My Day as a Park Champion at San Juan Bautista State Historical Park CA

A working vacation?  It is fun and everyone (regardless of age, gender, race) is able to participate.  My advice is to keep it simple like I did and volunteer for a half day.  California has a great state parks program to choose from.

My radio alarm turned on at 6 a.m. My sleepy body said, "On no, this is Sunday, should I really get up and drive 60 miles so I may transition into a gardener and painter or roll over and fall back to sleep?"

I staggered out of bed and found my way through the early morning autumn darkness into the kitchen to make a pot of coffee. I knew if I found some way to overcome this initial lazy thought – today would produce:

Adventure. Exercise. Learn. New friends. Fun. 
 

Park Champions - Gardeners - Working Together - by DW

I read newsletters from California State Parks Foundation about activities and things to do.  I follow the list of state parks in need of Park Champions and signed up to help with San Juan Bautista State Historical Park.  Yes, this is an unusual, fun way to give back to the community.  I admit when the day arrived, it was very difficult to climb out of my warm blankets on my bed and get ready.

We worked together painting this fence!

Even though I have spent time on my Grandfather's farm, I have never had a garden of my own and I have limited painting experience.   Our State Park officials are eager to show you how – I found all you have to do is bring a hat, wear close toe shoes, have a re-usable water bottle, bring a favorite sun protection (sunglasses, sunscreen) – work gloves if you have them, and a smile.  

Park Champions at San Juan Bautista Historical Park - CA by DW

Our Park Officials provide tools, training, more water, lots of energy and their own wonderful smiles. Plus, they are so appreciative to have people to join them in care-taking of resources.

I found my way into this small group of strangers of all ages in the early morning with one common pledge – to help clean up this fabulous State Historical Park  I have shared with you in other stories.  Although we had our smart phones to post pictures and share – we escaped sitting behind the computer finding so many surprises during the day.

I remembered two things as I worked.  One is from the movie, Karate Kid, about building patience and strength through everyday work.  The other as the history enthusiast, I remember all of the different Work Progress Administration projects completed during President Roosevelt’s New Deal programs.  Why not hire people to work on projects like these?  This begins rebuilding our country's infrastructure while providing paid jobs to people - the same people who buy things. 

Working behind the scenes as State Park Champions - by DW

I am grateful I got out of bed yesterday and volunteered as a Park Champion and helped take care of one of my favorite places I go – San Juan Bautista State Historical Park. I have gained new skills of gardening, white-washing a fence, and met a fabulous group of people at the same time. Fun! Of course, I slept well through the night afterwards! 

I continue to share pictures and stories of this day as a Park Champion ~ working at San Juan Bautista Historical Park. ~ The Fun Tour Guru

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