saturday, April 17
Do you like the Amazing Race? Do you like Survivor? Do you feel you can put your mind and body through different challenges? Teams of three participate in the fourth annual Hoosier Hustle and have an unforgettable day trekking around Bloomington exploring new places, learning new skills and most importantly, getting a lot of exercise. Teams face challenges that may include swimming, cycling, building, counting, creating, and much more!
Duties: If you're up for an adventure, be a part of the annual Hoosier Hustle. Volunteers assist with registration, work with staff at challenges along the route, and prepare for the event reception.
Program Time:
Shift#1, 7:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. (12-14 volunteers)
Shift #2, 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. (12-14 volunteers)
Shift #3, Noon-5 p.m. (6-8 volunteers)
Training: Volunteers will be trained at the beginning of their shift.
Location: City of Bloomington Banneker Community Center, 930 W. Seventh St.
Age of Volunteers: 18 yrs. and up
Earth Week Trail Cleanup
Sunday, April 18
Celebrate Earth Week with a spring cleanup of the Lower Cascades Creek Trail.
Duties: Immerse yourself in the wonders of nature at one of Bloomington's most beautiful parks! Help us maintain our trails with a spring cleanup of Lower Cascades Creek Trail. We'll provide bags and gloves and ask you to help keep our parks litter free.
Program Time: 1-3 p.m.
Training: Volunteers will be trained at the beginning of their shift.
Location: Lower Cascades Park, 2851 N. Old State Rd. 37
Age of Volunteers: 10 yrs. and up
Number of Volunteers: 5-25
Leonard Springs Nature Day Program
Wednesday, April 21 (Rain date: Friday, April 23)
Volunteer to teach area sixth grade students about our awesome natural heritage through multiple stations including karst, creeks, wetlands, forests, and soils.
Duties: If you have an interest in the outdoors and enjoy working with children, sign up for our Leonard Springs Nature Day programs. We ask that you try and sign up for the primary and rain dates that fit with your schedule.
Program Time: 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Training: Volunteers will be trained at the beginning of their shift.
Location: City of Bloomington Leonard Springs Nature Park, 4685 S. Leonard Springs Rd.
Age of Volunteers: 18 yrs. and up
Number of Volunteers: 18 per day
Earth Week Lake Cleanup
Thursday, April 22
Paddle around Griffy Lake and help clean up one of our most precious local resources on Earth Day.
Duties: Celebrate our Earth and its amazing natural resources by volunteering to help keep our local lakes clean and sparkling. Bags, boats, and gloves will be provided.
Program Time: 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Training: Volunteers will be trained at the beginning of their shift.
Location: Griffy Lake Nature Preserve, 3300 N. Headley Rd.
Age of Volunteers: 10 yrs. And up (Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult.)
Number of Volunteers: 25-50
Bryan Park Creek Maintenance Days
Wednesday, April 7
Wednesday, May 5
The Parks and Recreation Department has earned Community Wildlife Habitat certification from the National Wildlife Federation. The Bryan Park Creek naturalized area played a key role in certification and requires periodic maintenance to control invasive species and ensure native plant success.
Duties: Volunteers assist with monthly upkeep of this natural area! Help maintain the native plants along beautiful Bryan Park Creek.
Program Time: 5:30-7 p.m.
Training: Volunteers will be trained at the beginning of their shift.
Location: Bryan Park, 100 S. Woodlawn Ave. - Woodlawn Ave. Shelter
Age of Volunteers: 12 yrs. and up (Children under 12 yrs. must be accompanied by an adult.)
Number of Volunteers: 5-30
Leonard Springs Nature Day Program
Tuesday, May 11 (Rain date: Thursday, May 13)
Volunteer to teach area sixth grade students about our awesome natural heritage through multiple stations including karst, creeks, wetlands, forests, and soils.
Duties: If you have an interest in the outdoors and enjoy working with children, sign up for our Leonard Springs Nature Day programs. We ask that you try and sign up for the primary and rain dates that fit with your schedule.
Program Time: 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Training: Volunteers will be trained at the beginning of their shift.
Location: City of Bloomington Leonard Springs Nature Park, 4685 S. Leonard Springs Rd.
