Dane County Parks Volunteer Educator Training

media release: We are currently recruiting adults to assist with Dane County Parks and Lussier Family Heritage Center education programs. This training will cover the information required to work with youth during Dane County Parks education programming, including a review of the specific roles you can choose from. 

Upcoming sessions:

• Monday, 04/13/2026 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
• Saturday, 09/12/2026 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

The training will cover

• an Overview of Dane County Parks and Heritage Center Education Programs
• Volunteer Educator Training Requirements
• Working with Youth 101
• Volunteer Educator Opportunities 

Please note the following requirements: 

To volunteer with our youth programming, you must meet all of the following criteria. This training is only one requirement for fulfilling this role. Below are the expected requirements for being accepted as a volunteer educator:

• Willingness to work with youth
• Pass a background check yearly 
• Complete a virtual or in-person check in with LFHC/DCP Staff
• Complete a Volunteer Educator Training (this training)
• Complete the MERGE DEI training on Better Impact within 6 months of your initial educator training (1 hour online - optional)
• Continually meet the expectations listed in the Code of Conduct (you will receive this at the training)
• Complete Online Mandated Reporter Training (1 hour online every 4 years)

Volunteer Educator Opportunities

By participating in this training and completing the requirements listed above, you will be eligible to volunteer for the following opportunities:

• Youth Volunteers for Conservation - Lead
• Summer Camp - Craft Assistant 
• Summer Camp - Field Trip Assistant
• Lil' Explorer Adventure Assistant
• Assistant Fishing Educator 

Location:

• Heritage Center (3101 Lake Farm Rd, Madison, WI 53711). 

Accessibility: 

• There will be bathroom access and a water fountain.
• This is an indoor event.   
• Please contact Heritage Center (heritagecenter@danecounty.gov) to discuss any additional accessibility needs.
• Our department is committed to providing meaningful access to our programs and resources to all individuals, regardless of primary language or ability. If you need language assistance services or an accessibility modification for this program, please email lwrd@danecounty.gov a minimum of 10 business days before the program to make the request. Please note, it is not possible for all programs to be modified.