VIPs are registered volunteers who serve without pay to help the Game and Parks Commission provide quality outdoor recreation experiences for their fellow Nebraskans and other park visitors while also reaping the satisfaction of meaningful community service. VIPs contribute their time and energy to projects that assist the Commission in achieving its goals of offering first-class facilities and services to visitors. A byproduct for VIPs is the camaraderie that develops during work projects and friendships that evolve.

WHO CAN VOLUNTEER?

Anyone can become a VIP. Volunteers under 19 years old, however, must have parental permission, and the range of volunteer projects will be limited. The VIP program is designed to provide volunteer opportunitites for individuals who wish to make a contribution to our parks system and for groups such as service clubs and youth organizations to play a valuable proprietorship role in parks in their area.
Political signage or other political promotions or activities will not be permitted in the parks.

QUALIFICATIONS?

Many projects do not require specific skills; others may require the ability to communicate well with the general public, have knowledge of flora and fauna or be proficient with hand tools. The diversity of project opportunities means that a variety of skills is potentially useful, but VIP projects can also be valuable learning experiences. Skill development can be a positive side benefit. Volunteers should be in good physical health and physically able to carry out their assigned duties.

VOLUNTEER PROJECTS

The list of available projects at NGPC state parks, historical parks, recreation areas and recreation trails is extensive. The nature depends on the needs of the individual parks and skills of each volunteer. Park superintendents will match the needs with the skills. Examples of typical projects are building renovation, cleaning and painting of facilities and equipment, maintenance on nature trails, staffing entrance booths and information desks, conducting living history lessons, improving handicap access, shoreline, roadside and trailside clean-up and planting trees, flowers and shrubs.

WHAT EQUIPMENT IS NEEDED?

Generally, work gloves, boots and seasonal clothing, snacks and water or other liquid refreshments are most helpful. Sunscreen and insect spray are also recommended. Hand tools such as shovels, hammers, saws, etc. may be useful, depending on the project

HOLD HARMLESS AGREEMENTS

All volunteers must sign a hold harmless agreement before they will be allowed to work in any park. You may print out the form click here and submit it to the superintendent of your preferred park or pick one up and sign it at the park when reporting for a volunteer project.

HOW TO VOLUNTEER

Click the link below to become a member of our NGPC Volunteer Registry. Your application will be noted as desiring to be a part of our Volunteer in Parks Program. Your application will e-mailed to Park Administration. You will be notified with volunteer opportunities become available!

CLICK HERE! to join our Volunteer Registry!