Special Event Corps Volunteer

National Capital Parks - East is recruiting Special Events Corps volunteers to support unique programming across a wide variety of historical and nature-based park sites!

Working seamlessly with National Park Service staff, Corps members will gain experience in planning, executing, and assisting with multiple high-quality public events each year. Join the team to:   

• be a vital part of exciting special events and programs 
• expand knowledge of local NPS sites 
• meet new people and support communities 
• acquire event management experience and build up your resume  
• utilize flexible scheduling
• and much more!  

Some Special Events Include: 

Fort Dupont Park Summer Event Series: a free 6-week Saturday night concert series. Set-up begins in the afternoon before each show; shows start around sunset and last until 10:00 PM. Audience size may exceed 15,000 people per concert! 

Annual Birthday Celebrations: these occur yearly at the Carter G. Woodson Home, Frederick Douglass, and Mary McLeod Bethune Council House National Historic Sites. Celebrations generally include formal ceremonies, tours, guest speakers, and children’s activities over 1 -2 days.

Lotus and Water Lily Festival: formerly a 2-day festival attracting around 13,000 people, it now lasts Friday - Sunday with well over 20,000 guests. Two stages showcase a variety of musical, cultural, and educational programs, while a lane of tables features a multitude of vendors, kid’s activities, crafts, games, and other themed offerings.

Late Skates: co-hosted by the Friends of Anacostia Park and National Park Service at the Anacostia Park Roller Skating Pavilion once per month from June to October. Each installment runs 2:00 – 10:00 PM, attracts around 250 people, and requires assistance with skate rental distribution and hands-on activities.

Oxon Hill Farm Egg-stravaganza: an annual family-friendly event themed to eggs and chickens through games, crafts, egg/scavenger hunts, live chicken programs, storytelling, ranger talks, and other activities.

How it Works 

Corps volunteers are emailed a list of event opportunities for the forthcoming 2 months (i.e., events in July & August are sent in June). Volunteers then state their preferences and availability by a given deadline, and a schedule will be sent out. Detailed information or briefing packages are distributed shortly before each event to properly prepare volunteers for their assignments.