Spring break is just around the corner for college students if not already happening, and I remember when I was still in college what a much needed break it was! I wanted to relax, come home, and do absolutely nothing. Occasionally I went skiing with my boyfriend at Wintergreen, but that was the extent of my effort.

College students helping build the Discovery Area at James River State Park

I feel like there is a new trend for college students. Maybe it’s because I have a state park job and have watched the interest in these students grow from year to year. Students are actually volunteering. These students take time to travel (sometimes even out of state) to a Virginia State Park and work for an entire (their entire) week or vacation as I would have called it.

Several examples in particular are Shenandoah River State Park in Bentonville Virginia. The park is hosting a group from Virginia State University from March 4-7, 2013. 

Douthat State Park in Millboro is hosting four groups: Christopher Newport University from March 3-9, 2013 Albright College in Pa. and Keene State College in N.H. both the same week from March 10-16, 2013 and finally Iowa State University from March 17-23, 2013.

James River State Park is hosting three groups: Wartburg College from Waverly, Iowa and DeSales University from Pa. March 3-10, 2013 and Norwalk Community College from Norwalk, Conn. March 17-24, 2013.

Sky Meadows State Park is hosting Suffolk University from March 10-16, 2013.

Emmanuel College volunteering on Mountain Side Trail at Douthat State Park

I am extremely impressed with these students and their work ethic; they are really a bunch of hard working young adults! I feel bad that I never knew about an opportunity like this when I was in college. I still don’t know if I would have been motivated to get off the couch to help, but I would like to think I would have.

The work they accomplish truly helps the parks in preparing for the summer season by getting campgrounds ready and trails cleared or widened. The parks are short staffed right now and to accomplish the extra must-needed work is primarily based on volunteers.

We are so grateful to tap into this resource and have these wonderful volunteers so willing to give up their personal time to come to the park and make a difference!

Learn more about volunteering at a state park here, and remember many hands make light work!