Teach a Class
MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Volunteers for Open Lands Education Services (V.O.L.E.S.)* help our education staff teach school field studies. With assistance from the V.O.L.E.S., it is possible to divide classes into small groups which vastly improves the overall learning experience. V.O.L.E.S. also assist with public programs like Family Campfires and Little Trekkers.
CHOOSE YOUR INVOLVEMENT
Your volunteer time is organized to fit your schedule and comfort level. You may choose to specialize in field studies for only one grade level, or you may wish to teach several grade levels. You can choose the programs you want to assist with according to your interests and availability.
RECEIVE EXPERT TRAINING
Lake Forest Open Lands environmental education staff will teach you everything you need to know to lead your activities. You will receive written scripts and background information for each field study you want to teach. You will attend a training and observe each program before you teach it.
REAP THE REWARDS
Besides getting to spend more time outdoors teaching children about the joys of nature, V.O.L.E.S. can attend all of our Adult Natural History Programs at no cost. There are also special enrichment programs for V.O.L.E.S. based on their interests.
If you are interested in joining the V.O.L.E.S. or have any questions, please contact Rekha Athreya at 847-482-1928 x21.
* The derivation of the acronym V.O.L.E.S. is the vole, the most abundant small mammal in Lake Forest Open Lands' preserves. Voles are close kin to mice, but have shorter tails and smaller ears. There are several different species of voles, including the meadow vole, the prairie vole and the woodland vole.