Age of Volunteers: 18 yrs. and up
Number of Volunteers: 18 per day
Learn to Ride
Tuesday-Thursday, May 11-13
Tuesday-Thursday, May 18-20
Children will spend the entire summer cruising on their bicycles after this kickoff to Bloomington Bikes Week event. Participants will learn how to confidently and safely ride their bikes through individual instruction, and will also learn about bike maintenance, road safety and proper bike and helmet fittings.
Duties: Proper instruction is an important aspect of bicycle riding. Help teach children riding etiquette and techniques that will keep them safe as they ride their bikes.
Program Time: 4-5:30 p.m.
Training: Volunteers will be changed at the beginning of their shift.
Location: Bryan Park Pool, 1100 S. Woodlawn Ave.-parking lot
Age of Volunteers: 16 yrs. and up
Number of Volunteers: 8 per day
Other: Sign up for one or both sessions of Learn to Ride. Volunteers will do a lot of running. Class will be rescheduled in case of inclement weather.
ONGOING SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES
Banneker at the View - TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY AVAILABLE
Once a week, January 5-May 21
Help local youth interested in learning new things, experiencing different activities and having an all-around great time in our after-school program. This program also includes built-in tutoring time, arts and crafts, and snacks daily.
Duties: Whether you enjoy working with youth or have professional aspirations to, this service opportunity gives you hands-on experience. Assist staff in implementing a variety of children's activities.
Program Time: 3-6 p.m.
Training: Volunteers are required to attend an orientation prior to the program.
Location: Fairview Elementary School, 627 W. Eighth St.
Age of Volunteers: 16 yrs. and up
Number of Volunteers: 4-6 per day, Monday-Friday
Other: We ask that you commit to at least one day a week for the duration of the program season.
Rhino's After School Teen Programs
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, or Friday, January 5-May 21
The City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department and Rhino's/Harmony School partner to offer teens various after-school programming opportunities. These programs introduce youth to various fields and provide them with hands-on experiences to explore possible career options.
Duties: Creative volunteers are needed to share their skills and interests and to mentor teens in the following program areas:
Youth Video-Monday
Youth Visual Arts-Tuesday
Youth Radio-Thursday
Open Studio-Friday
Program Time: 3-6 p.m.
Training: Volunteers are required to attend an orientation prior to the program.
Location: Rhino's Youth Center, 331 S. Walnut St.
Age of Volunteers: 18 yrs. and up
Number of Volunteers: 1-2 per day
Super Fun Fridays - FILLED
Two Fridays per month, January-April
Join us two Fridays a month for a super fun time! Children enjoy refreshments, crafts, and lots of activities and play.
January 8-Community Helpers
January 22-Snowy Days
February 5-Loving Hearts
February 19-Under the Sea
March 12-Lucky Little Leprechaun
March 26-Down on the Farm Animals
April 9-Fairy Tale Foods
April 23-Sports R US
Duties: Do you enjoy working with young children and making crafts? Volunteers assist with age-appropriate activities that are planned for the day.
Program Time: 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Training: Volunteers are required to attend an orientation prior to the program.
Location: City of Bloomington Banneker Community Center, 930 W. Seventh St.
Age of Volunteers: 18 yrs. and up
Number of Volunteers: 1
Child Care at the TLRC - MONDAY, FRIDAY AND SATURDAY AVAILABLE
Once a week, January 18 - April 30
Help with the daily operation of child care for children in grades K-7. Participate in games, activities and arts and crafts with the children in the designated program rooms. Assist the children in having an all-around great time in our facility.
Duties: Whether you enjoy working with youth or have professional aspirations to, this service opportunity gives you hands-on experience. Assist staff in implementing a variety of children's activities.
Program Time: 4:30-8:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8:30am-12:30 p.m. on Saturday
Training: Volunteers are required to attend an orientation prior to the program.
Location: The Twin Lakes Recreation Center, 1700 W Bloomfield Rd, 47403.
Age of Volunteers: 16 yrs. and up
Number of Volunteers: 1-3 per day, Monday-Saturday
Other: We ask that you commit to at least one day a week for the duration of the program season.
