Volunteer

Volunteers-In-Parks (VIPs) contribute thousands of hours to Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site each year. We genuinely appreciate your interest in volunteering at Bent's Old Fort. VIPs can include couples, individuals, school groups, scouts, clubs, and organizations. VIPs may donate several months at a time or perhaps just a few hours. Bent's Old Fort provides several unique opportunities in the National Park Service for volunteers. Below are some of the positions that can be found on volunteer.gov.

Visitor Services Volunteer: If you enjoy talking about the American West and helping visitors plan their activities in the area, the park could use your expertise. A minimum time commitment of 8 hours a month is required.

Maintenance: Trail cleanup, road maintenance, trash removal, and basic landscaping are always in need at the park.

Western National Parks Association Sales and Information: The park store at the fort is operated by Western National Parks Association (WNPA). Volunteer clerks assist with the stocking, merchandising, and sale of educational and interpretive products. If interested in this opportunity, please call 719 384-2800.

Living History Volunteer: Living History programs are a favorite for many visitors to Bent's Old Fort. Volunteer living historians portray trappers, traders, travellers, and others who worked at or passed through Bent's Fort in the 1830s-1840s. A minimum time commitment of 50 hours annually is required.

Boy scouts, school groups, clubs, and organizations: Every year Bent's Old Fort welcomes larger groups for a day or days of service. To organize a day of service at the park, please contact us at least one month in advance.

If you are interested in learning more about the volunteer opportunities or would like a volunteer application please contact our Volunteer Coordinator at 719 383-5051.
 
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Volunteer Handbook

Learn more about the volunteer program at the park.

Women in historic costume work together in a kitchen with a stone hearth
Living History Volunteers

Learn about the living history program at Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site.

 

Current Volunteer Opportunities

 

Last updated: June 17, 2024

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

35110 State Highway 194
La Junta, CO 81050

Phone:

719 383-5010
Staff are available Monday through Friday to take your call from 9:00 a. m. - 3:30 p. m. Mountain Time. If no one is available to take your call, please leave a message, and someone will return your call as soon as possible.

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