BUNAC: Volunteer USA

  United States

Arizona,  Nevada,  Utah

Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks and 2-4 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Dates: Year Round

Description: Volunteer USA offers challenging outdoor volunteer projects in some of the most beautiful National Parks, National Forests and wilderness areas in the Western United States for up to twelve weeks. The programme is designed to offer affordable volunteering opportunities for participants eager to contribute 110% of determined effort in areas of outstanding natural beauty including the Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, Yosemite and Kings Canyon.

Arizona's works of nature are among the grandest in the US, if not the world, beginning with the Grand Canyon and continuing through 21 other highly varied national parks, monuments and recreation areas. One-quarter of the Grand Canyon State (its new moniker) is Indian land, containing the incredibly ancient and artistically advanced cultures of the Hopis, Navajos and others and one in twenty inhabitants is a Native American.

Utah's National Parks are in the south. Must see destinations include Monument Valley, the Navajo reservation and the north rim of the Grand Canyon. Other National Parks include: Zion, Bryce Canyon, Canyon lands, Capitol and Reef Arches. Utah has always supported the arts; it is home not only to the world-famous Tabernacle Choir but galleries, museums, opera, theater and the Sun dance Film Festival.

There are five territories in Nevada and the two smallest seem to have the most to offer: Las Vegas Territory in the south with bright lights and bold attractions and Reno-Tahoe Territory, bordering California in the west with a more scenic, historic environment.

Highlights: Common projects include: trail maintenance, fencing and re-vegetation (planting and transplanting native species). There are also projects to help protect local endangered species (e.g. the Desert Tortoise and Apache Trout).

Volunteers work in teams of between 6 and 11 volunteers. The teams will normally work for periods of 4 8 days followed by 3 6 days off. Projects are rotated every 2 to 4 weeks to provide a variety of experiences. The work is physically demanding, normally in remote areas. Days are long (up to 10 hours) sometimes in extreme weather conditions. However, the camaraderie and sense of achievement is immeasurable. The volunteers will have the chance to work in some of the most magnificent parks of America. Project locations can be remote and may involve a long hike just to get to the base camp.

Volunteer USA includes:
In the UK
    - Orientation Interview on a one-to-one basis
    - Full pre-departure advice and support from BUNAC
    - Programme, administration and literature
    - Assistance with flight bookings
In the America
    - Accommodation
    - Individual tents on project and dormitory style shared housing during time off
    - Camping equipment
    - Project placements
    - Trained professional supervision
    - Project-related transport and transfer from arrival airport
    - Food whilst working on a project
    - Discounts at local shops and special car-hire rates
    - 24/7 support from our local partner and from BUNACs UK and US offices for the duration of your programme.

Qualifications:    
    - A British or Irish passport holder, resident in the UK or Ireland
    - Aged at least 18
    - Eligible for the US Visa Waiver Scheme
    - Positive, proactive, adventurous, flexible, a good communicator, confident and outgoing with a sense of responsibility and a sense of humor.

Cost in US$: 10, 12 weeks - UK (from 250 Pounds)

An 8 week programme option is also available for 475 euros; this includes a USD 400 (approx. 225 euros) short-programme administration supplement imposed by the placement provider.

BUNAC will arrange insurance for participants. Full details will be sent following acceptance on to the programme.

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to European Participants.

Participants Travel to United States in Groups

Typically Participants Work in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Other
• Resume
• Transcript
• Written Application

Year Founded: 1962