Volunteers are vital to the protection and safety of our sea turtle hatchlings. We receive many questions as to what it takes to become a Volunteer aka “Nest Parent” or “Trainee” with our program.

• Anyone interested in becoming a trainee will need to fill out an application located at the bottom of this page.  You will begin as a “Trainee” until given “Nest Parent” status.
• New volunteers are invited on a first come first served basis using our volunteer signup list.
• All volunteers must be at least 18 years of age to be a registered participant in the program.
• The need for volunteers is influenced by the number of nests and the number of returning volunteers each season.
• All volunteers must sign a waiver of liability form before participating as a volunteer in our program.
• All volunteers  will follow all state, town, and program guidelines.

Trainees:

Trainees will be assigned to nests by the Coordinators to help support the Nest Parents with setting up and maintaining the nest and surrounding area and help with crowd control.  

• Trainees can sit up to 30 nights (usually between 10 to 14 nights) helping to monitor the nest.  A good estimate of time to sit at a nest at night is usually between 7:30 -11:00 pm (times will vary depending on the date of the nest and if any activity is noted). 
• Lead Nest Parents will coordinate with the Trainees the times and locations of nest sitting. 
• Trainees should never handle or be asked to handle any hatchling unless in an emergency situation deemed necessary by the Lead Nest Parent. 
• A trainee evaluation will be shared with the Coordinators from the Lead Nest Parent after the nest is excavated
• Trainees will also have the opportunity to share their experience at the nest with the Coordinators.
• Certain impacts on each nest will help determine if a Trainee is ready to become a Nest Parent.  Examples: availability, presence at the nest set-up, attendance at the nest, education, emergence, three days after the emergence, excavation, sitting with several different Lead Nest Parents (not from the same group), following all state, program, and town guidelines, and the Coordinators feel they have the skill set and availability.  

Nest Parents:

Nest Parents are volunteers who monitor the hatching process. 

• On the 50th day after the nest is laid (or before if the nest show signs of emergence), the Nest Parents set up a runway from the nest headed toward the ocean using green landscape edging or natural wooden boards which is maintained until the nest is excavated. 
• Nest Parents begin a nightly vigil beginning on the 50th night (or before if the nest shows signs of emergence), monitoring the nest for the emergence of hatchlings and protecting them from any predators, bright lights, or other hazards which could hinder a safe journey to the ocean. 
• Nest Parents can sit up to 30 nights (usually between 10 to 14 nights) monitoring the nest.  Nest Parents usually sit at the nest from 7:30- 11:00 pm (times can vary depending on the date of the nest and if any activity is noted). 
• Nest Parents follow all state, town, and program guidelines, monitor the nest, share information about sea turtles with visitors, maintain crowd control, are mentors to trainees, and are good program ambassadors for the Town of Oak Island.