Education & Volunteers
1 /
Arkansas State Parks are the ultimate classroom
From guided programs to self-led exploration, there are countless ways to provide hands-on learning experiences for schools, scout troops and homeschool families.
Education
Arkansas State Parks are more than a backdrop for field trips – they create unforgettable experiences for learners of all ages. In a state park, students and youth organizations are given a space to learn, explore and connect with nature through interpreter-led programming, outdoor skill workshops, guided hikes and resource-based learning tailored to your learning goals or curriculum.
Whether you’re studying geology, ecology, state history, conservation or cultural heritage, there’s an Arkansas State Park that’s perfect for a school outing or field trip. Many parks include visitor centers, museums or interactive exhibits that bring lessons to life, and several parks offer field trip grant funding to help schools offset transportation or program costs.
Homeschool families or co-ops will also find a warm welcome at Arkansas State Parks, with flexible programming, self-guided curriculum support and outdoor learning opportunities that go beyond the traditional classroom.
For educators, Arkansas State Parks offer professional development opportunities, curriculum-aligned resources and seasonal training that can help you bring outdoor learning back to the classroom. No matter the size of your class or group, we can help you plan an experience that’s both meaningful and easy to manage.
Volunteers
Interested in volunteering at Arkansas State Parks? Volunteering is a great help to our state parks and has been a strong part of the tradition and heritage of them from the very beginning. Early records point to Dr. T.W. Hardison as the first state park volunteer. His dedicated efforts helped lead to the creation of Petit Jean State Park, Arkansas’ first state park.
You can help be a steward of our state parks by carrying on this tradition of volunteering. Help can come in many forms, from a cleanup to help preserve a park’s scenic beauty to a work day repairing a campground to everything in between. No matter how you help, volunteering is an impactful way to make a difference and enjoy the outdoors.
The form below can help you get started. The park(s) you choose will contact you about volunteer opportunities in your area that you decide are a good fit. Please note that in the form below you’ll be limited to picking a maximum of five Arkansas State Parks that you'd like to volunteer at.
Thank you for your willingness to volunteer and help care for our state parks.
