Volunteer With Us
Looking for a volunteer opportunity that gets you outside, allows you to make a difference in the local community, and can be tailored to your skills and passions? Outdoor Chattanooga has been around since the early 90s and has maintained a consistent goal to get people outside. Whether someone is local or has traveled from out of town, we want everyone to have access to the outdoors and have made it our mission to make the outdoors a welcome home for everyone. If you care about people having access to the outdoors, even if you don’t have any training, we would love to hear from you.
Three Ways to Volunteer
Event and Outreach Support
Outdoor Chattanooga puts on multiple events each year such as the Chatt Town Cool Down and the Chattanooga River Games. From helping set up the climbing wall to ticketing, from organizing lost and found to breaking down tents, these events are huge feats that would not be possible without your support.
Custom Opportunities
Do you have ideas and skills for an outdoor program or educational activity that we don’t offer? We would like to hear your input to create a custom program. These in the past have looked like teaching Land Navigation, Fire Building, or building a custom bike storage solution for the inside of our bike trailer. Send us an email with your ideas to info@outdoorchattanooga.com
Program Support
We offer programs throughout the area including in Chattanooga and expanding all the way into the Thrive Region. Some of our more popular programs include Learn to Ride a Bike, Learn to Skateboard, Try Archery, Toddler Treks, and Intro to Whitewater Kayaking. Volunteering to support our programs is the best way for you to get involved if you want to learn a new outdoor skill (yes, we will teach you all the technical skills you need) and you want to see what Outdoor Chattanooga is about. You won’t need to plan or organize any logistics, we do all of that for you. You just need to show up with your excitement and willingness to learn and we will help get you set up in getting our community more comfortable outdoors.
FAQs
Is there a minimum age requirement?
All volunteers have to be at least 18 years old and pass a background check as many of our programs serve minors and vulnerable populations.
Do I need to have any specific skills or experience to volunteer?
No! To be a Program Specific Volunteer, we will teach you all of the technical skills you need to know.
If you do happen to have specific skills and experience you’d like to bring, definitely contact us and let’s start the conversation about creating a Custom Opportunity.
What is the estimated time committment?
That is completely up to you. If you would like to volunteer one time, take a look at our event opportunities. If you would like to volunteer regularly, a Program Specific Volunteer might be right for you. You let us know what you’re able to do and we’ll make it work.
What do I need to bring/wear?
In general you should always bring comfortable shoes like tennis shoes, a water bottle, and a snack. Consider seasonal and weather factors when dressing – don’t forget sunscreen in summers and gloves in the winter. You will not need to bring any supplies for the activities unless specifically stated.
Who do I contact with questions?
Chloe Krueger is our super wonderful Community Activator. If you have any questions, feel free to email ckrueger@chattanooga.gov.
How can I stay updated on volunteer opportunities?
Follow us in Bloomerang!
Can I volunteer if I have physical limitations or disabilities?
Yes! We are always looking for volunteers to help us staff the front desk and greet customers.
Events
Calendar of Events
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Sierra Club Meeting- Cherokee Chapter of TN
Sierra Club Meeting- Cherokee Chapter of TN
Learn more about how to get involved with the club and even more opportunities to get outdoors!https://www.sierraclub.org/tennessee/cherokeeThe Sierra Club is the most enduring and influential grassroots environmental organization in the […]
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0 events,
1 event,
FREE Winter Workshop: Developing Outdoor Learning in Schools
FREE Winter Workshop: Developing Outdoor Learning in Schools
Join us this winter for our Winter Workshop Series, an exciting weekly event designed to keep the outdoor community engaged, learning, and connected. Every Thursday throughout the colder months, we’ll […]
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2 events,
Toddler Treks
Toddler Treks
Are you and your little explorer ready for a captivating journey into the wonders of winter wildlife? Join Outdoor Chattanooga for a parent/child program that sparks a lifelong love for […]
Chattanooga Classics: Hike the Cumberland Trail
Chattanooga Classics: Hike the Cumberland Trail
Join Outdoor Chattanooga for a unique and scenic guided one-way hike along The Cumberland Trail, a stunning natural pathway with scenic winter views that traverses the Cumberland Plateau in Tennessee. […]
1 event,
Silver Adventures: Hike Blue Blazes Trail at Moccasin Bend
Silver Adventures: Hike Blue Blazes Trail at Moccasin Bend
Join Outdoor Chattanooga and the Hunter Museum of American Art for an immersive and educational woods walk along the Blue Blazes Trail as part of our Silver Adventures series, specifically […]
1 event,
Chattanooga Grotto Meeting
Chattanooga Grotto Meeting
Chattanooga Grotto is the caving club of Chattanooga, TN. Meetings are held every first Monday of the month at Outdoor Chattanooga in Coolidge Park at 7PM EST. Anyone is welcome […]
3 events,
Adult Archery!
Adult Archery!
Calling all adults 18+ who would like to join us indoors at Outdoor Chattanooga for target-style archery with fun and engaging games! Concentrating on range safety rules and fundamentals of […]
Try Archery!
Try Archery!
Take aim at Outdoor Chattanooga's "Try Archery" class. This indoor class offers a hands-on opportunity to learn more about the sport of archery. Concentrating on range safety rules and fundamentals […]
Adult Archery!
Adult Archery!
