Volunteer Open House on April 17
Join us on Friday, April 17, 2026, between 10:30 am - 12:30 pm for a drop-in Open House at Bookworm Gardens to learn about volunteer opportunities for the season. Round up any friends, family, and/or neighbors that might be interested in volunteering at Bookworm Gardens and bring them with you!
Individual Volunteers
Bookworm Gardens thrives because of the dedication and passion of our incredible volunteers. Since the project’s inception in 1999, volunteers have been the heart of our efforts, generously contributing their time, and talents to bring literature and nature to life. We cherish our volunteers and proudly consider them part of the Bookworm family.
Whether you love gardening, storytelling, or lending a helping hand, there’s a place for you at Bookworm Gardens. We have opportunities for early bird risers, evening owls, and daytime volunteers.
Volunteer opportunities include:
Garden Care:
Morning Rounds: Volunteers (for our early bird risers) help us before we open each day by resetting garden space. Responsibilities include tidying up interactive garden areas (like Digging for Dinosaur Bones), wiping down seating, sweeping small structures, and collecting liter. Volunteers work two hour shifts weekly during the on season.
General Garden Maintenance: Daytime volunteers help us with weeding and garden upkeep (deadheading flowers, cutting back perennials, and brush removal). Volunteers work two hour shifts with flexible week days.
Garden Beautification, Artist, or Handyperson: Daytime volunteers with specialty skills in carpentry, painting, woodworking, metalsmithing, or other unique artistry skills. Volunteers would be tasked with projects as opposed to set hours.
*All Garden care volunteers must be able to stand, sit, reach, stoop, kneel and lift.
Programming:
Event Volunteers: Daytime volunteers for general events like at Fairyfolk Festival and Family Fun. Must be at least 12 years of age. Responsibilities include reading for storytimes, leading interactive activities, helping in concessions like making popcorn and serving customers, or helping get supplies. Event shifts are typically 4 hours.
Nature 3k Preschool: Daytime classroom helpers for during preschool hours. These volunteers must be 18 years old and complete a volunteer orientation training. Responsibilities include assisting with set up/take down, assisting with preschool lessons, and providing another set of hands for assisting with weather gear. Volunteers will be outside with students September - May and must dress accordingly for all weather. Preschool classroom helper shifts are 3 hours.
Tour Guide: Daytime volunteers that will be trained to lead and assist with tour groups and/or field trips. Responsibilities include leading groups through the gardens, attending training about the gardens, and being able to talk in front of large groups of children or adults. Required to have a background check. Tour guide shifts are usually between 2-3 hours.
Storytime Readers: Daytime (and occasionally evenings for programs) volunteers to read during programs, events, and for Summer Storytime. Must be at least 12 years of age. Responsibilities include taking basket of books to set location (typically the bridge), reading stories aloud for visitors, and cleaning up once shift ends. Reading shifts are between 1.5 - 3 hours.
Adult Events: Evening Owls — adult only events happen after we close the gardens and help with events such as Secret Garden Dinners, Boos and Brews and more. Volunteers must be 21+ years old to volunteer and ideal for those who are thrive in fast paced environments. Responsibilities include bartending, serving food, and clearing tables. Adult event shifts are typically 4 hours.
*All programming volunteers must be able to stand, sit, reach, stoop, kneel and/or lift.
Ambassador Program (grades 6th-12th): Middle and High School students to volunteer during the day for summer programs, and events like Fairyfolk Festival and Family Fun. Occasional evening volunteers available for Happily Haunted. Ambassador shifts are between 3-4 hours.
Ready to make a difference? We’d love to have you on our team!
Group Volunteers
Looking for a meaningful way to engage your group while giving back to the community? Bookworm Gardens is proud to partner with corporations, schools, churches, non-profits, and other organizations to create customized volunteer experiences that benefit both your group and the Gardens.
What to Expect:
All volunteer opportunities take place outdoors.
Projects vary by season, ensuring that your group’s efforts make the greatest impact.
Our current priority project is the removal of invasive species at our new River Site—a vital initiative to restore and protect the natural environment.
Together, we’ll create a rewarding experience that fosters teamwork, connection, and community stewardship.
Questions about group volunteering? Let us know at info@bookwormgardens.org
Day of caring with United way sheboygan County
Bookworm Gardens is proud to participate in United Way Sheboygan County’s Day of Caring! This special day brings together volunteers to support local organizations and make a lasting impact in our community.
Join us for a hands-on experience helping with various projects, including garden clean-up, weeding, event prep for Happily Haunted, and more! Your time and effort help keep our gardens beautiful and welcoming for all.
For more details or to sign up, visit the United Way Sheboygan County website.
