Are you applying as an indvidual or for a group? If a group, tell us your group's name. For either type, please

include the total number of participants even if you are appyling as an individual.

Please provide your name and contact information.

Groups should provide information for the group contact and select answers that most closely match or represent your group. Not all questions will apply to groups.

What should we be aware of to create a safe and successful volunteer experience?

PLEASE NOTE: Most parks offer many of the same volunteer opportunities, however, not all opportunities are available in every park or for groups. (Please visit Volunteer Opportunities on the Division's Volunteer Page to find out what opportunities are available in each park and for groups.)

where would you like to volunteer?

Select a broad geographic area or specific parks. If choosing more than one park, please indicate your preference.

Please provide references OTHER THAN family and/ or friends.

REQUIRED FOR ALL VOLUNTEERS UNDER 18 YEARS OF AGE:

INDIVIDUALS:

Volunteers under the age of 18 years are required to provide parental/ guardian permission and consent to be assigned and participate as a volunteer for the Division of Parks & Recreation. This is required before beginning volunteer service -it is NOT needed to submit this application. The Volunteer Coordinator will discuss how to obtain consent based on the type and nature of the volunteer opportunity.

GROUP PARTICIPANTS:

It is the responsibility of the group leader to collect and maintain Parental Consent forms for all participants under the age of 18 years. These may be the groups own forms or the group leader may contact the Volunteer Office to obtain Parental Consent forms that they may use.

ADULT SUPERVISION OF YOUTH VOLUNTEERS:

All youth participants under the age of 14 years are required to be accompanied by an adult, unless assigned to a Volunteer program providing supervision. Youth over 14 may be permitted to work without adult accompaniment, based on the nature and scope of the activity and the ability of the park to provide adequate supervision for the youth volunteer.

Groups must have adequate adult supervision of youth participants.

Help us create safe volunteer events - Does parental consent apply to you?

- Volunteers perform service without compensation and are not considered employees of the State of Delaware. The Division of Parks and Recreation does not provide Worker’s Compensation or any other insurance coverage for volunteers.

- The Division cannot guarantee volunteer placement. The Division will, however, make every effort to match volunteer applicants to volunteer opportunities based on the needs of the Division and the interests and abilities of the volunteer.

- Submission of a Volunteer Application does not imply automatic acceptance as a Delaware State Parks volunteer. Depending on the nature and scope of volunteer activity, there may exist qualifications that I must meet before I may begin volunteering.

- The Division employs a screening process for all individual volunteers based on the nature of the volunteer work and involvement level of the participant.

- Volunteers whose activity involves having access to children or vulnerable populations; engage in the collection or handling of revenues; or who engage in the discharge or handling of black powder, weapons, or firearms of any kind will be required to undergo a Background Investigation conducted by the Division as a part of the screening process.

- Acceptance as an individual volunteer is contingent upon successful completion at all levels of screening.

- The Division reserves the right to disallow volunteer candidates for any reason which the Division, in its sole judgment, determines may affect the best interests of the Division. The Division reserves the right to withhold the reason(s) for such refusal.

- The Division accepts the service of all volunteers with the understanding that such service is at the sole discretion of the Division. Volunteers agree that the Division and the Volunteer may at any time, for any reason, decide to terminate the volunteer’s relationship with the Division. Notice of such a decision should be communicated as soon as possible to the volunteer’s supervisor.

FOR GROUPS ONLY:

- Groups accepted for volunteer placement will be sent a Group Volunteer Agreement defining the volunteer project(s) prior to the start date of the stated project(s).

- Group Volunteers must identify a Group Contact prior to the start of a project who will serve as the group leader and be responsible for the safety and well-being of all group members. The group contact agrees to:

1. Provide coordination and supervision for group while volunteering.

2. Ensure all members adhere to park rules, regulations, and procedures.

3. Report to The Division of Parks and Recreation any behavior, actions, or language inappropriate for the established activity, location, or group which may endanger the health and/or well-being of the individual, other group members, or park visitors.