Volunteer with Children's Forest
What if youth were given the opportunity to learn to make management decisions and participate in forestry projects in the real world? At Children’s Forest, we teach tomorrow’s leaders today, so that our children will be prepared to make better decisions for the future, protecting the heritage and resources of our forest.
Children ages 11-17 have the opportunity to participate in this leadership development volunteer program. Children may participate in one or more of the following focus areas:
- Forest Restoration Work
- Native Planting Projects
- Trail Maintenance Crew
- Outdoor Skill Building
- Campfire Naturalists
- Visitor Information Center Hosts
- Community Outreach and Events
- Archaeology Research Team
- Keller Peak Fire Lookout Host
- Hiking Tour Guide
- Trail Design, Mapping, Building
- Field Excursions
Programs are offered year-round, with an emphasis on summer programs. Our summers are filled with services to visitors, forest restoration, training and skill-building classes, and exciting recreation opportunities. Through volunteer service, youth are able to participate in canoeing, kayaking, mountain biking, camping, rock climbing, and other activities.
Our Youth Leadership program is nationally recognized as a leader in providing opportunity and growth for children.
How to Get Involved
We are expanding, and always welcome more youth to join this program. Also, adult mentors can volunteer with Children’s Forest, providing support and leadership. New volunteers are required to fill out Registration Forms, a Volunteer Agreement, and attend an Orientation class. Orientation class will allow you to meet other volunteers, learn about the program, and you will sign up for volunteer opportunities.
To join our team, please call (909) 382-2600 x 4024 or stop by the Visitor Center to meet our Volunteer Coordinator and fill out Registration Forms and Volunteer Agreement.
Single Day Volunteer Projects
For those of you who would like to participate in a single day service project yourself or with friends and family, Children’s Forest offers many activities that do not require further commitment. Each Sunday throughout the summer, our Greenhouse is open for anybody who wishes to have a tour or lend a helping hand can do so. Also, we host several volunteer service projects such as National Trails Day, Public Lands Day, and other seasonal events. Please see calendar for details and other opportunities.
For groups of 10 or more, please call before attending (909) 382-2600 x 2777.
Current Volunteers
Upcoming Events:
Greenhouse Work Days: Come work in the Children’s Forest greenhouse on Saturdays and Sundays, 12pm – 3pm. We will be growing seedlings and transplanting them into larger pots when they are big enough. We need to grow 3,000 plants for our 2009/2010 projects, let's get working! Meet at the VIC. Please call (909) 382-2778 for more information.
Tree Planting: Saturday, November 14: We will be planting trees from our greenhouse at the Lake Arrowhead Pinnacles. Meet at Skyforest Ranger Station at 8:30am, returning at 3:00pm. Free Lunch! Wear sturdy shoes, long pants and a hat.
Animal Tracking: Saturday, November 21. Identify animals in the wild by looking for their prints, and make a track to take home! We will also be learning to lead nature walks. Meet at the VIC 10:00am – 2:45pm.
Bald Eagle Tour: Sunday, November 22. Learn how to do the Forest Service Bald Eagle counts, and look for eagles. Meet at the VIC 9am – 2pm.
Tree Identification: Saturday, November 28. Can you ID the plants in the forest? Learn how to in this outdoor program. Program will meet at the Greenhouse and hike around the forest. 12pm – 3pm.
You are able to sign up at our monthly meeting or at the VIC on Saturdays and Sundays from 12-3, or you can call/email Marco: (909) 382-2778, marco.guzman1@gmail.com.