This year, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) needs help staffing their Pocket Park during the August 12-18 UP State Fair in Escanaba.
The park—a one-acre site located within the fairgrounds—is dedicated to teaching outdoor skills to Michigan’s youngest residents.
Activities volunteers will have opportunities to help kids catch and release bluegill fish in the UP-shaped pond, shoot pellet guns or bow and arrow, staff the fire tower, or greet visitors. Organizers expect a large turnout this year, so plenty of volunteer shifts are available.
“Volunteering at the Pocket Park is a positive and rewarding experience all the way around,” said Jo Ann Alexander, one of the DNR volunteer organizers, in a recent press release.
“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.”
Volunteers must be at least 16 years old and pass a background check. Shift options available during fair week include:
- 5-8 p.m. on Opening Day (August 12)
- 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and 3:30 to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday (August 13-17)
- Noon to 3 p.m. on the final day of the fair (August 18)
Training is provided for all activities, and volunteers also get a meal and commemorative t-shirt. 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.
Anyone interested in volunteering should contact Jo Alexander via email, alexanderj7@michigan.gov. For more information or to book an event at the Pocket Park, click here.
