Volunteering FAQ
What is considered seasonal volunteering?
Those individuals who are able to volunteer weekly for three or more consecutive months are considered seasonal volunteers. Irregularities in schedule due to vacations, sickness, etc. are of course excused.
What is considered short-term volunteering?
Volunteers who are unable to commit to weekly consistent participation are considered short-term. These individuals are able to find time to serve at the ranch on an irregular basis, for a shorter set period of time, or for brief involvement every year. However much we want to fully include these giving hearts in our program, the opportunities to give for short-term helpers are limited due to constraints of our volunteering program resources.
When can I volunteer?
Volunteering is limited to open ranch hours. Because the ranch property is not owned by FTYR, we are careful to ensure the privacy of our hosts by limiting volunteer opportunities to regular ranch hours.
All approved volunteers will be scheduled according to availability and need. Please refer to the information on our volunteering at the ranch page for more information regarding the application and scheduling.
FTYR Hours of Operation for Volunteers
Ranch Program Hours: Monday-Thursday 1:00pm-5:30pm (April through mid-November)
Office Summer Hours: Monday-Thursday 9:00am-6:00pm (April through mid-November)
Office Winter Hours: Monday-Wednesday 9:00am-3:00pm (mid-November-March)
Can I work with children and horses?
The opportunity to work with kids and horses in a session instructor capacity is reserved for our consistent long term adult volunteers. We ask that these volunteers first assist the ranch in other ways. This gives them the opportunity to get acquainted with our system, and gives us the opportunity to train them in our method of teaching.
A criminal background check will also be completed to ensure the ranch remains a safe place for kids. Volunteers must also complete CPR and First Aid certifications before they are able to teach sessions independently.
Can I bring my children when I volunteer?
Of course! Kids are what this ranch is all about. We do not have child care however, and it is a volunteer’s responsibility to watch their children while they are here. A close eye is necessary as there are many fun yet potentially dangerous things to play with here at the ranch.
Can I volunteer outside of ranch open hours?
For the most part, all of our on-site volunteering happens during regular ranch open hours. We may arrange different hours for established volunteers who have a pre-assigned task.
What opportunities are available for long term adult out of the area volunteering?
There are opportunities for volunteers from out of the area interested in an extended stay. If you desire to be a part of our program for two or more months please contact the office to receive a Long Term Volunteer Application.
We do not have the resources to provide room and board or transportation.