Calling all adults 18+ who would like to join us indoors at Outdoor Chattanooga for target-style archery with fun and engaging games! Concentrating on range safety rules and fundamentals of […]
0 events,
1 event,
FREE Winter Workshop: Intro To Caving
FREE Winter Workshop: Intro To Caving
Join us this winter for our Winter Workshop Series, an exciting weekly event designed to keep the outdoor community engaged, learning, and connected. Every Thursday throughout the colder months, we’ll […]
0 events,
1 event,
Hike Through History: Pleasant Garden Cemetery
Hike Through History: Pleasant Garden Cemetery
Join us for "Hike Through History" on February 8, 2025, at 10:00 AM at Pleasant Garden Cemetery. This unique event, presented by the City of Chattanooga Department of Parks and […]
1 event,
Bushcraft: Fire Building (and Marshmallow S’moring) Techniques
Bushcraft: Fire Building (and Marshmallow S’moring) Techniques
Outdoor Chattanooga's new Bushcraft Series offers you the chance to learn essential outdoor skills such as how to properly start a campfire, survival skills, knots, campfire cooking, navigating, and building […]
1 event,
Volunteer Orientation and Open House
Volunteer Orientation and Open House
Curious about how you can get involved and make a difference? Join us for our Volunteer Open House & Orientation! This event is designed to introduce new and returning volunteers […]
2 events,
Learn to Ride a Bike
Learn to Ride a Bike
Learn how to ride a bicycle in as little as one class, or come see us to refresh your rusty skills. The class consists of a set of exercises and […]
Tennessee Valley Canoe Club monthly meeting
Tennessee Valley Canoe Club monthly meeting
Contact Tennessee Valley Canoe Club for information about their monthly meetings.Visit https://tvccpaddler.com/ for learn about how you can connect with paddling trips and opportunities.
1 event,
Full Snow Moon Hike-Stringer’s Ridge
Full Snow Moon Hike-Stringer’s Ridge
Named after the winter season, the Cold Moon aligns with the winter solstice, creating a powerful moment for reflection, planning, and manifestation. Join us on February’s Full Moon, known as […]
1 event,
Free Winter Workshop: Bike Maintenance 101 + 201
Free Winter Workshop: Bike Maintenance 101 + 201
Join us this winter for our Winter Workshop Series, an exciting weekly event designed to keep the outdoor community engaged, learning, and connected. Every Thursday throughout the colder months, we’ll […]
1 event,
Free Adult Archery-Pin the arrow on Cupid!
Free Adult Archery-Pin the arrow on Cupid!
Unleash your inner archer with "Pin the Arrow on Cupid," a fun and free archery class exclusively for adults. Perfect for beginners and those looking to improve their aim, this […]
1 event,
Chattanooga Classic Hike-Walden’s Ridge
Chattanooga Classic Hike-Walden’s Ridge
Join Outdoor Chattanooga for a Classic Hike at Walden's Ridge Park. This park encompasses 200-acres of outdoor fun including mountain biking, hiking, trail running, and bouldering. A trail system on […]
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1 event,
Chattanooga Bike Club Monthly Meeting
Chattanooga Bike Club Monthly Meeting
Chattanooga Bicycle Club meets at the Philip Grymes Outdoor Chattanooga Center the 3rd MONDAY monthly from 6pm- 7:30 pm.The CBC is a recreational cycling club whose members share the good fortune of […]
1 event,
Try Archery!
Try Archery!
Take aim at Outdoor Chattanooga's "Try Archery" class. This indoor class offers a hands-on opportunity to learn more about the sport of archery. Concentrating on range safety rules and fundamentals […]
0 events,
1 event,
FREE Winter Workshop: Where to Gear Up? How about the Library?
FREE Winter Workshop: Where to Gear Up? How about the Library?
Join us this winter for our Winter Workshop Series, an exciting weekly event designed to keep the outdoor community engaged, learning, and connected. Every Thursday throughout the colder months, we’ll […]
0 events,
1 event,
Ruins of Old Harrison Kayak Tour
Ruins of Old Harrison Kayak Tour
View remnants and ruins of the town of Old Harrison by kayak, which was lost when submerged from the creation of Chickamauga Dam in 1940. Our guided and fully equipped […]
0 events,
1 event,
Sierra Club Meeting- Cherokee Chapter of TN
Sierra Club Meeting- Cherokee Chapter of TN
Learn more about how to get involved with the club and even more opportunities to get outdoors!https://www.sierraclub.org/tennessee/cherokeeThe Sierra Club is the most enduring and influential grassroots environmental organization in the […]
1 event,
Try Archery-FREE
Try Archery-FREE
Take aim at Outdoor Chattanooga's "Try Archery" class. This free indoor class located at the Philip Grymes Outdoor Chattanooga Center in Coolidge Park offers a hands-on opportunity to learn more […]
0 events,
1 event,
FREE Winter Workshop: TN State Office of Outdoor Recreation
FREE Winter Workshop: TN State Office of Outdoor Recreation
Join us this winter for our Winter Workshop Series, an exciting weekly event designed to keep the outdoor community engaged, learning, and connected. Every Thursday throughout the colder months, we’ll […]
0 events,
Did You Know?
The Chattanooga region holds great and diverse whitewater paddling opportunities, for beginners and experts. To the east, the Appalachian Mountains hold iconic whitewater streams like the Ocoee, Hiwassee, Cartecay, Nantahala and Chattooga. Closer to home, the ridges of the Cumberland Plateau offer some of the best steep creek boating in the Eastern U.S.
American Whitewater offers the region’s best river database.