Volunteers will be working on a variety of projects, including trail improvement work (shoveling, raking, using a wheelbarrow, etc.), some habitat management (removal of destructive plants) along with occasional general park maintenance. The group will also assist in preparing for and running a weekend park festival. Since volunteers will be working during the festival, we will take a couple days off in the middle of the week to give volunteers get some free time. Much of work will involve some level of hard physical labor. The group will be immersed in a small town in an international group that will work with park staff and other volunteers.
Accomodation & food:
Accommodations will be at the local Trinity church with that will have facilities for cooking. Sleeping will be in two big rooms on rustic "cots." Showers will be available at a different location. Be sure to bring your mattress pad and sleeping bag!Be sure to tell the other volunteers if you have any special diet needs.
Location & leisure:
Location: Montpelier is the capitol of Vermont with a population of 8,500, making it the smallest capitol in the U.S. Montpelier is located in the center of the state and is surrounded by mountains and rural farmland. The city has a variety of coffee shops and restaurants, two movie theaters and a few venues to enjoy live music.During free time volunteers will have access to local parks and recreation areas. The summer weather is usually good for visiting some wild and beautiful swimming areas. This workcamp is known for hard work and adventurous play since the park staff here enjoys hiking, canoeing, and other activities and is willing to lead the group in those types of activities. There will be time for interaction with the local community so please bring information about your country, hobbies, and life to share.
Requirements:
You must send your arrival details to vfp@vfp.org so we can arrange to meet you. Please include your arrival information in your confirmation form. Volunteers cannot be accommodated before the start of this project; no early arrivals. Please arrive to Montpelier, Vermont on the day the project starts.You should fly into New York City or Boston.
From New York:
You can take the Amtrak train or the Greyhound Bus to Montpelier.
From Boston:
You can take the Megabus (cheapest if you plan ahead) or Greyhound Bus to Montpelier. It is about a 4 hour trip.Please see helpful websites below for links to buses and trains.
Age:
18-99
Location:
Montpelier, vermont
Language(s):
English
Airport:
BOS: General Edward Lawrence Logan Intl (Boston, United States)Vegetarian food will be available
The work is hard, heavy physical labor, including, building wooden bridges, moving large stones with hand tools, and digging ditches with shovels. You will get muddy, we work in the rain! We will work full days, about 7 hours of labor. We will work a few days then take a day off for fun, and then work a few days and take another day off. Why are we working so hard? We are building a network of bicycle/pedestrian paths that will eventually go 90 miles across the entire state of Vermont. The path will connect small towns, their schools, and the wild natural areas in between with a safe, healthy alternative to driving in cars. These small towns are not wealthy, and cannot afford to build this path themselves (like larger cities can afford to.) So we are building it with volunteers. Many local people are already helping out on their weekends, and we look forward to meeting and working with you as well!
Accomodation & food:
Volunteers will camp in tents. Tents are provided. During the work week there is no electricity, no running water, no flushing toilets. We will get a chance to take showers just three times during the camp. No alcohol is allowed at the housing. 11 PM curfew. Food is provided, cooking is communal. We are happy to accommodate dietary needs or preferences, like vegetarian.
Location & leisure:
During recreation time we will decide as a group what folks would enjoy doing. Options include exploring State Forest - riding bikes, hiking up mountains, swimming in lakes; and also driving to attractions in nearby towns like Montpelier, capitol of Vermont.Bring music, games or other activities to share.
Age:
18-99
Location:
Montpelier, vt
Language(s):
English
Airport:
BOS: General Edward Lawrence Logan Intl (Boston, United States)Vegetarian food will be available
« The most beautiful thing about volunteering obviously is the people you meet… the helpfulness the understanding…there is always someone who puts a plate of food in front of you if you say you are not hungry and not in the mood, or gives you a pep talk or simply a hug. »
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