Inspire Young Minds: Volunteer for Our Spring Field Trip Program

February 24, 2025| Community, Education

By: Patrick Krudop

Do you have a passion for education, the environment, or Lake Hopatcong? Put that passion to good use this spring by joining as a volunteer for our elementary field trip program at Hopatcong State Park! Each year, thousands of students come to New Jersey’s largest lake to learn about the critical importance of protecting our water resources. As a volunteer, you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping their experience and fostering a deep appreciation for nature.

Our educational field trips offer a comprehensive introduction to lake ecology, emphasizing the vital importance of our water resources. Throughout the day, students visit different stations where they actively participate in exciting, interactive learning experiences. Volunteers play a key role in facilitating these activities! Whether you are assisting with experiments, guiding groups, or simply offering encouragement, your presence will have a lasting impact on the students’ appreciation for our environment. Our volunteer opportunities include:

• Floating Classroom: Students are taken aboard the floating classroom for hands-on learning about lake ecology and water quality. By facilitating their experiments and providing the guidance that is necessary for them to learn, they get to experience first-hand how it feels to be a scientist!
• Musconetcong River: Students will explore the Musconetcong River to learn about aquatic macroinvertebrates and how these creatures can help us determine water quality. Whether you help at a table with microscopes or want to get in the river yourself to find macroinvertebrates, help is always appreciated at the Musconetcong!
• Discovery Hike: Students will gain an understanding of Earth's limited water supply, the fraction that is freshwater, and why safeguarding these resources is essential. Volunteers help to keep student attention on the educator and help set up and clean up this activity between groups.
• EnviroScape Model: Students will learn about watersheds and how to keep our water clean through a tabletop watershed model. Volunteers will assist in the setup and cleanup of the EnviroScape between each group and providing other assistance as needed.
• Student Group Leader: Every group needs a leader! Help the students and teachers navigate the park, bringing them from station to station and being a friendly face that the students will see for the duration of their time at the state park.

No prior experience is required for any of our field trip volunteering opportunities—just a love for the environment and a willingness to contribute your time. Training will always be provided prior to any trip, and you’ll get a complimentary shirt to wear! Join us in making a difference this spring and help us create memorable, educational experiences for students who may one day grow up to protect and preserve our cherished natural resources and local communities.

You can register for the positions, days, and times that you are interested in on SignUp Genius.

Please don't hesitate to contact us at info@lakehopatcongfoundation.org if you have any questions.

* New volunteers who will be working directly with students during our field trip program must complete a required background check, at no cost to you. Upon signing up, you'll receive additional information regarding the background check process, if needed. Your cooperation ensures a safe and enriching experience for all participants.