We’re so excited that you’re considering volunteering with us for this field season! If you’re a returning volunteer, we can’t wait to hang out and work hard with you again. If you’re new here, read on to get a taste of what a day in the life of a trip is like.
0700-0800: Wake up, have breakfast, and enjoy some tea and coffee.
Depending on the project, we will either be self-supported, or we will have stock-support. If this trip is self-supported (meaning we carried everything ourselves), breakfast will likely consist of something like Banana-Peanut Butter Oatmeal. If we are stock-supported, we’ll get a bit more fancy, say, Breakfast Burritos. No matter what though, we’ll always have a variety of hot beverages including hot chocolate, tea, and coffee.
0800-1200: Hit the trail and get some work done!
Each trip looks different, depending on the objective. Sometimes this will include pulling weeds, inventorying and cleaning campsites, or your demanding, but rewarding, trail work. Throughout the morning, our leaders will help you accomplish the task, answer any questions, and ensure the safety of the group. Feel free to take breaks for snacks, water, and to take in the sights, throughout the day. After all, we’re here because we love this wild place, right?
1200-1230: Lunchtime!
Sit down, relax, and take a load off. Enjoy the meal you packed for yourself (hopefully you were generous!). We’ll take in the views, maybe soak our feet in a stream, and chat about the day so far. Your leaders will talk about the history of GBCA, local ecology, or whatever else the group finds interest in.
1230-1600: Finish up the work day.
We get back to it and accomplish whatever task faces us that day. For Restoration and Inventory projects, our day may be longer or shorter based on what tasks we need to finish up for the day. For trail work, we try to get finished up and back to camp around 1600.
1600-1730: Swimming, reading, relaxation time.
Here’s your time to really enjoy your surroundings. Go on a short hike with a fellow volunteer, swim or fish in a beautiful lake, lay back and read a book, or catch a little shut-eye. This time is yours!
1730-1900: Chow time!
The best part of the day, dinner time! Our co-leads have planned something tasty for you tonight. Whether we’re self-supported or stock-supported, we always try to incorporate veggies and protein. You’ll never leave dinner hungry. Dinner tonight may be chili, curry, or pesto pasta. You bring your plate and utensils, and we’ll accommodate to any dietary restrictions.
1900-2100: Winding down.
Your time to enjoy sitting around the campfire, playing cards, doing something on your own, or laying down to hit the hay. Today was beautiful, but we’ll need some rest for another day in paradise.
We can’t wait to see you on one of our upcoming stewardship trips!