Family Nature Nights
The Nature Kids program connects young families to nature and inspires the next generation of naturalists. An integral part of Nature Kids in Edmonton and surrounding areas are our Family Nature Nights. These fun-filled evenings are a chance for families to learn from guest speakers, do some fun nature-themed activities, and connect with nature. With engaging activities like nature walks, pond dipping, tree planting, squirrel tagging, or even getting hands-on with a trout touch tank, these are really special events to be a part of!
Nature Alberta is looking for enthusiastic and dedicated individuals to help facilitate these events. As one of our Family Nature Night Volunteers, you will know how to find the fun in every situation, excel at working in fast-paced environments, and are comfortable helping facilitate events of up to 150 people. But most importantly, you are eager to help families find a passion for nature!
Volunteer Roles
Registration Volunteer
- Shift = 5 pm to 7 pm unless joining as a Volunteer Group Assistant after registration, then the shift is until 9 pm
- Assist families with the sign-in process which includes: collecting contact information, tracking the total number of participants, and organizing families into groups
- Handing out draw tickets, Nature Kids stickers, and other free giveaways
- Answer general questions about Nature Alberta and Family Nature Nights and promote upcoming events
- Registration volunteers may also join the groups - after registration is complete - as a Volunteer Group Assistant, assisting the Group Leader with the duties below, if desired
Volunteer Group Leader
- Shift = 5 pm to 9 pm
- Leading groups from station to station on a timed schedule
- Facilitate safe and respectful group behavior
- Assist with activities, as needed
- Answer general questions about Nature Alberta and Family Nature Nights
- Initiate nature-related games or discussions during downtime as needed
Roving Volunteer (festival-style event only)
- Shift = 5 pm to 9 pm
- Assist expert volunteers with education station set up and tear down at this festival-style event
- Roam throughout the event, offering assistance to families and education station volunteers as required. This could include picking up litter, getting extra supplies for an education station, or pointing a family to the next station location
- Interpreting nature for families along the trail, if the situation arises
Photographer Volunteer
- Shift = 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
- Take photographs of the event's activities without getting recognizable faces in the final photos
- Edit and transfer photos to Nature Alberta staff after the completion of the event using a Google Drive folder
Qualifications
- Access to reliable transportation (ex. public transportation)
- Enjoy being around young families
- Love the outdoors
- Comfortable leading groups of up to 40 people
- Enjoy a fast-paced environment
- Positive team-player
Benefits of Volunteering
- Build new skills to add to your resume
- Gain valuable experience
- Share your passion for nature with others
- Share fun learning experiences with families
- Learn from nature experts at the various education stations and nature walk
- Make a difference in your community - Nature Alberta depends on volunteer support to run these impactful events, connecting hundreds of individuals to nature in positive guided experiences each year
Training
- Emergency plan and briefing materials to be read prior to event
- Two 10 minute training videos (distributed via email) for Safety Orientation and Event Orientation.
- On site training and safety briefing 30 minutes before the event
Event Dates & Locations
2024 Family Nature Nights:
- July 10 - Avian Adventures - Kerry Wood Nature Centre, Red Deer
- July 17 - Bird Defenders - Inglewood Bird Sanctuary, Calgary
- July 24 - Fantastic Forests - Jackie Parker Park, Edmonton
- July 31 - BiodiverCity - Whitemud Park, Edmonton
- August 7 - Fish Tales - Gold Bar Park, Edmonton
- August 14 - Nature Detectives - John Janzen Nature Centre, Edmonton
- August 21 - Delta Defenders - Lois Hole Centennial Provincial Park, St. Albert
To sign up to volunteer for these events, see the links below in the Register Now section. If you have any additional questions about volunteering at the events, please email Nick our Nature Kids Coordinator at naturekids@naturealberta.ca.
Get More Information
Do you have any questions about the volunteer roles, training, locations, or any other aspect of these events? Reach out to Nick our event organizer and Nature Kids Coordinator at naturekids@naturealberta.ca. We will be happy to assist you and will be eager to welcome you to Nature Alberta's Volunteer Team.
Register Now
We've made registering for the volunteer roles super simple! Register through VolunteerSignup links below:
Family Nature Nights, Red Deer: volunteersignup.org/RTPHE
Family Nature Nights, Calgary: volunteersignup.org/QQLQ7
Family Nature Nights, Edmonton & St. Albert: volunteersignup.org/TYKXL
If you have any issues, please contact us at naturekids@naturealberta.ca.