Opportunities From: Clay County Volunteer Services

Responsibilities/Job Requirements:  Greet and welcome
visitors to the Chowenwaw Centuries Exhibit. The Chowenwaw Centuries Exhibit is a small museum featuring the history of Girl Scouts in Northeast Florida, the development of Camp Chowenwaw, and the history of Indigenous Peoples in Clay County. We are proud to have a collection of artifacts on loan from the State of Florida. Responsibilities include overseeing these items while visitors are in the building. Benefits: Spend time at one of Green Cove Springs most
pristine wetland nature parks. Gain experience working with the public and expanding your local knowledge. Meet new friends and help connect visitors to Clay County’s rich history.*We are currently opening the Museum on Saturdays only, the shift will run from 10am-12:30pm or 12:30pm-3pm***Must schedule and complete an On-Site Training at Camp Chowenwaw Park on a separate date prior to first shift start. This opportunity is not available for Court-Ordered Community Service hours** 

Virtual Volunteer OrientationWe’re excited to have you join the Clay County Volunteers! We’re looking forward to welcoming you to the team and helping you get started on your volunteer journey.This virtual orientation is a great opportunity to learn more about volunteering with Clay County, meet fellow volunteers, and prepare to make a positive impact in our community.Virtual Orientation Details:

Orientation will be held online/virtually.

Cameras must be turned on for the duration of the orientation.

Please join from a location where you can participate without interruptions.

Please be prepared to actively participate and engage with the orientation.

Volunteer Acknowledgement and Parent Consent Forms will be emailed to you for completion. Please complete and return all required forms as instructed.

Upon successfully completing the virtual orientation, you will receive the Clay County Volunteer Handbook, which includes important information, guidelines, and resources to help you in your volunteer role.

Virtual Volunteer Orientation Dates & Times

Please select from the available orientation dates and times provided.

If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Jason Clark at volunteer@claycountygov.com.

Thank you for choosing to give your time and talents to make a difference in our community. We’re happy to have you on the team!

Want to be part of an exciting community event while enjoying the rodeo? Join us as a volunteer at the JC Kitaif Pro Rodeo!Volunteers are an important part of creating a great experience for guests. You’ll help welcome attendees, keep things moving, and make sure everyone gets where they need to go.Volunteers will assist with:Working the ticket gateAssisting guests with wristbandsDirecting foot traffic into the eventProviding friendly guidance and assistance to attendeesMust be 16 years or older to volunteer
Volunteer Shifts:

Friday, September 4: 4:30 PM–6:30 PM
Saturday, September 5: 4:30 PM–6:30 PM
Sunday, September 6: 11:30 AM–3:30 PM

Parking:

Volunteers may park in the main parking area.

Volunteer Perk!

Volunteers who successfully complete their scheduled shift will be eligible to attend the event afterward!

This is a great opportunity to give back to the community, meet new people, and enjoy the excitement of the JC Kitaif Pro Rodeo. Come volunteer, lend a hand, and then stick around to experience the event!

Sign up today and be part of the rodeo action! 

Want to be part of an exciting community event while enjoying the rodeo? Join us as a volunteer at the JC Kitaif Pro Rodeo!Volunteers are an important part of creating a great experience for guests. You’ll help welcome attendees, keep things moving, and make sure everyone gets where they need to go.Volunteer Shifts:

Friday, September 4: 5:30 PM–9:30 PM
Saturday, September 5: 5:30 PM–9:30 PM
Sunday, September 6: 2:30 PM–4:30 PM

VIP Rodeo Hosts Volunteer Duties:Assisting with VIP seatingDelivering food and beverages to VIP guests Assisting with VIP hospitality needs Helping maintain a welcoming and enjoyable VIP experience Assisting with keeping the VIP area organized and presentableMust be 21 years of age or older
Parking:

Volunteers may park in the main parking area.

Volunteer Perk!

Volunteers who successfully complete their scheduled shift will be eligible to attend the event afterward!

This is a great opportunity to give back to the community, meet new people, and enjoy the excitement of the JC Kitaif Pro Rodeo. Come volunteer, lend a hand, and then stick around to experience the event!

Sign up today and be part of the rodeo action! 

Welcome Clay County Animal Services welcomes individuals interested in volunteering. To be eligible to sign up for volunteer opportunities, all volunteers must first complete a hands-on orientation and training. Thank you for your interest in supporting Animal Services. We look forward to working with you to help improve the lives of animals in our care.

* In order to be qualified to sign up for volunteer opportunities with Animal Services, you must first complete the hands on training.

