The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department is now recruiting for volunteers who are available this summer to assist with the "Let's Go Camping" (LGC) Program. This is a unique opportunity to share your love for and skills in camping with those unfamiliar or new to this highly popular recreational activity. Fourteen camping trips at 13 park locations throughout the state are scheduled - one of them may be at YOUR favorite park!

As a LGC Volunteer, you may help out with one or more events, lending your expertise to others who are just learning the ropes. Lead a nature hike or recreational program of your choice, assist with tent set-up, fire-building, Dutch oven cooking, and Leave No Trace camping.

LGC camping trips are scheduled on weekends starting in mid-June and ending in late August. Sites are already reserved and as a volunteer you get free camping, orientation and training, valuable leadership experience, and that good feeling of helping others, plus lots of recognition and smiles! There will also be plenty of s'mores!

Participating parks are: South Beach, Umpqua Lighthouse, Farewell Bend, LaPine, Memaloose, Silver Falls, Stub Stewart, Cascadia, The Cove Palisades, Valley of the Rogue, Wallowa Lake, Milo McIver, & Champoeg. We are promoting the Memaloose weekend (July 9-10) as a bilingual event, so Spanish-speaking volunteers are encouraged.

Here's your opportunity to work with kids and families in the outdoors - come join us! Gas reimbursement is available. For more details about the program, contact Jimmy Childs at 503-872-5324 or via e-mail at jimmy.childs@state.or.us. To sign up as a volunteer, learn more about the training opportunity coming up in early June, and to select your preferred camping weekend(s), contact Jill Nishball at 503-986-0752 or via e-mail at jill.nishball@state.or.us