Whether it consisted of climbing on a swing set, digging for bugs in the grass, playing sports with neighborhood friends, or countless other activities, a key facet of many of our childhoods is playing outside. At weekly Mudpie Monday events, hosted by the Botanic Garden, approximately 30 to 40 children are able to foster their love for playing outside and being imaginative by creating a muddy treat with tools, tins, and flowers provided. Volunteers get to assist children as they dig in a large mud pit, connect with families as they work to construct muddy creations, and even make mudpies of their own during this sweet outdoor event.

This past Monday, fellow volunteer Taylor Sims and I served the children and adults who came to Mudpie Monday. Through conversation, I learned Sims’ heart behind her service: “Since I live around here, I thought it would be a good idea to volunteer somewhere local. I love to be around kids and people, and I like to spark conversations with everyone and for everyone to have a good experience.” By regularly serving at the Memphis Botanic Garden, she has had many opportunities to learn about nature and animals such as monarch butterflies and frogs in addition to giving back to the community.

Because she is attending college on top of being employed, Sims asserted that Volunteer Odyssey has been influential in getting her connected with service events that fit her busy calendar. “I work, so when I go online, I try to find volunteer opportunities that work with my schedule, and then, when I have time, I come and serve. I really like the Volunteer Odyssey website—it is very helpful.”

Following the event, I connected with Drew Massengale, the Children’s Garden Manager who helped organize and supervise Mudpie Monday. Very passionate about the work done at the 96-acre Garden and in the Children’s Garden in particular, he and others on staff are continually looking to expand the reach and impact of the organization beyond the 230,000 guests and 30,000+ children they reached last year. When asked about the value of volunteers to the Gardens, he said, “Maintaining the Garden, the exhibits, and the whimsy is a bigger job than can be allowed just by paid staff. We’d all be overworked and burnt out. Volunteers really make that difference with the support, positive attitudes, smiling faces, and fresh energy—it all makes a big, big difference and keeps everything out here really enjoyable.” 

Later in our conversation, Massengale asserted, “If there is a talent you want to use, there is an opportunity to use it,” whether that looks like working alongside the horticulture team to plant and cultivate foliage, educating and empowering children through camps and activities, building structures around the Garden, or many other services. Through the VolunteerCompass platform, people can quickly and easily reach the spectrum of volunteer opportunities offered at the Memphis Botanic Garden. As a result, each of us is able to explore which place of service best fits our unique gifts and passions and serve the community as only we can.

To relive fond childhood memories of playing in the great outdoors, attend functions such as the Holiday Wonders event, annual Memphis Japan Fest, and Live at the Garden shows, and learn about nature through classes, tours, and horticultural outreach, visit https://www.memphisbotanicgarden.com. Furthermore, to find your place serving within organizations such as the Memphis Botanic Garden, go to www.volunteercompass.com.