Get involved - volunteer with the Friends
As advocates and providers of direct volunteer service the Friends have expanded our educational, environmental, and recreational opportunities in the Boston Harbor Islands National Park Area.
Volunteering with the Friends of the Boston Harbor Islands.
The Friends have been providing volunteer service to the islands since 1979.
- Volunteers provide visitors with information about the harbor and the islands through interpretive tours, educational programming and a welcoming presence on the islands.
- The harbor islands call out with a sense of mystery and lure transmitted to each individual in a special way. Come and find your place on the islands and help visitors discover theirs… it could change your life!
- Volunteers develop background skills and knowledge by participating in recreational and educational projects and assisting the visitor in building a meaningful relationship with the islands that encourages support for their preservation.
As you prepare for volunteer service you:
- will be interviewed by the Coordinator of Volunteers
- will receive training that will give you a background of the Boston Harbor Islands National Park. You This will include information about the development and history of the park and basic overview of the harbor islands.
- After being trained you will be assisted in finding satisfying volunteer work.
- will be encouraged to volunteer for at least 40 hours each year.
To sign up or ask questions, please complete the Contact Form below.
Volunteer Opportunities
- Visitor Service Volunteer - positions are available on the ferries and at mainland gateways. Answer visitor questions and skills for site interpretation. Greet visitors and provide information about ferries.
- Campground Host - Camping equipment and CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information, required by the State) check required. Work with park rangers to assist campers and maintain trails. A great outdoors experience. Give at least 2 weekends per season, or choose a weeknight slot.
- Boat Trip Volunteer - We offer boat trips to islands that are not ordinarily accessible. You can help out and enjoy a different kind of harbor adventure. Assist with merchandise and ticket sales, or learn to be a cruise narrator. Interaction with passengers throughout the cruise is a must. You will be distributing island brochures and answering passenger questions.
- Boston Light Volunteer - Help the National Park Service, Island Alliance and U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary on Little Brewster Island. Interact with the public, answer queries, and present short interpretive programs. Specialized training offered only in early spring.
- FBHI Office Volunteer - Help needed on various projects throughout the year. No minimum hours required. Answer phone and email inquiries, input data, and prepare membership mailings. Some tasks may be done from your home.
- Public Relations - Assist with displays at libraries, and share park information with businesses in the Boston area. Build and present PowerPoint slideshows about the islands
- Work on our newsletter team.
- Special Volunteer Projects
- Storytelling - A Living Legacy continuing the tradition of Edward Rowe Snow.
- Special exhibits and displays that bring images of the islands to mainland communities. Working on garden and tree exhibits on Lovell’s Island and Thompson Island.
- Boat trip narrator.
- Children's crafts and island activities
Spread the word! - Ask your employer or a business friend if their company would like to sponsor a FBHI project, event, or supplies for the volunteer program.
Support the FBHI by participating in fund raising and leadership projects
