We are looking for new volunteers to help deliver its Explorers education programme aimed at seven to 14 year-olds.
The new recruits will be based in the historic surroundings of Etruria and join an existing team of experienced and enthusiastic education volunteers.
The Explorers volunteers will lead sessions for primary schools, cub scouts and brownie groups, that extend from the classroom to the waterside, and include everything from explaining how canals were built to helping children to be safe by the water. They will also be talking about the wonderful wildlife, history and characters of the area's 200-year-old canals.
Wonderful opportunity
As well as fun learning activities and visit ideas the Explorers education programme offers free themed workshops in school and out on the towpath along with downloadable lesson plans and resources. The team of volunteers lead fun visits to the canal at Etruria, linked with partners at Etruria Industrial Museum and Etruria Boat Group. All activities and materials are linked to the National Curriculum.
Sarah Bicknell, education coordinator at the Trust says: "The canals in Stoke-on-Trent are steeped in history and wherever you look there's an interesting story to tell. Our education volunteers play a really important role in bringing those stories to life and giving children an appreciation of where they live.
"The volunteers inspire kids about the wonderful history and wildlife around them with fun, interesting activities. They help children to build confidence and develop skills and so it's a really rewarding role. It's also a brilliant way to keep active and meet new people so we're really looking forward to hearing from people who want to get involved."
What we're looking for
We looking for people who are confident leading organised school and group activities. The volunteers will be requested to volunteer on weekdays during term time, some evenings and weekends when working with groups and at events.
Anyone wanting to get involved or get more information should contact Sarah Bicknell on 07715 377788 or at [email protected].
For more information about the Trust's Explorers education program visit www.canalrivertrust.org.uk/explorers/volunteers