Soccer Sport Shorties - FILLED
Wednesdays, February 10-March 10
This six-week program teaches 3- through 6- year-olds the FUNdamentals of team soccer at an early age. Sport Shortie athletes learn the basic skills of soccer in a fun and safe recreational atmosphere.
Duties: Are you a soccer fanatic? Do you like children at the adorable ages of 3-6 yrs.? Here is your chance to help us develop our next IU soccer superstar.
Program Time: 10-11 a.m.
Location: City of Bloomington Twin Lakes Recreation Center, 1700 W. Bloomfield Rd.
Age of Volunteers: 16 yrs. and up
Number of Volunteers: 4
Training: Coaches Orientation-Wednesday, February 10, 9:15 a.m. at the City of Bloomington Twin Lakes Recreation Center.
Somewhere Over the Rainbow - FILLED
Tuesdays and Thursdays, March 23-April 15
Journey through a rainbow of imagination in this creative art class. We will explore each color of the rainbow through colorful crafts and artistic play. Bring an imagination!
Duties: Red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple ... share your knowledge of the rainbow colors with children. Volunteers assist in age-appropriate activities planned for the day.
Program Time: 4:15-5:45 p.m.
Training: Volunteers are required to attend an orientation prior to the program.
Location: City of Bloomington Banneker Community Center, 930 W. Seventh St.
Age of Volunteers: 18 yrs. and up
Number of Volunteers: 1
Bloomington Girls Fast-Pitch Softball
March 30-July 31
Bloomington's premier girls' softball league! Designed for the beginning through advanced player, this league focuses on responsible competition, including skill building and a complete understanding of the game. This league offers several levels of play ranging from tee ball to fastpitch for players ages 5 through 15.
Duties: Pitch, hit, field and throw. Volunteers come on board as a season-long coach and teach the game of fastpitch softball. Coaches plan practices by integrating various drills and prepare their teams for game competition. Here is your chance to put your mark on tomorrow's athlete.
Prospective coaches must sign up by Wednesday, March 24 and must attend one of the following information sessions at the Frank Southern Ice Arena located at 1965 S. Henderson:
Tuesday, March 30 / 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday, March 31 / 6:30 p.m.
Team placement occurs April 1, April 2, April 5, April 6 and April 7 from 6:30 - 8 p.m. at Lower Cascades ballfields, 3601 N. Old State Road 37, rain location - Frank Southern Ice Arena.
Program Time: Coaches will be assigned one or two one-hour practices per week and one, one-hour game per week. Looking for coaches in all age groups. Must be willing to become NYSCA certified and work from a set practice schedule from April 1-July 15.
Location: Winslow Sports Complex, S. Highland Ave. / Lower Cascades Softball fields, 2851 N. Old State Road 37
Age of Volunteers: 18 yrs. and up
Number of volunteers: 30-35
City of Bloomington Community Farmers' Market
Saturdays, April 3-November 27
From April through November farmers and vendors fill the Showers Common with locally grown produce, annual and perennial plants, and freshly baked bread for the Saturday morning Market. Local musicians perform while thousands of people find their way among the corn and tomatoes, local dairy products and warm scents of fresh herbs. Duties: If you enjoy the ambiance of the Farmers' Market, then this is the volunteer opportunity for you! Assist with the supervision of the Market and distribute City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation material.
Program Time: 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Training: Volunteers are required to attend a volunteer orientation prior to the program.
Location: Showers Common, Eighth and Morton Streets
Age of Volunteers: 18 yrs. and up
Number of Volunteers: 1-4
Other: Volunteer anywhere from one to four Saturdays a month.
Sport Shorties/Tee Ball Shorties
Saturdays, April 24-June 5
Children experience the FUNdamentals of team sports at an early age. Sport "Shortie" participants learn the basic skills of baseball in a fun and safe atmosphere where parent participation is welcomed and encouraged.
Duties: Are you a sports fanatic? Do you like children at the adorable ages of 3-6 yrs.? Do you think you may want to be a next generation IU coach? Here's your chance to help develop our next Albert Pujols, Derek Jeter or Derrek Lee.
Program Time: Coaches assigned one, one-hour shift between 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Training: Coaches Orientation: Wednesday, April 21, 6-7 p.m. at City of Bloomington Banneker Community Center, 930 W. Seventh St.
