Dayton, Ohio

Located 75 miles from Cincinnati, Dayton offers opportunities in youth and adult education, leading recreational activities at community centers, and linking past, present, and future together.

Site Director: Brenda Caruthers
Phone:: 937-489-1456
E-mail: dayton@ndmva.org

Germantown MetroPark Nature Center
http://www.metroparks.org/Parks/Germantown/NatureCenter.aspx

Do you love animals, flowers and woodlands and want a chance to serve the community by helping people make personal connections to Nature? The NDA member at Germantown will learn many of the skills needed to become an environmental educator by developing, coordinating, and conducting positive, native live animal presentations that expose children and their families to a sense of wonder and appreciation of animals. The member will also provide animal care, conduct outreach programs to area schools, perform routine duties as needed by the Center, and assist with regularly scheduled public programming and large public events at the Center.

For additional information and a tour of the work site, you may also talk with Doug Horvath, Naturalist with Five Rivers MetroParks at 937 855-7717.

Adventure Central at Wesleyan MetroPark

This is a youth education center that targets urban youth, kindergarten through age 19 during out-of-school hours. Youth learn about their environment through science and nature studies, learn to use computer technology and are involved in homework assistance. Members will have the responsibilities of assisting with after school, day camp, and club programs as well as expanding opportunities for family programming, assisting with the youth entrepreneurship program, and infusing technology into programming as applicable. An NDA member will gain valuable subject area experience in the fields of science, nature, social work and education.

Linda Vista Project

The Linda Vista Project is a community based, non-profit organization that works in partnership with Fundamental Health Solutions Inc. to provide housing, to women and children who are homeless, along with the time needed to regain a sense of stability and economic security. The NDA member's responsabilities will include; running the after school program, providing activities and snacks for the young children, tutoring adults/children involved with the Linda Vista Project, preparing outside activities for the teens, coordinating/ preparing family activities, and helping to facilitate Linda Vista Project Self-Sufficiency Program.

Possum Creek MetroPark Nature Center
www.metroparks.org

There is a need in our community for positive, native live animal presentations that expose children and their families to a sense of wonder and appreciation of animals. The NDA member will learn many of the skills needed to become an environmental educator by developing, coordinating, and conducting these presentations. The member will also provide animal care, conduct outreach programs to area schools, perform routine duties as needed by the Center, and assist with regularly scheduled public programming and large public events at the Center.

Shepherd’s Corner Farm & Ecology Center

Shepherd’s Corner is an ecological ministry sponsored by the Dominican Sisters of Peace. It is located on a 160-acre natural oasis in Blacklick, Ohio (Columbus area). The land serves as a center for ecology, spirituality, education and a working farm. The property’s diverse range of habitats offers a haven for wildlife and native flora, plus a place of peace, natural beauty, and spiritual refreshment. Shepherd's Corner has chemical-free naturally grown gardens, free-range turkeys and chickens, sheep, a llama, a turf labyrinth, greenhouses, beehives, and a system of walking trails. Education is at the core of all activities at Shepherd’s Corner. There is a seasonal menu of special programs, from nature and labyrinth walks, fiber arts, book groups and gardening workshops. Educational programs primarily for elementary age students, which focus on farm life, nature, art, water and wetlands, and spirituality are offered during the year.

Wesley Community Center

The Wesley Community Center introduces and implements a "Rites of Passage" program by way of Harambee, which means "all pulling together" for the community. NDA members will fulfill the role of the Program Assistant whose main duties are to assist the Program Coordinator primarily during the traditional academic school year. The Program Assistant provides assistance to teachers by supervising youth in a fun, safe and caring environment with daily homework assistance and academic enrichment activities. They also strive to enhance parental/community support systems to provide prevention/intervention resources to those that need them.

Edge Teen Center

Edge Teen Center is a place where teens feel they belong. This non-profit center began as a vision, ignited by a desire for real relationships with real teens dealing with real issues. Based on overwhelming evidence, teen centers are beneficial not only for teens, but for the entire community. EDGE Teen Center is within walking distance of both Lakota East High School and Lakota Frehman School. EDGE offers (1) A place to hang out (2) Tutoring & Life Skills Programs (3) Counseling & Mentoring (4) Community Service.
The NDA member placed at EDGE will serve as the Teen Manager.

For additional volunteer opportunities in Ohio, visit our Cincinnati page!