Below is a list of frequently asked questions about volunteer opportunities in Montgomery Parks.
Can my child earn student service learning (SSL) hours?
There are several opportunities for student volunteers in parks. Please understand that it is not always possible for us to accommodate students who need lots of hours in a short time. As an approved SSL host agency – all opportunities for students must be pre-approved by MCPS and the Montgomery County Volunteer Center.
Is there a minimum age requirement?
That depends. Each job lists a minimum age – but to volunteer without parental supervision you need to be AT LEAST 14 years old, and there are some jobs that have a higher age limit. Those younger than 14 may join a parent or guardian in our Family Volunteer program. The opportunity usually says if younger volunteers are allowed with guardians, but you can always check with the contact person if exceptions can be made if it does not specifically say so.
Can I volunteer with my family?
Yes! We welcome volunteer families to many of our opportunities. Search our volunteer opportunities to find the one that’s right for you.
How do I apply?
You should first search our volunteer opportunities, find one that interests you, and then click on JOB DETAILS to find out more about the opportunity. If it sounds like a good match, click on the APPLY button to get to our online application. Once you have filled out an application, you now have an existing Volunteer Record, and you can then refer yourself to other volunteer jobs or events – you do not have to create a new record. Just remember your User ID and Password!
I don’t see any volunteer opportunities that appeal to me – are there others?
Our most up to date recruitment needs are posted on this website – but sometimes we find a placement for people outside of the posted opportunities. Each opportunity includes a contact name and email. If you don’t find the right match for you, feel free to contact staff with your program of interest. You may also want to take a look at the hundreds of volunteer needs outside of Montgomery Parks listed with the Montgomery County Volunteer Center at www.MontgomeryServes.org .
We would like to adopt a park, do you have a program like that?
There are several community organizations that have made a significant commitment to parks over many years. Each started by organizing an initial project and continuing the effort. While we do not have a formal Adopt-A-Park program, we encourage the development of long-term partners that are committed to helping us meet our mission. If exploring these kinds of opportunities appeals to you, please contact the Montgomery Parks Volunteer Service Office at 301-495-2504.
I am signed up as an individual volunteer but I am volunteering as part of a larger organization – can I “bank” my hours with my group?
That is possible if your group has an existing record with our office. Many membership organizations like the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club or “Friends of” and corporate groups want to track hours contributed by their members for a variety of reasons including grant writing or matching programs.
Why do you collect hours information?
Volunteers provide us with the “people power” to get things done. But your value does not stop there. Sharing your time and talent with us represents a considerable donation and demonstrates how much Parks is supported by the community and how we strive to maximize the resources we are provided. The collective support we receive from our volunteers each year makes a powerful statement, and hours collection is one way to demonstrate that.
Do you take court ordered service?
We participate with the Alternative Community Service (ACS) program of Montgomery County. If you are an adult and ordered to perform service or are seeking service hours in advance of a court appearance, please call ACS at 240-777-5409.
We also participate with the Teen Court for those under 18. Contact the Volunteer Service Office directly to discuss potential opportunities.
We do not allow participants that are seeking mandated service outside of those two programs to volunteer in Montgomery Parks.