volunteer hikers wanted

Date: January 14, 2010

Haleakala National Park is seeking volunteers for its Volunteer Trail Safety Patrol (VTSP). VTSP volunteers will hike Haleakala’s numerous trails, educating visitors about wilderness ethics, Leave No Trace principles, and the park’s cultural and natural resources. As a VTSP volunteer you could play a pivotal role in the Park’s Preventative Search and Rescue program by providing hikers with route selection information, advising them on footwear and equipment choices, and providing weather and altitude advice. Volunteers will accomplish tasks primarily through hiking, but may also contact visitors at trailheads and the visitor center.

Participants will be asked to commit eight hours per month hiking, and will be expected to attend an eight hour training session that will include wilderness ethics, leave no trace principles, and other skills. Volunteers interested in attending a 70 hour First Responder emergency medical course at NPS expense may be offered the opportunity. Volunteers may participate in search and rescue training and operations as well.

Participants will be authorized to utilize staff patrol cabins at in the park’s backcountry if they engage in overnight trips and may operate a government vehicle if required.

Interested individuals should be fit, and capable of hiking in rough terrain at high altitude while carrying a pack. Volunteers with GPS navigation skills and emergency medical or search and rescue training are desired, but anyone with a willingness to hike is invited to apply. Volunteers should be 18 years and older.

The Park Service will supply basic equipment, but volunteers should have comfortable footwear. 

           Anyone interested in volunteering can go to the park’s volunteer website at https://www.nps.gov/hale/supportyourpark/volunteer-opportunities.htm

 Or if you have any additional questions contact the Park’s Volunteer Coordinator, Melissa Chimera, at [e-mail], or at 572 – 4487.