If you're looking for a volunteer opportunity to help young people experience outdoor recreation – helping instill in them a sense of Michigan's rich natural resources heritage and traditions – then the Michigan Department of Natural Resources is looking for you.
Mentors are needed to help staff the DNR's Pocket Park in Escanaba during the Upper Peninsula State Fair, Aug. 17-23. Volunteer activities include helping kids catch and release bluegills in the U.P.-shaped pond and shoot pellet guns or a bow and arrow, staffing the fire tower and greeting visitors.
"Most folks who volunteer at the Pocket Park find it to be a very rewarding experience, with many returning to offer their help again this year," said Grace Charles, the lead interpreter at the Pocket Park. "The park attracts big crowds, which means we have a lot of available shifts for volunteers to fill."
The DNR Pocket Park, a 1-acre site located within the U.P. State Fairgrounds off U.S. 2, caters especially to youngsters seeking an outdoor adventure or to learn an outdoor skill.
The U.P. State Fair draws more than 100,000 visitors annually, many of whom visit the Pocket Park to participate in recreation activities, experience nature programs, visit with conservation officers or enjoy a relaxing, shaded spot to sit in a natural setting. The Pocket Park features a wooded landscape and a small waterfall.
"Volunteering at the Pocket Park is a positive and rewarding experience all the way around," Charles said. "Youth enjoy a fun experience, parents get to introduce their kids to potentially new activities, with the help of others, and the volunteers gain the satisfaction of knowing they are helping guide youth in recreation activities that may help shape their future interests."
Businesses and organizations, or clubs and groups, may wish to sponsor shifts during the fair by having their employees or members volunteer for shifts. Recognition of the group or business will be prominently displayed and announced.
Volunteer training for all activities is provided.
Shifts during fair week include:
- 5-8 p.m. Monday, Aug. 17 (fair opening day).
- 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. and 3:30-7 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, Aug. 18-22.
- Noon-3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 23 (final day of the fair).
Volunteers must be at least 16 years old (unless under preapproved circumstances) and pass a background check. A meal and T-shirt will be provided.
Anyone interested in volunteering should contact Grace Charles at DNR-UP-PocketPark@Michigan.gov or follow this link:
The Pocket Park is open Memorial Day through Labor Day for family gatherings, picnics, youth organizations, school groups, sports associations, Scouting campouts and public events that include some introduction to fishing, shooting or outdoor recreation.
For more information or to book an event at the Pocket Park, call 906-280-4309 or email CharlesG2@Michigan.gov.