Preparing for the end of a volunteer position

Saying Goodbye to the Dutchman: Reflections on a Volunteer Chapter

Four months passed so quickly! It seems like both a blink and an eternity when you’re immersed in the beauty and camaraderie of a place like Lost Dutchman State Park. For the two of us and our sweet dog, Tempe, this past season has been a rich tapestry of experiences, volunteering at the visitor center and diving into the landscaping and maintenance of this iconic Arizona landmark. Now, as we prepare to move on to our next adventure, a wave of bittersweet emotions can be overwhelming.

The Challenges of Transition:

Leaving a volunteer position, especially one that has become so deeply ingrained in your daily life, is never easy. It’s more than just saying goodbye to a job; it’s saying goodbye to a community, to a routine, and to a place that has become a temporary home. And having our son and his family only 20 miles away, we will truly miss seeing them all. It was so great to see our grandchildren and being there for our son and wonderful wife and kids.

• The People We’ll Miss: The most significant challenge is undoubtedly leaving the incredible people we’ve met. From the hardworking park rangers to the fellow volunteers and the warm-hearted visitors, we’ve forged connections that will remain long after we’ve packed up our RV. The laughter shared at the visitor center, the collaborative spirit during landscaping projects, and the shared passion for the park’s history and natural beauty—these are the memories we’ll treasure most. “On a bright note, destiny’s taking us back to Humboldt Redwoods! Even better, a wonderful friendship forged at Lost Dutchman will be joining us. Our fellow volunteer is heading to the park’s visitor center, just five miles from our spot! It’s a true blessing. In the often-nomadic life of full-time RVers, these unexpected connections are pure gold.”
• The Rhythm of Park Life: After four months of being stationery, we’ve found a comfortable rhythm. We’ve become accustomed to the daily tasks, the familiar trails, and the breathtaking sunsets over the Superstition Mountains. Breaking that routine and preparing for the our travel to our next volunteer position is always a bit daunting. But as always, have begun preparing for our journey so it can be as seamless as possible.
• Saying Goodbye to “Our” Park: We’ve invested time and energy into this park, and it feels like we’re leaving a piece of ourselves behind. We’ve helped visitors discover the magic of Lost Dutchman, we’ve trimmed bushes, and pulled weeds, cleaned restrooms, and we have learned so much about the desert environment. It is hard to know that we wont be here to see the changes through the coming seasons.

Reflections and Gratitude:

Despite some challenges we had learning difficult tasks and working with a few challenging people, we are truly filled with gratitude for the opportunity to have volunteered at Lost Dutchman State Park. This experience has been invaluable in so many ways. We will definitely be able to use the skills we learned in other positions.

• A Deeper Appreciation for Nature: Working outdoors has deepened our appreciation for the delicate balance of the desert ecosystem. We’ve learned about native plants, wildlife, and the importance of conservation.
• The Joy of Service: Helping visitors connect with the park and providing them with information has been incredibly rewarding. Knowing that we’ve contributed to their positive experience is a feeling that’s hard to replicate. And diversity of the visitors from a variety of places in and outside of the United States has been a treasured experience.
• The Strength of Community: Most importantly, we have witnessed firsthand the power and the impact that volunteers can have. The dedication and passion of the diverse caretakers who work and volunteer at Lost Dutchman are truly inspiring.

Looking Ahead:

As we prepare to embark on our next volunteer adventure, we carry with us the lessons learned and the memories made at Lost Dutchman. We’re excited to see what the future holds and to continue our journey of service and exploration. And encourage others to consider volunteering.

What are your experiences with leaving volunteer positions? Share your thoughts in the comments below!