Family Nature Nights – Calgary Volunteers

The Nature Kids program connects young families to nature and inspires the next generation of naturalists. An integral part of Nature Kids in Calgary 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

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
  • One hour Zoom training session (date and time to be determined) with question and answer period. Presentation will be recorded and shared with those who were unable to attend
  • On site training at 5 pm

Event Date & Location

  • Wed, July 19 - Nature Heroes Family Nature Night at Inglewood Migratory Bird Sanctuary (2425 9 Ave SE, Calgary)

Get More Information

Do you have any questions about the volunteer roles, training, locations, or any other aspect of these events? Reach out to our event organizer and Nature Kids Coordinator, Kethu Mendis, at naturekids@naturealberta.ca. Kethu 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 on VolunteerSignup by clicking here: volunteersignup.org/WYXKE

If you have any issues, please contact Kethu at naturekids@naturealberta.ca.

You can also check out the full event listing here