Opportunities From: Clay County Volunteer Services

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.

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** 

Get ready — Last Splash is a new event that we are expecting to have a huge turn out for. Parks & Recreation is pumped to bring together kids, families, and the whole community for a day packed with big smiles, awesome skills, and nonstop fun!Location & Time:Ronnie Van Zant Memorial Park9PM to 2:30PMVolunteer Roles:
Assisting with event setup and breakdown
Helping guide parking
Directing people to the different vendors and activities zones

Welcome to the Clay County Fairgrounds volunteer opportunity.   To always make sure our county fairgrounds our ready for public use.  We've created this Thursday morning volunteer opportunity.   Thank you in advance, and please feel free to reach out to Fairgrounds@claycountygov.com if you have questions.*Must be 16 years or older to volunteer Clay County Fairgrounds volunteer activities: Pressure Washing Sand Bag Prep WeedingLitter Pick UpEvent Prep/Breakdown  (tables & chairs)Cleaning (floor mopping, bathroom, kitchen, etc.)Horse Stall Cleaning

The Impact Clay Train is making its next stop at Green Cove Springs Jr. High School on August 15, 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

August 15, 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.