Frequently Asked Questions
Hey, why do volunteers have to pay
to work?
While we understand this sentiment,
consider that we spend time and money to arrange the trips, to
advertise them, and to maintain an office where the participants
are registered for the trips (which has lower than usual office expenses).
We pay for liability insurance, for web hosting, for cooking equipment
and food, for leader expenses and other field expenses. Many
items are donated including volunteer time, utilities, office
space and computers. We run the program on a shoestring, and
work hard to keep expenses down. It actually costs us more per
participant than we charge, but so far we've been able to make up the
difference with fundraising.
Our leaders donate their time and money to do the trips, and last year they even donated money so that we could hold a Wilderness First Aid course.
How much do the trips cost?
All 2008 trips cost $259.
All food and commissary equipment is provided. Participants must get themselves
to the trip, and supply their personal backpacking gear. We do have several
two-person tents we can lend to participants who need tents.
What is the average age of participants
on Wilderness Volunteers trips?
The average age is about 40 with
a range of 18 to 75+. In 2008 we have a designated GenXY
trip.
Can I bring my children?
No, the minimum age to do a WV trip is 18, although we might
take a 16 or 17 year-old if accompanied by a parent or older
sibling. These are work trips using sharp tools, requiring
physical activity and concentration for safety. Having children
around would distract us from the work project and create a
safety hazard. We love children, but our service trips aren't
the appropriate place for them.
Does everyone come with a partner?
No, while each trip typically has
a couple or two, most folks come to the trip alone.
I can't be there for the entire
trip. Is it okay if I leave early?
The focus of WV service trips is
the work project. There is no provision for leaving early or
arriving late. If you can't do the whole trip, please don't sign
up.
Can I bring my dog?
Pets are not allowed on Wilderness
Volunteers trips.
Do you provide transportation?
No, the trips begin and end at the
trailhead or trip meeting spot. You are responsible for getting
yourself to and from the trip. We are prohibited from arranging
transportation for participants. We do send out a roster to everyone
signed up for the trips, and it is common for them to arrange
to carpool or share rental cars.
How do I know if I'm in good
enough shape for the trip?
Read the information about trip
grades and fill out your application completely. Our staff
will assess your fitness level and experience as compared to
the trip you want to do and let you know if the trip doesn't
seem right for you. We use the Body Mass Index (BMI) when looking
at height/weight ratios. You can find your BMI here.
If you have a BMI over 28, you will probably be turned down
for most of the trips. We are looking for fit, healthy participants
who are used to being active and ready to work all day.
What is the food like on the
trips?
Most folks are pleasantly surprised
by the variety of food on our trips. While the food choices are
dictated by the type of trip (more fresh food on car-camping
trips vs. more dried food on backpacking trips), our leaders
have a good deal of experience cooking on backcountry trips.
Can you accommodate vegetarians?
What about people who are allergic to various foods?
Our staff members are happy to provide
non-meat options for each meal. If you are a strict vegan, the
leader might want to talk to you about your restrictions before
the trip. Additionally, if you have food allergies to common
food items, the leader will want to talk to you and figure out
if it will be possible, in the venue of the trip, to fit you
in. It can become pretty expensive to buy special food for one
trip member and it might not be possible to accommodate everyone.
Do I need to have experience
doing trail maintenance? Do I need to have camping/backpacking
experience?
No, as long as you are in good shape
and have a good attitude and a willingness to learn, you are
welcome on the trips. There is usually a variety of tasks on
each trip and we encourage folks to take turns and try all of
them. Most of the trips are open to beginners in good shape,
however the trips that are rated challenging might require previous
backpacking experience. Check the trip descriptions.
How can I become a volunteer
leader for Wilderness Volunteers?
Do a project! We choose our leaders
from trip participants. We look for folks with significant outdoor
experience who are both competent and confident in outdoor settings.
After they are recommended by staff, we invite them to become
an assistant on a trip with a senior staff member. If they get
a good review on this trip, we invite them to begin leading trips
for WV. We have a training program for prospective leaders and a mentoring
program to help new leaders as they become comfortable in their new role.
In 2008, we are offering a Leader Training Trip in Colorado (see Project
Schedule).
