Volunteer at Soule Homestead: Hands-on Farm Stewardship and Community Service in Middleborough

MIDDLEBOROUGH SERVICE FIELD GUIDE

Volunteer at Soule Homestead: Hands-on Farm Stewardship and Community Service in Middleborough

Join Soule Homestead Education Center as a volunteer to support events, animal care, maintenance, and youth leadership while gaining practical skills and helping the local community.

Volunteer at Soule Homestead: Hands-on Farm Stewardship and Community Service in Middleborough.

Duration
Contact operator
Location
Middleborough
Operator
Soule Homestead Education Center
Category
Service
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

Soule Homestead sits at the center of a lively community effort in Middleborough: volunteers staff events, tend animals and gardens, maintain fences and tools, and help run educational programs that connect children and teens to farm life. Whether you sign up for a single shift or join a committee, your time translates directly into the farm’s daily operations and public programming.

Highlights

Volunteer Highlights

THE WORK

Hands-on farm and barn duties

Volunteers feed animals, clean stalls and sweep the barn, maintain wheelbarrows and tools, and help with garden and fence upkeep—practical tasks that keep the homestead running.

THE COMMUNITY

Event support and outreach

The homestead depends on volunteers for event roles—parking, visitor welcome, food booths, posting fliers, and staffing the Summer Concert Series—plus committee work for fundraising and special events.

THE NEXT GENERATION

Teen volunteers and training

Teens 12 and older are encouraged to participate across nearly all roles, gaining leadership and teamwork skills; training is provided for many positions and the farm prioritizes safe, supervised learning.

What the day feels like

What volunteering at Soule Homestead feels like

Expect structured but flexible shifts: you’ll be slotted into roles based on current needs—one day you might repair fence and the next help teach a children’s program or staff a food booth. The rhythm is practical and collaborative, with clear tasks and on-site guidance so volunteers of varying experience can contribute meaningfully.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this volunteer program suits—and who should consider other options.

1
Teen Volunteers (12+)A great match: teens 12 and older may volunteer in nearly all listed roles (except parking) and the program emphasizes leadership, skill-building and supervised independence.
2
Community VolunteersIdeal for locals who want to support events, maintenance, or program delivery; many roles are flexible and scheduled in shifts to fit availability.
3
Parents with Young ChildrenFamilies can participate, but volunteers under age 12 must be accompanied by an adult during the school year; scheduling typically separates parent and child assignments unless requested otherwise.
4
People Seeking Long‑Term RolesThose planning extended involvement should expect potential background checks for core positions; training is provided as needed for committees and recurring duties.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

What to Bring

If asked to undergo a background check for core volunteer duties, bring your state ID and be prepared to fill out a form; minors dropped off must have emergency-contact information on file.

Scheduling & Shifts

Volunteer times are organized into shifts; the operator will contact you with specific shift times as events approach.

Training & Committees

Training will be provided for committee roles and for many volunteer tasks; committee opportunities include Volunteer, Fundraising, Farm Operations, Special Events, and Harvest Fair.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How do I sign up to volunteer?

Complete the volunteer form provided by Soule Homestead; follow-up communication will include shift information and any next steps.

Can teenagers volunteer?

Yes—volunteers over the age of 12 may perform virtually all listed jobs except parking; teens are encouraged and supervision/training is provided.

Are background checks required?

Background checks (CORI/SORI) are conducted for core volunteers, residents, staff, and anyone who spends extended time on the farm at the operator’s discretion; if requested you will need to bring a state ID and complete a form.

Can volunteering count toward school graduation hours?

Yes—if you need volunteer hours for graduation, use the volunteer form and you will be sent a follow-up link to document those hours.

What paperwork is required for minors?

Any person under 18 who is dropped off must have emergency contact forms on file; volunteers under age 12 may participate during the school year only with an adult present.

Who do I contact with questions?

For volunteering questions email [email protected]; for background-check questions contact [email protected].

Will volunteers be trained?

Training will be provided if needed for many roles, including committee positions and program delivery.