In celebration of Volunteer Appreciation Week April 12th – 18th, we are featuring some of our amazing Camp Fire volunteers! Our programs rely heavily on the time and talents of our volunteers. In the last year alone 626 adults and 741 youth donated more than 93,263 hours to Camp Fire!
We are pleased to introduce Featured Volunteer for our Outdoor Education program David also known by his camp name of Radagast!
How long have you been volunteering/involved with Camp Fire? In what capacity?
My relationship with Camp Fire started in 2013 when I was brought on board as a seasonal employee for the Outdoor Education program at Camp Sealth. Ever since, I have volunteered my time in a variety of ways including teaching classes, updating curriculum and helping to clear and open new trails on the property. My love for the outdoors and passion for teaching ecology has brought me back year after year to Camp Sealth!
Why do you volunteer for Camp Fire?
I volunteer because I love Camp Sealth! With its rich history and great staff, I feel at ease and call Sealth my home away from home. As a geologist, Camp Sealth has provided me with a great platform to share my knowledge and skills with Camp Fire youth. I volunteer to give back to the land and to open it to others through trail service and planting trees. Working for pay is good…but the satisfaction of volunteering is rewarding in ways I cannot fully describe in words.
Anything else you would like to share about Camp Fire?
I love that all of Camp Fire’s programs are open to everyone regardless of background or ability level. One of my favorite camp memories is working with campers with special needs. For many of them, they had never gotten to experience camp ever before so it was just an incredible experience to be a part of! Camp Fire opens doors for all its campers but especially those with special needs, giving them chances to express themselves in ways they otherwise might not be able to as well as instilling in them a love of the natural world.
“David is an extremely knowledgeable instructor. He is always spouting fun facts for the kids and engaging them in learning about the environment. I am so grateful to David for his incredible support of our program and our Camp Fire kids!”
– Meaghan Luchau, Program Manager
Thank you David!
Want to get involved with Camp Fire? Check out all of our youth and adult opportunities today!