CROSS VERMONT TRAIL ASSOCIATION (CVTA), MONTPELIER, VERMONT Our mission is to assist municipalities, recreation groups, and landowners in the creation and management of a four-season, multi-use trail across the state of Vermont for public recreation, alternative transportation, and awareness of our natural and cultural heritage.
WORK:
The work is hard, heavy physical labor, including, building wooden bridges, moving large stones with hand tools, and digging ditches with shovels. You will get muddy, we work in the rain! We will work full days, about 7 hours of labor. We will work a few days then take a day off for fun, and then work a few days and take another day off. Why are we working so hard? We are building a network of bicycle/pedestrian paths that will eventually go 90 miles across the entire state of Vermont. The path will connect small towns, their schools, and the wild natural areas in between with a safe, healthy alternative to driving in cars. These small towns are not wealthy, and cannot afford to build this path themselves (like larger cities can afford to.) So we are building it with volunteers. Many local people are already helping out on their weekends, and we look forward to meeting and working with you as well!
STUDY THEME:
Guest speakers will teach us about local plants and animals.
ACCOMMODATION:
Volunteers will camp in tents. Tents are provided. During the work week there is no electricity, no running water, no flushing toilets. We will get a chance to take showers just three times during the camp. No alcohol is allowed at the housing. 11 PM curfew. Food is provided, cooking is communal. We are happy to accommodate dietary needs or preferences, like vegetarian.
LOCATION:
The work camp is located in public forest, in northeastern Vermont (east of Montpelier). We will live in a primitive tent camp in the woods. During time off we will be able to drive to nearby small towns.
LEISURE ACTIVITIES:
Leisure activities will be decided based on volunteer interest. Options include exploring State Forest - riding bikes, hiking up mountains, swimming in lakes; and also driving to attractions in nearby towns like Montpelier (capitol of Vermont).
SPECIAL REMARKS:
Bring Sturdy all leather BOOTS that rise above the ankles and durable work clothes that you don't mind getting dirty - long sleeves and long pants. Weather is unpredictable, so bring clothes to wear when cold and wet (like wool or synthetic fabrics) rain gear, a hat, clothes to wear when hot and humid, a sleeping bag, sleeping pad and flashlight. We provide group camping gear, tools, and so on. Also bring a swimsuit and favorite recipes. It is hot during the day and cold at night so bring clothes for both.
OLD NORTH ST. LOUIS RESTORATION GROUP, ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI is a community-based nonprofit organization established by residents of the Old North St. Louis neighborhood in 1981 to revitalize the physical and social dimensions of the community in a manner that respects its historic, cultural, and urban character. The neighborhood has been undergoing a dramatic transformation in recent years, but is still home to many economically disadvantaged residents. More information can be found online at: www.onsl.org/
WORK:
Volunteers will help with community based projects including working in community gardens throughout the neighborhood, and will assist with construction work on a project to rebuild a historic building in the neighborhood. On Saturdays, volunteers will work at the local Farmers’ Market. Some projects will support neighborhood residents such as cleaning up alleys and vacant lots, trimming trees, and helping elderly and disabled people with things that they can no longer get out and do. Volunteers will work Tuesday through Saturday each week.
STUDY THEME:
City restoration and community development.
ACCOMMODATION:
Volunteers will be living in a large house in the community. Meals will be prepared together and with other families in the neighborhood.
LOCATION:
Approximately two kilometers from downtown St. Louis, Missouri.
LEISURE ACTIVITIES:
Parks and trails are close by; restaurants, bars, and blues clubs are downtown and around the City; the theatre district and several museums are within short driving distance or accessible by public transit; professional sports are nearby.
« I would recommend participating in a workcamp, especially with VAP, who ensured that I found a project to suit me and provided essential training for me in preparation for my trip. Being part of a workcamp really is a life-changing experience, oh, and it looks great on your CV! »
