Become part of the dream by volunteering!
By volunteering your time at Dream Catchers, you help us help others. You can make a difference in another’s life by enriching it with the excitement and fulfillment that comes from being on a horse. You get to share in the miracles that we see every day, and are an integral part of everything we do.
There are three main categories of volunteers at Dream Catchers
1. Lesson Volunteers
2. Office Volunteers
3. Fundraising and Special Project Volunteers
Lesson Volunteers
Lesson Volunteers work directly with the instructors to provide assistance prior to and during the hour long weekly lessons. The main responsibilities of Lesson Volunteers include participating in the lesson by serving as a horse leader or a sidewalker. They also assist in lesson preparation by getting the horse ready (grooming and tacking) and with arena set-up. We ask all Lesson Volunteers to arrive at least 15 minutes before the scheduled lesson time.
Lessons are scheduled Tuesdays through Saturdays, with both morning and afternoon times available.
Qualifications
1. At least fourteen years of age or at the recommendation of the Camp Coordinator upon completion of a Junior Volunteer Camp.
2. Capable of performing all assigned tasks in a safe manner.
3. Physically able to walk for 45 minutes at a time and jog for short periods.
4. Can lift 25 pounds.
5. Able to commit to a consistent schedule (some Lesson Volunteers opt to be considered as “subs” when a regular Lesson Volunteer cannot attend a lesson.)
6. Horse knowledge is helpful but is not necessary.
7. Knowledge of working with people with special needs is helpful but not necessary.
8. Willing to observe the dress code, and to follow the confidentiality policy and Dream Catcher’s procedures for safety and professionalism.
9. Able to attend required training sessions prior to becoming an active volunteer.
Responsibilities
1. Arrive fifteen minutes prior to scheduled lesson.
2. Assist as directed by the instructor with horse leading or sidewalking.
3. Assist staff with lesson preparation and equipment as needed.
4. Assist staff with barn duties as needed.
5. Willing to attend continuing education clinics to gain additional skills.
Office Volunteers
Working under the direction of the office staff, office volunteers assist with the necessary tasks required for keeping our organization running smoothly. Tasks include data entry, filing, assisting with mailings, and answering phones.
Fundraising and Special Project Volunteers
Working in conjunction with our Donor Relations Coordinator and/or an event chairperson, fundraising volunteers help to plan our exciting special events and fundraisers during the year. In addition, we have many one-time community activities where we have the chance to introduce the mission of Dream Catchers to the greater region, and our volunteers play a huge part in spreading the word about what we do. These events direct the communitiy’s attention and support to our facility, and educate them on the benefits of therapeutic riding.
Orientation
New volunteer orientations are held monthly, and ongoing education opportunities to increase knowledge and awareness of horses and our riders are scheduled regularly. For the most recent schedule, please click here.
If you are ready to begin the application process to become a volunteer, please complete and submit the online application form below. If you have any questions, please give us a call at 757-566-1775.