Volunteer USA
Volunteer USA offers challenging outdoor volunteer projects in some of
the most beautiful National Parks, National Forests and wilderness areas in the
Western United States for up to twelve weeks. The programme is designed to offer
affordable volunteering opportunities for participants eager to contribute 110%
of determined effort in areas of outstanding natural beauty including the Grand
Canyon, Bryce Canyon, Yosemite and King’s Canyon.
About the region
Most projects are based in and around Arizona, Utah and Nevada:
Arizona’s works of nature are among the grandest in the US, if not the world, beginning
with the Grand Canyon and continuing through 21 other highly varied national parks,
monuments and recreation areas. One-quarter of the Grand Canyon State (its new moniker)
is Indian land, containing the incredibly ancient and artistically advanced cultures
of the Hopis, Navajos and others and one in twenty inhabitants is a Native American.
Utah’s National Parks are in the south. Must see destinations include Monument Valley,
the Navajo reservation and the north rim of the Grand Canyon. Other National Parks
include: Zion, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol and Reef Arches. Utah has always
supported the arts; it is home not only to the world-famous Tabernacle Choir but
galleries, museums, opera, theatre and the Sundance Film Festival.
There are five territories in Nevada and the two smallest seem to have the most
to offer: Las Vegas Territory in the south with bright lights and bold attractions
and Reno-Tahoe Territory, bordering California in the west with a more scenic, historic
environment.
Placement options
Common projects include: trail maintenance, fencing and re-vegetation (planting
and transplanting native species). There are also projects to help protect local
endangered species (e.g. the Desert Tortoise and Apache Trout).
Volunteers work in teams of between 6 and 11 volunteers. The teams will normally
work for periods of 4 – 8 days followed by 3 – 6 days off. Projects are rotated
every 2 to 4 weeks to provide a variety of experiences. The work is physically demanding,
normally in remote areas. Days are long (up to 10 hours) sometimes in extreme weather
conditions. However, the camaraderie and sense of achievement is immeasurable. The
volunteers will have the chance to work in some of the most magnificent parks of
America. Project locations can be remote and may involve a long hike just to get
to the base camp!
Accommodation
Most volunteers will camp whilst working on a project (equipment provided). While
some projects have developed campgrounds with warm showers, many are in remote locations
without any facilities. Food is prepared at the campsite and all volunteers take
turns to cook, clean etc. On their days off volunteers stay at the regional accommodation
in Flagstaff, Arizona or Santa Cruz, California in shared houses with dormitory
style rooms. The accommodation is in continual use with one team moving in as another
heads off to a project. This accommodation is also used for relatively local projects.
Food is included whilst volunteers are at their project. They are responsible for
their own food at other times.
For a personal example of life as a volunteer please check the Volunteer diaries.
Volunteer USA includes:
In the UK
- Orientation Interview on a one-to-one basis
- Full pre-departure advice and support from BUNAC
- Programme, administration and literature including Volunteer USA handbook
and BUNAC’s Moneywise Guide to North America
- Assistance with flight bookings
In the America
- Accommodation
Individual tents on project and dormitory style shared housing during time off
- Camping equipment
- Project placements
- Trained professional supervision
- Project-related transport and transfer from arrival airport
- Food whilst working on a project
- Discounts at local shops and special car-hire rates
- 24/7 support from our local partner and from BUNAC’s UK and US offices for the duration
of your programme.