Note: The Terrain level is high on this CITO because THIS IS A HALF-DAY EVENT!
Welcome! Indiana Dunes National Park and Camp-Mom Volunteers are once again teaming up for our annual Spring Work Day.
IMPORTANT! The National Parks Service requests that a list of volunteers be submitted ahead of time. Indiana Dunes National Park is now charging an entrance fee! Park entry passes will be available for volunteers for the work day. Pre-registration ensures that a pass will be available for you. If you plan to participate in this work day we request that you SUBMIT YOUR “WILL ATTEND” LOG AND MESSAGE US as early as possible! We will also be able to accommodate walk-in volunteers, if pre-registration is not possible. See details below.
Event Details:
Date: Saturday, June 1 (rain or shine)
Location: Starts at Indiana Dunes National Park, Dunewood Campground Ampitheater, then we will caravan to work locations.
Times: (Central Daylight Time)
-7:30 am to 8:30 am - MEETING: Project and Safety Discussion, Crew Assignments
-8:30 to 1:30 - NPS Volunteer Projects
-1:30 pm to ??? - Lunch and Group Photo (pre-registration greatly appreciated)
The Projects: TBD...
-Tasks will be available for a variety of skill levels
-Families usually work together
-Gloves and tools are usually provided
-Dress to get dirty/muddy/painted, etc.
-Hats, sunscreen, and bug spray are recommended
Lunch: Outdoor picnic provided by Camp-Mom Volunteers. Past picnics have included chili, hot dogs, or sandwiches, and various sides and desserts. We heard a rumor there might be a taxi bar this year!
Camping: Many Camp-Mom volunteers will be camping at the Dunewood Campground Friday and Saturday nights - let us know before making your reservations if you plan on camping. Sites (if available) may be reserved at RECREATION.GOV. The Park Service generously provides volunteer organizations with fire wood.
Please note: To help everything go smoothly on event day (and ensure enough work, food, and prizes for all), pre-registration is greatly appreciated (but not required).
To Pre-Register for the NPS work day event:
-
Log your “Will Attend” on the CITO cache page
-
Message the Cache Owner with the following information: (will be forwarded to Camp-Mom)
>Full name of each member of your group
>Phone and address of the group’s contact person
>Ages of any children
In exchange for your service to the park, you get a free picnic lunch on Saturday and prizes for attending. You also get the opportunity to engage with other volunteers, while you complete your project and learn park history from our INDU park partner and Volunteer Coordinator, Jim Whitenack. It’s a great mini-vacation where you can relax and spend quality time with your family, minus the stressors. Occasionally, the NPS will reward volunteers with a small souvenier as a token of appreciation.
Other things to do in the area:
There is lots to see and do in the surrounding community. Within the park, you can hike trails, bike, swim at West Beach ($) or any of the other area beaches, visit Mount Baldy, the Paul H Douglas Center for Environmental Education (with more trails and a nature center) and the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center. You can spend your evening around a roaring campfire just chillin’. You can visit Chellberg Farm or Bailly Homestead and discover the rich history of the area, as well as access additional trails. Beverly Shores is a scenic community where you can view the 1933 Century of Progress Homes; a definite must see (there is even a virtual cache there!). Plus, SouthShoreLine trains run back and forth between the campground and Chicago at a relatively low price.