Champaign County Forest Preserve District

Education Volunteers

Become Part of Our Volunteer Team!
Our volunteers are part of a team working to connect people with their natural and cultural legacies. We offer a variety of volunteer opportunities to suit just about any skill and interest.

Use your strengths, passions and dedication to make a difference in the life of someone today – volunteer with the Education Department!

Contact the District’s Volunteer Coordinator to get started. We look forward to meeting you!
email: jhadler@ccfpd.org | phone: (217) 586-3360.

Volunteer Opportunities:

Youth Programs: Teach preschool and school-aged youth the value of our natural and cultural history. See below for more information about assisting with school programs and summer youth programs.
School Marm/Master: Dress in traditional garb as you take students back in time in our one-room schoolhouse.
Counselor in Training: Our Counselors in Training enrich our campers’ experiences as they help with summer camp (for ages 11-17).
Public Programs: Engage the public in our array of exciting educational programs.
Special Events: Make our events a success as you assist with all aspects of preparation and execution.
Receptionist: Provide friendly service to visitors at the Museum of the Grand Prairie (formerly Early American Museum) and/or the Homer Lake Interpretive Center (formerly Environmental Education Center).
Curatorial: Photograph, catalogue and care for our collection of artifacts at the Museum of the Grand Prairie (formerly Early American Museum).
Library: Catalogue research materials at the Museum of the Grand Prairie. (formerly Early American Museum)
Program Photographer: Photograph posed and action shots of participants at events and programs.

Education Department Volunteer Handbook
Please download our handbook for more information and an application form.

More Information About Volunteer Opportunities

Summer Youth Programs

Counselor-in-Training Program

If you are 11 years or older, you may apply to be a Counselor-in-Training for Eco-Adventures, Garden Adventures and Grand Prairie Kids. For more information, e-mail Emily Bickers at ebickers@ccfpd.org or call (217) 896-2455. Candidates are selected through an application and interview process.

Download a CIT Brochure
Download a CIT Application

Adult Volunteer Opportunities

Our adult volunteers play a valuable role in our summer programs! You may volunteer for Eco-Adventures, Garden Adventures and Grand Prairie Kids. Please contact Stacey Clementz or call (217) 896-2455 for more information about current needs.

School Programs

Assist staff with education programs for school groups, grades K- 5. Training is provided. Time commitment is generally 2-3 hours for each program (including setup and cleanup), unless noted otherwise. Our most popular programs are listed below. Programs occur on weekdays; exact dates and times for each program vary depending on teachers' schedules. Please contact us for more information.

Prairie Adventures (This is a five-hour program; volunteer for a half-day or full-day)

Season: Sept-Oct
Location: Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve
Contact: Stacey Clementz, Sandy Osborne or Ralph Bonati

One-Room Schoolhouse

Season: April-May & Sept-Oct
Location: Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve
Dress in traditional garb as you take students on a trip back in time in our one-room schoolhouse. Schedule will vary according to how many marms or masters we have at the time. Pick the times you can be here.
Contact: Sandy Osborne

First Illinoisans

Season: Oct-Nov
Location: Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve
Contact: Sandy Osborne

Life on the Grand Prairie

Season: Sept-Nov; March-May
Location: Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve
Contact: Sandy Osborne

Into Insects

Season: April-May & Sept-Oct
Location: Homer Lake & Lake of the Woods Forest Preserves
Contact: Stacey Clementz

Sights & Sounds of Nature

Season: April-May & Sept-Nov
Location: Homer Lake & Lake of the Woods Forest Preserves
Contact: Stacey Clementz

Frog Follies

Season: April-May & Sept
Location: Homer Lake & Lake of the Woods Forest Preserves
Contact: Stacey Clementz

Seed Safari

Season: April-May & Sept-Nov
Location: Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve
Contact: Ralph Bonati

Botany Basics

Season: April-May & Sept-Nov
Location: Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve
Contact: Ralph Bonati

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