Dress Attire:Long Pants, no tank tops, and closed toed shoes (no crocs)

Please email the Animal Services Volunteer Site Coordinator, Nancy McDaniels, at nancy.mcdaniels@claycountygov.com, if you have any questions.  Address: Clay County Animal Services 3984 FL Hwy. 16Green Cove Springs, FL 32043 *Parking, please drive through the employee gate, and drive around to the front parking spaces.

2nd Annual No Man’s Land Chili Challenge & Flea MarketThe Military Museum of North Florida is gearing up for an exciting day of community, food, fun, and history, and we need YOU to help make it a success!Whether you can give us the entire day or just a few hours, your time can make a BIG difference! Volunteers will play an important role in creating a welcoming, organized, and fun experience for everyone attending.Location:

Military Museum of North Florida

990 Roland Ave. 

Green Cove Springs, FL 32043

Event Date & Time:

September 12, 2026 

10AM-3PM

We have volunteer opportunities in a variety of areas, including:Event Setup – Help us get everything ready before the crowds arrive.Parking Assistance – Help direct guests and keep parking organized.Guest Welcome & Information – Be one of the friendly faces greeting our visitors!Chili Challenge Support – Help with activities surrounding our exciting Chili Challenge.Vendor Assistance – Help our flea market vendors with their event-day needs.General Event Support – Pitch in wherever you're needed to help keep the event running smoothly.Cleanup – Help us wrap up the day and leave the museum ready for its next adventure.Why Volunteer?

This isn't just another event—it's an opportunity to be part of something meaningful in our community. Your volunteer support helps the Military Museum of North Florida continue its mission of preserving military history, educating our community, and honoring the men and women who have served our nation.

Plus, you'll have the opportunity to meet new people, work alongside fellow community members, enjoy a fun event, and help create a memorable experience for our guests!

Sign Up Today!

No matter how much time you can give, we would love to have you on our volunteer team!

Bring your enthusiasm, your community spirit, and your willingness to help—and we'll put you to work making this year's Chili Challenge & Flea Market the best one yet!

Interested in volunteering? Sign up today and be part of the team!

We can't do it without our amazing volunteers, and we can't wait to have YOU join us!

The Impact Clay Train is making its next stop at Keystone Heights Jr./Sr. High School on September 19, 2026.

We are excited to continue connecting the community with mobile neighborhood care teams made up of healthcare professionals and community workers. Together, these teams play a vital role in improving access to healthcare and social services and creating positive outcomes across our local communities.

We are seeking volunteers to help support this effort and make the event a truly exceptional Train experience. Join us!

*Please note: court-mandated volunteers are not accepted.

Date & Time

September 19, 2026

8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. (4-hour shift)

Volunteer Roles

Set-up & Break down of eventCheck-In Kids’ Train Event Management Floater

All volunteers must sign in at the Impact Clay tent and check in with Brooke Davies to receive a station assignment.

Thank you in advance for your support and willingness to serve our community. Click here to learn more about the impact this event will have in Clay County.

Job duties: Socialize and cuddle with cats Assist with daily enrichment, follow weekly/daily schedules for enrichment Assist with cleaning of cat cages, bowls, and litter pans Report any behavioral or medical concerns to the Volunteer coordinator Assist adoption staff with completing adoptions Requirements: Must be at least 16 years old or accompanied by a parent or guardian Must be comfortable working with cats of various sizes and temperaments Must attend cat cleaning and handling training Must be reliable and punctual Must be able to lift up to 20 pounds.

Help to conserve native habitat at a Clay County park.  Pull or dig out exotic vegetation to prevent it from out-competing native plants.  Work is in wooded areas of the park with sparse to sometimes dense vegetation.  Tools are provided.  Great task for groups or an individual.

Desired qualifications: Have an interest in conservation.

Required qualifications: Must be able to squat or crouch for long periods of time.

Benefits: Instantly see the impact you are making to preserve habitat after removing invasive plants.  Immerse yourself in natural areas that are seldom seen by visitors.  Improve the quality of a habitat and support native wildlife.  

 **This opportunity is not available for Court-Ordered Community Service Hours** 

Responsibilities/job requirements:  Scout trail before program or setup teaching props.  Be knowledgeable on program subject matter. Follow program outline while leading groups.  Engage visitors with program related questions or conversation.  Find points of interest and include any related environmental science subjects that interest you.  Maintain situational awareness and be mindful of the safety of visitors.

Time commitment: 1.5 – 2.5 hours

Desired qualifications:  Knowledge of native flora and fauna or local history.