Location: Lower Cascades Park, 3601 N. Old State Rd. 37
Age of Volunteers: 18 yrs. and up
Number of Volunteers: 15
Bloomington Youth Basketball - Spring League
Tuesdays and Thursdays, April 20-June 30
A fun league focused on the development of character and basketball skills. The league is for grades Kindergarten through 8th grade. Each team will have 7 to 9 players. Playing time per game for each participant is 2 quarters guaranteed. Divisions may be separated or combined and game nights might be changed based upon the number of registrants.
Duties: Volunteer coaches will enjoy making a difference in the lives of kids and can help develop our next big IU basketball star. Coaches must be available for one practice and one game per week.
Program Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Location: Twin Lakes Recreation Center, 1700 W. Bloomfield Rd.
Age of Volunteers: 18 yrs. and up
Number of Volunteers: 15
Citizen Scientist Certification
One year to complete certification
The City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation is offering a unique opportunity for community members: Citizen Scientist certification. To receive this certificate, participants must complete at least one environmental education or scientific monitoring workshop, or attend two scheduled programs indicating a Citizen Scientist opportunity. Candidates must also volunteer at least 10 hours monitoring and maintaining the City's natural areas.
Duties: Volunteers work on various service learning projects, including but not limited to stream monitoring, trail maintenance, invasive species removal, frog monitoring, and storm drain marking.
Program Time: Various
Training: Volunteers are required to attend a volunteer orientation prior to the program.
Location: Various
Age of Volunteers: 14 yrs. and up
Leisure Companion
January-April
The Leisure Companion provides one-to-one voluntary emotional, physical and cognitive support to recreation participants with varying needs and abilities.
Duties: As a Leisure Companion, you facilitate inclusion by advocating for the participant, providing support during activities, protecting the dignity of the participant, emphasizing similarities of participants, creating an environment for success, encouraging independent participation, and most of all, being a supportive friend!
Program Time: Dates and times will vary according to program needs.
Training: Volunteers are required to attend an orientation prior to the program.
Location: Location of events and programs will vary depending on program registration.
Age of volunteers: 16 yrs. and up
Adopt-a-Trail
One Year Commitment
More than 30 trail miles in Bloomington's city parks need periodic inspections and maintenance to remain safe and usable. Volunteers have been valuable in establishing and maintaining our trails for many years. We are now providing organizations and groups an opportunity to "Adopt-a-Trail." Trails up for adoption include the locations listed below.
Duties: Inspect adopted trail at least once a month. Complete and submit reports on trail status. Provide maintenance as needed. Do at least one work day per year. Staff work with your group or organization to formulate a work plan.
Program Time: Schedule group for a three- to four-hour shift.
Training: Volunteers are required to attend a volunteer orientation prior to the program.
Location: Leonard Springs Nature Park, 4685 S. Leonard Springs Rd.,
Griffy Lake Nature Preserve, 3300 N. Headley Rd.,
Wapehani Mountain Bike Park, 3401 W. Wapehani Rd.,
Winslow Woods Park, 2120 S. Highland Ave.,
Twin Lakes Sports Park, 2350 W. Bloomfield Rd.,
Bloomington Rail Trail, Trailhead at W. Country Club Dr.
Age of Volunteers: 12 yrs. and up
Number of Volunteers: Groups of five or more people.
Bloomington Parks and Recreation Park Ambassador Program
Monthly or quarterly inspections - One-year commitment
The Park Ambassador Program is intended to promote community stewardship and bridge the communication between the community and our Department. The Park Ambassador Program sends a message that the community cares about its parks.
Duties: Through visits to local parks, Ambassadors document maintenance needs, report acts of vandalism, interact with park users, promote park safety and encourage an overall positive use of public space.
Training: Volunteers are required to attend an Ambassador Orientation prior to participation in the program.
Program Time: Each official visit requires approximately a one-hour assessment followed by the completion of a brief Ambassador report.
Location: The following parks are part of the pilot program: Broadview Park, Bryan Park, Building Trades Park, Butler Park, Olcott Park, Skate Park, and Thomson Park.
Age of Volunteers: 21 yrs. and up
Number of Volunteers: A lead volunteer for each identified park.