Volunteering in Olympic National Park by Lauriejean Fearn
My husband, Jim, and I started volunteering as camp hosts 3-1/2 years ago. Prior to that time I was a nurse and Jim managed an auto parts store in Portland, Oregon. In January, 2001 I developed an airborne allergy to latex from the balloons delivered to my patients which sent me to the emergency room 6 times! Jim and I realized that just living in the city was, or could be, a threat to my health (car dealerships, malls, and even grocery stores have latex balloons). We had to find a new life outside of any city.
We went camping to figure out what kind of future we were going to have. That's when the idea of camp hosting came to us. Jim terminated his job at the auto parts store and we became camp hosts of 4 campgrounds on Mount Hood. We both put all our hearts and efforts into serving the public and doing everything we could to help make their camping trips enjoyable.
We learned everything we could about the area, made maps of our campgrounds and helped in any way we could. Of course, our finances underwent a drastic change, but we realize that we were happier with our new lives, and money does not buy happiness.
After Mount Hood, we tranferred to Washington and started camp hosting at Kalaloch and from there moved to the Hoh Fain Forest where Jim now works as a Fee Ranger. I have been able to volunteer some of my talents this summer in several different ways to help where it was needed. Being able to do that makes me feel special.
Volunteering is so rewarding becuase you give of yourself and don't have the pressure of a paying job. I enjoy it because it's somthing Jim and I can do together. Every day is different. Being able to be there when someone is in need is a rewarding experience. And for this I am deeply grateful.
|