Required qualifications: Teaching or public speaking experience.  Ability to stand and walk for 2 hours.  Enjoy working with children.

Benefits:  Spend time at one of Green Cove Springs most pristine wetland nature parks.  Gain experience in interpretation.  Learn local history and native ecology.  Help community to connect to the natural world.

Equipment/materials:  Program outline provided along with teaching props.  Sunscreen, close-toed shoes, and bug spray are recommended.

Background information:  Camp Chowenwaw is a beautiful 150-acre recreation site on Black Creek.  The park offers camping, event facilities, hiking, fishing, kayak access, picnic areas, seasonal pool, museum, nature center, a playground, and environmental education programs.

The Duval County Girl Scout Council operated the site as a camp for over 70 years beginning in 1933.  Camp Chowenwaw played an important role in the lives of three generations of young women in Northeast Florida.

The camp is now managed by Clay County to preserve its historical and natural resources while offering recreational opportunities.

Background information:  Camp Chowenwaw is a beautiful 150-acre recreation site on Black Creek.  The park offers camping, event facilities, hiking, fishing, kayak access, picnic areas, seasonal pool, museum, nature center, a playground, and environmental education programs.

The Duval County Girl Scout Council operated the site as a camp for over 70 years beginning in 1933.  Camp Chowenwaw played an important role in the lives of three generations of young women in Northeast Florida.

The camp is now managed by Clay County to preserve its historical and natural resources while offering recreational opportunities.

**This opportunity is not available for Court-Ordered Community Service Hours** 

Join Camp Chowenwaw’s monthly gardening group to help spruce up maintained areas of the park.  We meet the 3rd Friday of the month.  Tasks include but not limited to upkeep of butterfly host garden, removing vines, trimming bushes, pulling exotic plants and sprouting hardwoods.

Desired qualifications: Have some knowledge of native plants.

Required qualifications: Have basic gardening skills.

Benefits: Meet new people with a passion for gardening.  Learn about Clay County’s native plants.  Feel accomplished by seeing instant results of your work.

Equipment/materials:  Tools are available but recommended to bring your own tools.

Background information:  Camp Chowenwaw is a beautiful 150-acre recreation site on Black Creek. The park offers camping, event facilities, hiking, fishing, kayak access, picnic areas, seasonal pool, museum, nature center, a playground, and environmental education programs.

The Girl Scout Council of Duval County operated the site as a camp for over 70 years beginning in 1933.  Camp Chowenwaw played an important role in the lives of three generations of young women in Northeast Florida.

The camp is now managed by Clay County to preserve its historical and natural resources while offering recreational opportunities.

**This opportunity is not available for Court-Ordered Community Service Hours** 

Do you live in a place that doesn't allow any furry friends? Or do you just love hanging out with dogs? You should try a Bow Wow Breakout! You get to take one of our wonderful doggos out on the town to pet friendly areas. It's a great way for them to 'breakout' of the shelter and relax. You can dress them up in Adopt Me gear and take pictures of them enjoying themselves. Want to make it a sleepover? That's pawesome! Just let us know when you are picking up the dog.  Thank you for answering the call for all our FURRY friends who need a break from those every day stressors.

 

Requirements: * For those under 18 years of age, a parent/guardian needs to be present * Dog must stay within Clay County * No off leash areas, dog must stay on leash at all times  
 
 

Help to conserve native habitat in Clay County Parks! Join us as a Clay County Park Steward and assist in trash cleanups, invasive plant removal, and other various parks beautification projects. Volunteers must be comfortable working in wooded areas of the parks with sparse to sometimes dense vegetation. As well as, open areas in direct sunlight. Gloves and some tools are provided for groups. Great task for groups or a single person. Qualifications: Must be able to bend, squat, or crouch for long periods of time, tolerate biting insects, work in variable weather temperatures. Volunteers must wear long sleeves, long pants, and closed toe shoes.Benefits: Instantly see the impact you are making to preserve habitat! Removing trash allows for the safety of our native animals, and for our parks to thrive. Removing invasive plants help to prevent them from out-competing native plants that provide food and shelter to animals. Have the opportunity to immerse yourself in natural areas that are seldom seen by visitors. Be a part of improving the quality of a local habitat and support native wildlife!

