Dartmoor Youth Ranger volunteer
Volunteering with Dartmoor Youth Rangers
The Dartmoor Youth Ranger programme’s purpose is to provide an opportunity for young people to understand, appreciate, and enjoy Dartmoor through an accessible programme of activities where they can develop environmental skills and knowledge leading to positive behaviour changes.
The programme runs every two weeks, 10:00-15:00, alternating between Saturdays and Sundays all year round and is open to any young person aged 12-17. The programme involves a wide range of activities, often with practical conservation elements, at locations across Dartmoor. A Dartmoor Youth Rangers volunteer would be expected to make clear commitments to attend (or not) in advance of all events and be present 9:30-15:30 on the day.
The role of a Dartmoor Youth Rangers volunteer is to facilitate young people to engage safely and fully in the Dartmoor Youth Rangers programme. This may be by:
- Providing a tool talk or demonstration if you are comfortable to do so
- Managing a small group of young people
- Providing additional relevant information to the task or location; sharing knowledge
- Being a role model
- Working alongside the Youth Rangers
Dartmoor Youth Rangers volunteers would be required to:
- Get fully involved in activities and interact positively with young people
- Commit to a minimum of eight events per year
- Be prepared for being outdoors in all weathers
- Undergo an appropriate DBS check (organised by DNPA)
- Promote the safety and wellbeing of the Junior Youth Rangers following DNPA’s safeguarding policy
Please note that Youth Rangers are not accompanied by parents or carers and DNPA is overall responsible for the young people during the events. Any volunteers working with the Youth Rangers would support DNPA staff in their care of the Youth Rangers.
Dartmoor Youth Rangers volunteers will receive the opportunity to:
- Spend time being active in nature
- Work alongside many different organisations across a wide range of locations within Dartmoor, visiting places which you may not otherwise get to see
- Participate in a range of events which allow volunteers to experience and learn about the special qualities of Dartmoor
- Meet and get to know a wonderful group of young people who have a passion for Dartmoor and the outdoors
- Have the opportunity to gain all levels of the John Muir Award
- Enjoy hot drinks and biscuits/cake
- Receive travel expenses