As a nonprofit, the Dunwoody Nature Center relies on our community of volunteers to help us keep our park beautiful. We welcome individuals, students, corporations, service organizations, and other groups to help with various projects and special events.
VOLUNTEER
THANK YOU FOR YOUR INTEREST
IN VOLUNTEERING WITH US!
Saturday Volunteers
Our Public Volunteer day on the second Saturday of every month. It’s a wonderful way to start off your weekend in nature and service.
Corporate Groups
To schedule your company’s volunteer date, call 770-394-3322 or fill out our online form today!
Junior Counselors
We are always looking for strong teenage leaders to assist with our summer and school break camps!
All Other Volunteers
Can’t make our Saturday Volunteer date but still want to volunteer? Schedule a private volunteer day with your group today!
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I need to bring?
All you need to bring with you is a signed Volunteer Waiver for each person volunteering and a refillable water bottle! We will provide tools, snacks, gloves, and water.
Are there any additional Team Building opportunities for groups volunteering in the park?
Yes! Our team building hikes offer fun, interactive programming highly customizable to the needs of your group! With group challenges, scavenger hunts, games, or just a guided nature walk, we can ensure that your group has a memorable and bonding experience. Learn more at here.
Do you have opportunities that are ADA accessible?
Yes! We will try to provide volunteer activities that are appropriate for all situations and abilities. Just let us know what you need, and we will do our best to accommodate!
Unfortunately, the park trails are not ADA accessible.
Do you have indoor opportunities?
Sometimes! If you are looking for indoor activities we will try to accommodate, but this will be based on the needs of the Nature Center at the time of the request. We usually keep to a small group of indoor volunteers at one time, so we may be able to make indoor accommodations for select members of your group.
JUNIOR COUNSELORS
APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN! SEE 2024 DATES BELOW.
What is a Junior Counselor?
Junior Camp Counselors (JCs) assist adult staff with daily tasks and interact with young campers to enhance the day-camp experience. They act as another supervisor and helper throughout the day.
What is the time commitment?
Dunwoody Nature Center offers summer and school break day camps at the nature center (5343 Roberts Drive) for ages 4 to 10. You may choose to work a full-day (9:00 AM – 4:00 PM) or half-day (9:00 AM – 1:30 PM) shift. Half-day shift availability is extremely limited.
Half-day shifts assist with the 4-year-old class. Full-day shifts are assigned to rising K-5 classes.
During summer camp we ask that JCs commit to weeks where they are available all five days. School break camps are more flexible and we accept however many days you are available.
We are always accepting applications for new JCs!
What camp dates are coming up?
- MLK Day January 15th, 2024
- February Break Camp: Friday, Feb 16th, and Monday, Feb 19th, 2024
- Spring Break Camp: Monday, April 1st through Friday, April 5th
Summer Camp lasts all summer long and we accept volunteers for all weeks!
What are the qualifications needed to be a JC?
For Summer Camp, Nature Center Junior Counselors must be age 13 or older and Island Ford Junior Counselors must be age 15 or older. All JC’s must attend a pre-camp orientation, even if they have served before. Prospective Junior Counselors must also provide 2 contacts for references (teacher, coach, mentor, employer; no relatives or friends). A reference contact form is included in the JC application. You may not sign up for your desired volunteer shifts prior to the reference check. Chloe will contact you upon reference approval.
If you already completed the reference check in 2022, you are not required to fill out a new application. If you are unsure about what information we have for you, please contact us.
Staff and children depend upon the JCs to arrive on time and ready for work each day that they are scheduled. Successful JCs will be mature, reliable, flexible, energetic, and creative!
What are the benefits?
Working at camp helps develop responsibility, independence, adaptability and teamwork. At the end of the program, JCs can request a letter from the Nature Center, testifying to their hours worked which can be used on a resume, college application, or required community service hours.
Do I need to attend training?
All new and returning JCs will be required to attend a pre-camp orientation. We will have an in-person session (recommended for first time JCs) and an online option available.
Is there a cost?
There is no cost associated with the JC program at Dunwoody Nature Center. It is an unpaid, volunteer position.
