Summer. A time for picnics, baseball and swimming pools – a time to enjoy the wonders of nature. So why not enjoy the great outdoors while volunteering? During the summer, many organizations have outdoor opportunities for volunteers of all ages.
The swimming pool at Lake Highlands North Recreation Center is open six days a week; it’s a summer hot spot for neighborhood children. While certified lifeguards are on duty at all times, volunteers also can help children enjoy a fun, safe day at the pool.
“We want to encourage the kids to be playful,” says Mollie Crocker, senior/preschool program specialist for the recreation center.
“Volunteers can help us watch the children at the pool or assist instuctors during swimming lessons.”
Volunteers can be involved with other programs at the recreation center, as well. Elementary school children learn teeball, soccer, hockey, crafts and cooking. Crocker says these summer programs provide excellent volunteer opportunities for high school students who enjoy working with younger children.
On a site as big as Lake Highlands North, cleanup is always an issue and provides another volunteer opportunity. Crocker welcomes Scout troops, churches, service clubs and other organizations that want to clean the park grounds.
“I have boxes of trash bags ready for anyone who wants to use them,” says Crocker.
In the meantime, George Thurman is running a one-man park cleanup operation. While taking his daily three-mile walk by the park, this neighborhood retiree discovered the pond was filled with debris.
“That thing was filthy,” says Thurman. “It was filled with Christmas trees, sticks, empty cans, diapers and Big Gulp cups.”
So Thurman initiated his own volunteer project; he began cleaning the pond, taking whatever he could reach and depositing it in the trash barrel. Once a week, he brings his own trash bag and a stick with a nail in the bottom and collects garbage on the grounds, as well.
“Nobody seems to know what to do with trash. They just throw it on the ground,” says Thurman. “I do what I can to help clean up.”
Crocker appreciates Thurman’s initiative and hopes others will join his cleaning crusade.
“He saw a need and took it upon himself to make a difference,” says Crocker. “He is wonderful.”
Other volunteer opportunities are available at the Dallas Arboretum near White Rock Lake. Volunteers with green thumbs are invited to help care for the gardens.
Volunteer gardeners arrive early in the morning to help the staff with weeding, planting and “dead-heading” – pulling off the older blooms.
“Experience isn’t even necessary,” says Marilyn Stidham, volunteer coordinator. “Since you’re working with professional horticulturists, it’s a great way to learn about caring for plants.”
She says volunteers also can help water and prune plants in the greenhouses and give tours of the gardens. This summer the Arboretum is hosting “Ultimate Treehouses,” a special exhibit of tree houses designed by Dallas’ top architects and artists. Volunteers are needed June 1-Sept. 2 to give tours and help with children’s activities.
The list doesn’t stop there – zoos, nature centers, children’s camps and many others would love to help you make your summer plans. Call the Volunteer Center of Dallas County at 826-6767, and we’ll keep you busy.
