Dakota County Parks

General Description

Outdoor Education Program Assistants support environmental education programs focused on nature exploration for students K-2 from Oak Ridge Elementary. Volunteers work alongside a Naturalist to help facilitate engaging, hands-on outdoor learning experiences for groups of 18–25 students. Each day includes two class sessions (one in the morning and one in the afternoon), with teachers and school staff present. Programs take place outdoors and are rain or shine.  

Purpose & Impact 

This volunteer role helps foster an appreciation and understanding of the natural world in young learners. By supporting these programs, volunteers play a key role in connecting children to nature and encouraging lifelong environmental stewardship. 

Location 

The Retreat Center at Lebanon Hills (Group Campsites) 

5121 McAndrews Rd

Apple Valley, MN 55124 

Duties & Responsibilities 

• Assist a Naturalist with outdoor education program and activities  
• Help with program set-up and take-down, including materials and campfire preparation  
• Support and engage students during nature walks, field activities, and interactive games  
• May supervise small groups of children during bathroom breaks, and transitions  
• Build, maintain, and safely monitor campfires  
• Help extinguish and clean up campfire areas at the end of program 
• Direct participants to restrooms and water access points  
• Encourage curiosity, exploration, and respectful behavior in the outdoors  

Qualifications 

• Interest in natural history, outdoor education, and environmental stewardship
• Commitment to your shifts! We rely on your being there to help so please keep those dates sacred   
• Enjoyment of working with young children and ability to communicate effectively with them  
• Ability to work in varying weather conditions including cold and wet conditions 
• Patience, flexibility, and a positive attitude  
• Experience working with children is preferred but not required  
• Willingness to follow safety guidelines and assist with outdoor program logistics  
• Attendance at required training session  
• Successful completion of a county background check  

Program Dates 

• Wednesdays, April 29 – May 20 (1st Grade)  
• Thursdays, April 30 – May 21 (2nd Grade)  
• Fridays, May 8 – May 22 (Kindergarten) 

Shifts 

• Morning: 9-11:30 a.m. 
• Afternoon: 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. 
• Events will run rain or shine! 

Required Training

April 21

1:00 – 2:30 p.m.

Lebanon Hills Retreat Center Group Campground

Contact Details

Angie Tomlinson

Outdoor Education Coordinator

Phone: (651) 554-6533

Email: angela.tomlinson@co.dakota.mn.us