My Time as a VIP

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Do you enjoy travel, exploring, learning, connecting with special places? Do you have hobbies you’d like to pursue in a new setting, like photography, hiking, or stargazing? Do you enjoy meeting new people from around the world and sharing the wonders of our National Parks with them? If your answer is "yes" to any of these, you could make a great VIP – Volunteer In Parks!

 

For the past five years, my partner and I have served as volunteers in national parks and other nature-related sites from Alaska to the Texas Gulf Coast. Although we like a nomadic lifestyle, live in an RV and generally volunteer for 3-month intervals, that sort of commitment isn't required. You don't even need to have an RV—many parks provide housing for volunteers. Or if you'd rather stay close to home and volunteer one day a week or for a short term, your time and contributions would be valued. There are a wide variety of opportunities available for VIPs!

 

Volunteer leading a Sunset Stroll

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Here at White Sands, for instance, RV-resident volunteers are scheduled to work about 32 hours per week, which includes time for planning and projects. Some of us join rangers and local volunteers at the front desk greeting visitors, sharing information about the park, and working with kids to become Junior Rangers. Others work on construction or maintenance projects. Given time to learn about the animal and plant life as well as the special geology of the dunes, volunteers also lead Sunset Strolls and other programs.

How great is that? It's my job to explore all corners of the park and learn as much as I can about this unique place. Then I get to share its special features with visitors from all over the world. Plus, I can build on my hobbies in photography and writing to work with rangers on publications and programs. Best of all, I have time to explore the many nuances of White Sands and this fascinating part of the American Southwest.

 

Become a VIP!

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Want VIP status? Ask for more information at the visitor center or visit our volunteer page! Who knows? Perhaps I'll see you when we come back this way again!

Sandra Noll

Volunteer (VIP)