Description

Walker Ranch Homestead, located just west of Boulder on Flagstaff Road, was settled by the Walker family in the 1870s. Volunteers share historic chores and games of the 1880s to 1900. The site is open several times a year for Heritage Days special events and during spring or fall on weekdays for school groups.

Volunteer Responsibilities

• Demonstrate chores and games (recreate life) of the 1880s-1900 in a second person role; volunteers do not research and act as actual ranch residents from history
• Set up and clean up living history demonstration areas/props
• Speak to a wide range of ages, including families, school children and seniors
• Possibly research, develop, and lead time period appropriate crafts, games, and activities
• Possibly lead occasional group tours at events or requested in advance

Training and Commitment

• Attend a new volunteer training course (likely two sessions, online and in person)

• Minimum commitment of three Heritage Days and/or School Days each year

Requirements and Qualifications

• Must be at least 9 years old (volunteers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult parent/guardian during training and volunteer shifts)
• Should be available spring and/or fall weekday mornings for school field trips
• Passionate about local history
• Knowledge or interest in ranching/agriculture, old fashioned life
• Comfortable speaking to a wide range of ages and audiences
• Willingness to wear period and age-appropriate reproduction clothing (costumes) on loan provided by the department
• Provide own solid leather (or leather look-alike) footwear that is brown or black
• Must have personal transportation
• Computer, tablet, or a smart phone are required for scheduling and recording volunteer hours and for easier communication with staff and volunteer colleagues
• Pass background check

We ask volunteers to commit to an introductory training that is virtual for about 3 hours and then about the same amount of in-person training. After that, there may be a yearly 1-2 hour training as a refresher. 

Annual Volunteer Commitment

We ask that each volunteer help at a combination of at least three Heritage Days and/or School Days each year. 

Waiver of Liability

In return for receiving permission from Boulder County Parks and Open Space (“BCPOS”) to allow me to volunteer for BCPOS and after due consideration of my age, health, physical condition, and ability, and the inherent risks and personal risks involved in this activity, I voluntarily agree to assume all risks of loss that arise out of my participation and agree to waive any and all claims against Boulder County and other parties described below.

I hereby release, and agree to indemnify and hold harmless Boulder County, the Board of County Commissioners and any of their respective employees, agents and representatives, person or property, whether anticipated or unanticipated, from liability for any injury, loss or damage resulting from my participation in any activities contemplated by this agreement, whether such damage, loss, or injury results from the negligence of Boulder County, the Board of County Commissioners, and any of the agents, representatives, officers, employees, successors, assigns, administrators, and executors.

I realize that working on this program/project may involve risks and hazards, including the risk of injury. I am aware of the risks and hazards inherent in participating and do hereby assume sole responsibility for all such risks and waive all claims against Boulder County and their respective agents, representatives, officers, employees, successors, assigns and insurers.

I grant Boulder County permission to use my likeness in photograph(s) or video, in any and all of its publications and in any and all other media, including public website publication, and social media channels, whether now known or hereafter existing, controlled by Boulder County, in perpetuity, and for other use by the County. I will make no monetary claim or other claim against Boulder County for the use of my likeness in the photograph(s)/video. I understand that the nature of digital media on the Internet makes duplication difficult to control and that Boulder County is not responsible for any unauthorized use by third parties of the content and images published on its public website.

I authorize Boulder County to obtain medical attention for me in case of emergency if unable to reach the physician stated below, and I release Boulder County for such medical attention.

I certify that my vehicle will have insurance coverage as required by Colorado law in connection with my activities on Boulder County property.

I agree to abide by the rules and regulations of Boulder County while participating on this program/project. I hereby acknowledge that I have read, understood and voluntarily agreed to the foregoing waiver and release agreement.