Petrified Forest NP volunteers
When we came to the end of the drive through Petrified Forest National Park, located in eastern Arizona off I-40, we stopped at the visitor center just past the check point where the rangers make sure you haven't taken any samples of petrified wood out of the park. I wanted to find out what bird it was that we saw at the Crystal Forest. It had looked like a horned lark but wasn't as yellow as others I have seen. It turns out they are more of a buff color in this area so they better blend in with the terrain.
I then heard my name. Two NPS volunteers were standing there -Bob and Linda Klyne. As soon as I saw them I knew I had met them there before. I was right - at the 2007 Gypsy Journal Ralley. They are volunteering here for two months.
This is their second year at Petrified Forest NP. Last year Bob was able to give program
s, which he loves to do. This year both he and Linda work in the visitor center and also spend part of the day roving to various points in the park. They are able to answer questions that visitors have and share information about the park. They both enjoy getting out in the park and interacting with visitors. In addtion to Bob and Linda there were two other couples and two solo volunteers staying in the their RVs that I didn't get to meet. The other couples are also working in the visitor center and roving. One of the solo volunteers is doing programs, since he did them as a seasonal last winter, and the other is doing back office support. Petrified Forest NP has signs at each visitor center letting RVers know that their help would be welcome.
s, which he loves to do. This year both he and Linda work in the visitor center and also spend part of the day roving to various points in the park. They are able to answer questions that visitors have and share information about the park. They both enjoy getting out in the park and interacting with visitors. In addtion to Bob and Linda there were two other couples and two solo volunteers staying in the their RVs that I didn't get to meet. The other couples are also working in the visitor center and roving. One of the solo volunteers is doing programs, since he did them as a seasonal last winter, and the other is doing back office support. Petrified Forest NP has signs at each visitor center letting RVers know that their help would be welcome.Bob and Linda will be leaving Petrified Forest soon to return to Umpqua Lighthouse State Park near Winchester Bay, Oregon for a second season. They'll be volunteering there two months also. The lighthouse has a gift shop and a volunteer leads tours up to the top of the tower.
Their favorite volunteer gig was at the National Museum of the Pacific War in Fredericksburg, TX. They stayed for three months, they enjoyed it so much.
Bob and Linda like short volunteer assignments. And while many national parks would prefer you to be there for the whole season, some are eager to get whatever time you can give. Shorter commitments give them time to visit family in northern California as they go between assignments. They have found if they let agencies know what they can provide and for how long, it is welcomed even if they don't stay for an entire season.
This is a good lesson for other workers on the RV road, whether working or volunteering. You may find an employer that will be ok with a shorter season or altering conditions to suit you - if you ask. Jaimie Hall-Bruzenak
For more ideas for volunteering on the road, see Jaimie's 2nd edition of Support Your RV Lifestyle! An Insider's Guide to Working on the Road, see RVBookstore.com
posted by Jaimie Hall-Bruzenak at
2:50 PM
4 Comments:
NPS is a nice organization to volunteer for. We have done so in Florida.
We have heard from some volunteers that "how nice" may vary from site to site. But we always talk with the volunteers where ever we travel and they are positive about their site.
bgw
By
beth, at May 13, 2008 9:02 AM
Beth, that's good to keep in mind since you are dealing with individuals. Programs are different at parks, depending on their needs.
The parks I've had experience with generally treat their volunteers like gold since they need you and you are a big help to the budget. Plus your house is on wheels!
It's a good idea to ask lots of questions like any job on the road and to talk directly to the person you will be working for.
Happy volunteering!
Jaimie
By
Jaimie Hall-Bruzenak, at May 14, 2008 6:14 AM
I noticed they both have uniforms. Can you tell us more about uniforms, what they cost, etc.?
By
mhughes1941, at May 31, 2008 6:23 AM
The park provides the shirts. You provide pants and dark shoes. They may give you a jacket to use while you are there. You return the jacket and shirts at the end of the season. You can ask the volunteer coordinator exactly what you need.
George volunteered at Big Bend and he had to have dark pants. He purchased a couple inexpensive pairs at Wal-Mart or a store that carried a brand for working since he didn't already have them. They had shirts of all sizes to pick from at the park and jackets. Jaimie
By
Jaimie Hall-Bruzenak, at May 31, 2008 7:41 AM
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