**This opportunity is not available for Court-Ordered Community Service Hours** 

Do you love cats, dogs, or both? Consider opening your heart and home as a foster volunteer! Fostering provides a temporary, safe, and loving environment for animals while they wait for their forever families. Whether you're caring for a playful puppy, a shy kitten, a senior companion, or a pet recovering from surgery, your support can make a life-changing difference. Why Foster? Help save animal lives by creating space in the shelter for other pets in need. Provide comfort, socialization, and love in a home environment. Learn about an animal's personality and help them become more adoptable. Experience the joy of helping a pet find their forever home. What We Provide Food and supplies (as available) Veterinary care and support Guidance from shelter staff throughout the fostering experience What You Provide A safe and caring temporary home Time, patience, and love Transportation to scheduled veterinary or adoption appointments, if needed Whether you can foster for a few days, a few weeks, or longer, your commitment helps give animals the second chance they deserve.

Ready to make a difference?
Sign up to become a foster volunteer today and help a homeless cat or dog find their way home. Every foster home saves lives!

Help keep our local parks clean! The Camp Chowenwaw Parks Maintenance position would include trimming encroaching vegetation along boardwalks and trails, assist in making the trails more user friendly, and possible other tasks as needed.

Volunteers should be comfortable walking, leaning, and sometimes crouching Volunteers should be comfortable using loppers and pruning shears Long pants, closed-toe shoes, and water are highly recommended. 

Help keep our parks safe! The Camp Chowenwaw Tree Trimmer position would include trimming various limbs and other encroaching vegetation along boardwalks and trails plus camper areas, and possible other tasks as needed.

Volunteers should be comfortable walking, leaning, and sometimes crouching Volunteers should be comfortable using saws, loppers, and pruning shears  **Previous Experience in Tree Trimming Preferred**Long pants, closed-toe shoes, and water are highly recommended. 

Be a Dog's Best Friend!

Love dogs? Spend your volunteer time helping shelter dogs enjoy one of their favorite parts of the day—playgroup! Playgroup Volunteers assist staff with setting up yards, observing dog interactions, helping with enrichment activities, and cheering on our pups as they make friends and build confidence.

What you'll do:
Help prepare play yards 
Observe dogs as they socialize and play
Assist staff with running dogs to the play yard 
Help dogs gain confidence and learn positive social skills
Capture fun moments and celebrate their successes

Perfect for: Dog lovers who enjoy being outdoors, staying active, and watching dogs be dogs!

Turn Ordinary Days Into Extraordinary Adventures!

Shelter life can be stressful, and that's where Enrichment Volunteers come in! You'll help create exciting activities that keep animals mentally and physically engaged. From treat puzzles and scent games to special toys and creative activities, you'll help make every day brighter for our shelter pets.

What you'll do:
Prepare enrichment items and activities
Stuff KONGs and create treat puzzles
Set up scent games, toys, and special experiences
Help distribute enrichment to dogs and cats
Track favorite activities and help keep enrichment supplies organized

Perfect for: Creative animal lovers who want to make a direct impact on an animal's happiness and well-being.

Do you enjoy history, meeting new people, and giving back to your community? The Historic Museum of Penney Farms is looking for enthusiastic volunteers to serve as Museum Docents and help preserve and share the rich history of this unique community.As a Museum Docent, you'll welcome visitors, share fascinating stories about Penney Farms' past, answer questions, and help create an engaging and memorable experience for guests of all ages. Whether you're a lifelong history enthusiast or simply enjoy connecting with others, your time and passion can make a lasting impact.The Historic Museum of Penney Farms tells the remarkable story of a community founded in 1926 by James Cash Penney, founder of the JCPenney department stores. The museum highlights Mr. Penney's vision of creating a thriving community of farmers and the Memorial Home Community for retired clergy, a legacy that continues to shape Penney Farms today.

The museum also proudly shares the story of New Hope, whose rich history of African American settlers predates James Cash Penney's arrival. Through exhibits and historical artifacts, visitors gain a deeper understanding of the people, cultures, and events that helped shape this extraordinary area.

Location:
Historic Museum of Penney Farms
4100 Clark Ave.
Penney Farms, FL 32079

Volunteer Shifts:

Monday through Friday9:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Volunteer Requirements:

Must be 18 years of age or olderFriendly, dependable, and eager to engage with visitorsCourt-ordered community service hours will not be accepted

By becoming a Museum Docent, you'll help preserve local history, inspire curiosity, and ensure the stories of Penney Farms and New Hope continue to educate and inspire future generations. Every conversation you have with a visitor helps keep these important legacies alive.

Ready to make a difference?

For more information or to become a volunteer:

Website:www.historicalsocietyofpenneyfarms.orgEmail:info@historicalsocietyofpenneyfarms.org

Join our volunteer team and become a storyteller, educator, and ambassador for one of Florida's most unique and inspiring historic communities.