Information Sessions
Curious about volunteering as a Park Angel? Learn about the many different volunteer opportunities that take place on weekdays and weekends, both indoors and outdoors in our parks. These meetings take place every few months. For more information call 331-4PARKS2.
Volunteer information sessions last about 1 hour.
Volunteer Areas
Beautification
Garden in the Park
Join us for a drop-in opportunity to beautify our parks while you get a chance to learn best gardening practices. Check the events sections for the latest dates and locations.
Aqua Angels
During the hot months in Charleston our volunteers keep our gardens cool and wet. If you can hold a hose, you can do this relaxing job. In 2013 we will water in 13 parks and many need to be watered multiple times a week. Minimum commitment of 5 hours from May through November, volunteers have flexibility for hours and parks. Use the link below to sign up for availible shifts in a park near you. Please call 843-619-PARK before your first shift so our staff can meet you in the park and show you the ropes.
Please sign up for 2013 Aqua Angels - here's how it works in 3 easy steps:
1. Click this link to go to our invitation page on VolunteerSpot: http://vols.pt/64znse
2. Enter your email address: (You will NOT need to register an account on VolunteerSpot)
3. Sign up! Choose your spots - VolunteerSpot will send you an automated confirmation and reminders. Easy!
Park Stewards
Each park should have a captain to help recruit volunteers and promote our work in the park. Captains will help recruit volunteers for Garden in the Parks and help maintain volunteer-park connections. They will do this through signage, acting as a liaison with neighborhood groups, churches, schools, and businesses to promote Garden in the Park volunteer opportunities. Qualifications: Must be reliable, possess leadership skills, and be committed to your community. Time commitment: Attend meetings and special events as needed, may serve on committees. Note: Positions have term limits. Call 331-4PARKS2 for more information.
Community Events
Exhibit Promotion Team
Do you like to meet and talk to people? Then this may be the spot for you. Booth Buddies help promote the Charleston Parks Conservancy in fun and innovative ways at community events, including the Cooper River Bridge Run Expo, South Carolina Green Fair, Charleston Farmers Market and other community events. Volunteers assist with set up, manage the booth during the event, and break down the booth. Volunteers will be armed with Conservancy information and the latest program offerings. Upcoming community event opportunities include the Charleston River Dogs Game and the Charleston Farmers Market.
Teddy Bear Picnic
Parks, Picnics and Bears Oh My! This annual community event aims to create lasting childhood memories. Children are invited to bring their teddy bears and families for a afternoon of music, crafts, fun and games. Steering Committee volunteers are needed as are volunteers to assist with the refreshment stand, face painting, craft activities, the parade and set up and take down. Let us know if you're interested in being involved in the 2014 event. The tenative date is Sunday, March 9, 2014.
Park Week
Park Week is a weeklong celebration of our parks, typically held in March. Park Week volunteers help coordinate activities, promote the events and give needed help during activities.
Fundraising Events
Committee members are needed for Conservancy fundraisers, including the Party for the Parks. The 2013 Party for the Parks is set for Sept. 21 at Colonial Lake. Would you like to be a host? This is easy: all you have to do is invite people to a party. As a party host, you simply commit to buying or selling at least four tickets at $65 each or two VIP tickets at $150 each.
Education
Educate You Programs
Bring your skills as an educator to school groups and public programs! Youth and Adult Program Options application required.
Adult Programs: Responsibilities may include assisting with science classes, providing information to visitors, and leading active outdoor games with families. Prior teaching or customer service experience preferred. Must be 18 or older.
Responsibilities include interacting with the public and assisting with historical or nature-based craft activities.
Previous arts and crafts experience preferred.
Weekday and weekend opportunities available.
Youth Programs: Assist Educate You director in planning and implementation of recreation and education programs for elementary and junior high youth at sites throughout city. Includes arts and crafts, nature-based activities, special events. Interested volunteering should enjoy working with children; have a positive and enthusiastic attitude; interest or experience in arts, crafts, sports or other recreational activities; dependable; positive role model. Time commitment: 3 hours/week; 3 months.
Office and Other Special Skills
Assist office staff in everyday office procedures, including answering phones, typing, copying, filing, providing public information and entering computer data. Qualifications: 16 years or older; excellent customer service skills; flexible; able to type. Computer skills desirable. Time commitment: 12 hours/week; 3+ months.
Special Skills: Carpentry, photography, information technology, assist with direct mail (2,000-3,000 pieces per year), distribution of promotional materials around the city.
Taking photos: Tell a visual story. Responsibilities include taking photographs to document our special events and programming. Photography skills required.
Weekend opportunities available.
Internships
Great opportunities for high school senior’s Culminating Projects and Eagle Scout projects as well as full-time internships exist. Interns can help with regular activities, specialize, or customize a project to meet their academic needs. Call 331-472-7572 for more information.
Group and Corporate Volunteer Program
Organize a work party for your group, class or neighborhood at a time and area of your choice. You provide the labor, and we provide the materials, plants, tools, directions and supervision of work.
Adopt-a-Bed: Sign on for long-term maintenance duties that fit your skills while working in your favorite park. Garden clubs, service groups, families and businesses can adopt a flowerbed or ornamental planting, giving it the regular care that will make it thrive.
Park Angel Leads
Find out more about becoming a Park Angel Lead.
