Click here to go directly to Volunteer Forms
STAR E-News
Check out the July 2010 edition here!
June 2010 edition
May 2010 edition
April 2010 edition
STAR is 90% volunteer based and always welcomes new volunteers to be a part of our team. With the dedication and commitment of our volunteers, STAR continues to provide life-changing experiences for our participants.
Our Therapeutic Riding classes are year round and consist of 5 sessions each year, i.e. Spring Session (11 weeks), Summer Session (8 weeks), Fall Session (11 weeks), Mini-Term (2 weeks), and Winter Session (6 weeks).
REQUIREMENTS
Minimum commitment of 1 ¼ hours per week; same day/time for duration of session
Dependable & responsible
Positive attitude
Able to work independently
Able to walk for 30 minutes; some jogging required
Adequate body size, strength, and experience for specified task
No horse experience necessary
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Lesson Volunteers (13 years and older)
STAR’s Lesson Vols assist our riders during their one hour class time. They help with the grooming and tacking process and act as a sidewalker during the mounted portion of the lesson. A typical class consists of four riders with one to three volunteers per rider. We train all of our volunteers by providing Lesson Volunteer Trainings prior to the start of every session.
Junior Volunteers (10-12 years old)
Our Junior Volunteers help with preparing the tack (equipment) for each class. Each rider and horse requires specific equipment and our junior vols are responsible for making sure that all of this is ready for class. Junior Vols also help clean stalls, sweep, or clean the barn area during class time. They are not directly involved with the lessons until the age of 13. STAR also provides training for our Junior Vols prior to the start of every session.
Barn Helpers
Get “up close and personal” with our equine friends. Help
care for the horses, i.e. feeding, distributing hay and
shavings, stall cleaning, bring-in and turn-out. Additional training is required. This opportunity is very flexible for
those who cannot commit to a set day/time.
Horse Leaders
STAR Horse Leaders provide our equine partners with consistent handling and direct commands. This is essential in providing a safe environment for our riders, volunteers, and horses. The horse leader helps guide the horse during the mounted portion of the lesson while being respectful of its needs. To become a STAR Horse Leader, one must volunteer for at least a session, attend our Horse Leaders Workshop, and pass a certification test. Horse Leader Workshops & Certifications will be held towards the end of every session.
STAR Guild
As a member of the guild, you can choose which task/event to help with based on your interests and availability. For example, you can choose to help with parades, concession stands, baked goods, flower beds, office work, etc. There are no meetings and no minimum time requirements. The Guild can be beneficial for those who want to help STAR, but are unable to make a specific time commitment or for those who have physical restraints.
Work Days
STAR gladly welcomes corporations, large or small groups, community organizations, church groups, etc. to assist with special projects or events, and to help maintain our 63 acre farm.
VOLUNTEER FORMS
All volunteers are required to complete STAR’s Volunteer Information & Release Forms. Please click here to download the forms now. All forms must be updated annually.
UPDATED - VOLUNTEER POLICY MANUAL
This manual contains detailed information needed to volunteer at STAR. To download STAR’s Volunteer Policy Manual, please click here or one will be provided for you at the Volunteer Training.
To contact the Volunteer Coordinator, please call 865-988-4711 or click here to send an e-mail.
STAR CALENDAR
To view the STAR Calendar for training opportunities, click here.
