Volunteers will work on one or more construction projects at the retreat center, which might include trail construction and other outdoor projects; building a shed, tent pad or deck; and laying tile, paint, and other interior finishing work. We will work a morning and afternoon shift each day, leaving the evening free for personal time or activities. We will also take a recreation trip on one or two days. Training and tools provided for all the projects.You will be accompanied by a small number of our residential staff.The people involved cover a wide range of abilities and communication styles, and you should expect LGBT and questioning people, those with other less common identities and those with traumatic histories.
Accomodation & food:
Sleeping is on the floor in the unfinished staff house. There is no gender segregation. If you want more privacy you can bring or arrange (in advance) to borrow a tent.
Amenities:
Running water, electricity, very limited internet, clothes washing machine, stove and wood-stove. There is an outdoor solar shower.
Altitude:
At 9,000 feet (2800 m) elevation, be prepared for a lot of rest the first day or two.
Food:
Volunteers will cook meals together. Vegetarian food provided.Warnings! There are wildcats and bears in the area so this site needs to be kept free of meat odors. Also fire danger can be very high so we do not allow anything making a spark or flame. (One exception is smoking, but only in the designated safe area.)
Location & leisure:
Ocate Cliffs is 8 miles from the village of Ocate, NM, in the very remote Sangre de Cristos mountain range.On the mesa top there are hiking trails and lots of views of the New Mexico mountains and plains. We'll also rely on you to come up with evening games and discussion topics. On our travel day we will choose between a wilderness hike, Eagle Nest Lake, or the alpaca ranch in Mora.
Requirements:
Because of the remote mountaintop location, you will need to bring everything you need for two weeks without the benefit of a city. During the out-trip day we'll visit a grocery store in a small town, but don't expect that they will have your medications, specialized phone accessories, or anything beyond the basics.
Age:
18-99
Location:
Ocate, nm
Language(s):
English
Airport:
ABQ: Albuquerque International Sunport (Albuquerque, United States)This project is suitable for disabled volunteersVegetarian 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 day there is no electricity, no running water, no flushing toilets. At the campsite there is a shared bath house with toilets and showers. (Showers are coin operated, bring money for showers.) 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:
The work camp is located in A public forest, in northeastern Vermont (east of Montpelier).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
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