volunteer information
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Average Vols Needed Per Day
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Average Vols Needed Per Week
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Average Vols Needed Per Session
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Important Information
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 (12 weeks), Summer Session (10 weeks), Fall Session (12 weeks), Mini-Term (2 weeks), and Winter Session (8 weeks).
REQUIREMENTS
To view the STAR Calendar for training opportunities, click here.
Our Therapeutic Riding classes are year round and consist of 5 sessions each year, i.e. Spring Session (12 weeks), Summer Session (10 weeks), Fall Session (12 weeks), Mini-Term (2 weeks), and Winter Session (8 weeks).
REQUIREMENTS
- Minimum commitment of 1 hour 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
To view the STAR Calendar for training opportunities, click here.
volunteer opportunities
Lesson Volunteers (13 years and older)
STAR’s Lesson Vols work directly with riders and horses during lessons. Assist participants with grooming and tacking; then sidewalk beside the rider during the mounted portion of each lesson. Minimum time requirement of 1 hour per week at the same day and time for the entire session.
Horse Leaders (13 years and older)
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, you must volunteer for at least one session, attend our Horse Leaders Workshop, and pass a certification test. Horse Leader Workshops & Certifications will be held towards the end of every session.
Minis in Motion Volunteers (13 years and older)
Come out and join our Minis as they go on visits to nursing homes, memory care units, assisted living, and schools. Minis in Motion volunteers are responsible for getting the minis ready to go, loading them up, and then getting them ready at the site by putting their diapers and shoes on! This opportunity has a separate training and is more flexible for those who cannot commit to a set day or time. The majority of mini visits happen in the morning or early afternoons.
Barn Helpers (13 years and older)
Get “up close and personal” with our equine partners! Assists with their bring-in and turn-out, grain distribution and stall cleaning. No weekly commitment is needed. This opportunity is very flexible for those who cannot commit to a set day/time. Additional training is required.
Junior Volunteers (10-12 years old)
Junior Volunteers help with preparing the tack (equipment) for lessons and assists with barn chores. They are not directly involved with the lessons until age 13. STAR provides training for our Junior Vols prior to the start of every session.
Facility Committee
Volunteers work as a team at both sites to maintain physical structures and fields, help with equipment upkeep, hay production, composting, landscaping and much more.
STAR Guild
Great for adult volunteers who require a more flexible schedule or for those who have physical limitations. Help with baking, manning booths at fairs, concessions, cleaning, etc.
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 both our Lenoir City and South Knoxville farms.
