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The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission

VSO – FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I volunteer?

Search our volunteer opportunities, find one that interests you, and then click on JOB DETAILS to learn more about the opportunity. If it sounds like a good match, click the APPLY button to access our online application. Once you have filled out an application, you now have an existing Volunteer Record, and you can then refer yourself to other volunteer jobs or events – you do not have to create a new record. Just remember your User ID and Password.

Can my child earn student service learning (SSL) hours?

There are several opportunities for student volunteers in parks. Please understand that it is not always possible for us to accommodate students who need lots of hours in a short time. As an approved SSL host agency – all opportunities for students must be pre-approved by MCPS and the Montgomery County Volunteer Center.

Is there a minimum age requirement?

Each job lists a minimum age – but to volunteer without parental supervision you need to be AT LEAST 14 years old, and there are some jobs that have a higher age limit. Those younger than 14 may join a parent or guardian in our Family Volunteer program. The opportunity usually says if younger volunteers are allowed with guardians, but you can always check with the contact person if exceptions can be made if it does not specifically say so.

Can I volunteer with my family?

Yes. We welcome volunteer families to many of our opportunities. Search our volunteer opportunities to find the one that’s right for you.

I don’t see any volunteer opportunities that appeal to me – are there others?

Our most up-to-date recruitment needs are posted on this website – but sometimes, we find a placement for people outside the posted opportunities. Each opportunity includes a contact name and email. If you don’t see the right match, contact Staff with your program of interest. You may also want to take a look at the hundreds of volunteer needs outside of Montgomery Parks listed with the Montgomery County Volunteer Center at Montgomery Serves .

We would like to adopt a park, do you have a program like that?

Several community organizations have made a significant commitment to parks over many years. Each started by organizing an initial project and continuing the effort. While we do not have a formal Adopt-A-Park program, we encourage the development of long-term partners committed to helping us meet our mission. If exploring these opportunities appeals to you, please get in touch with the Montgomery Parks Volunteer Service Office at 301-495-2504.

I am signed up as an individual volunteer, but I am volunteering as part of a larger organization – can I “bank” my hours with my group?

That is possible if your group has an existing record with our office. Many membership organizations like the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club or “Friends of” and corporate groups want to track hours contributed by their members for a variety of reasons, including grant writing or matching programs.

Why do you collect hours information?

Volunteers provide us with the “people power” to get things done. But your value does not stop there. Sharing your time and talent with us represents a large donation. It demonstrates how the community supports Parks and how we strive to maximize the resources we are provided. The collective support we receive from our volunteers each year makes a powerful statement, and hours collection is one way to demonstrate that.

Do you take court ordered community service?

We participate in the Alternative Community Service (ACS) program of Montgomery County. If you are an adult ordered to perform service or are seeking service hours before a court appearance, please call ACS at 240-777-5409. We also participate in the Teen Court for those under 18. Contact the Volunteer Service Office directly to discuss potential opportunities. We only allow participants seeking mandated service within those two programs to volunteer in Montgomery Parks.