VOLUNTEERS IN PARKS

Can you be a VIP? What could you do? How do you start?

The National Park Service has many ways by which it cares for the natural and historical treasures under its protection. Some of the more obvious include park rangers, rules and regulations, and resource management studies. But did you know that there is also a vast network of volunteers who assist the park service in their goals? They are known as Volunteers In Parks and thousands of them help their favorite national parks in every way imaginable.

VIPs can be anyone, from college students to retirees, from business people who need weekend projects to the local garden club that wants to lend its services to help beautify a developed area. They can work as much or as little as they want, and whenever they want, as long as it is agreed upon between the volunteer and the supervisor.

With the recent cutbacks in the federal budget, VIPs are playing an ever increasing role in the national parks and the Blue Ridge Parkway is no exception. You may be surprised at the variety of jobs that they do. Here is just a sampling:

• work at an information desk, answering questions and handing out information
• present living history demonstrations in period costume
• serve as a campground host
• build fences or paint buildings
• give guided nature walks and evening campfire programs
• maintain and patrol trails
• demonstrate arts and crafts skills
• organize photograph and slide files
• assist resource managers by making wildlife counts, planting trees, etc.

As even this brief list demonstrates, there are many jobs that require a wide variety of talents and skills. The park is also open to any new ideas and projects that a potential VIP might propose. If you are interested in volunteering for the Parkway, here's what you need to do:

1. Write or call to request an application from the VIP coordinator at: Blue Ridge Parkway, 400 BB&T Building, Asheville, NC 28801
2. Complete the application and return it to the Parkway. Be specific in describing your talents, skills, job interests, and areas along the Parkway where you would like to work. Each area along the Parkway has its own needs and is looking for volunteers with the skills and talents to accomplish certain tasks.
   

   Include a letter if you feel the application does not permit you to provide enough information about yourself, or if you have questions about the park's VIP program. Be sure to state whether you will need park housing, although it is important to remember that housing is rarely available. If you can live in your own motor home or trailer, but would require certain utility hook-ups in the park, please say so.

3. The VIP coordinator will review your application and contact you, usually by mail. If your particular talents and skills appear to be ones that the Parkway needs, you will be contacted to discuss further details.

   If selected to join the ranks of VIPs, you and the Parkway employee who will supervise you will then sign an agreement describing your duties and responsibilities, outline a tentative work schedule, and detail other conditions of the working arrangement. After appropriate training and orientation, you will begin work as the newest volunteer for the Blue Ridge Parkway, one of thousands of Volunteers in Parks--a VIP. Truly, a Very Important Person.

http://www.nps.gov/blri/vip.htm
Revised 05/31/2002
For more information, contact Peter_Givens@nps.gov