Volunteer “duties”: I’m a one-woman operation and when I have all three of my cabins full (typically in the summer), I need help with the day-to-day running of the operation. If my volunteer(s) has the capability and aptitude, I like them to primarily be responsible for guiding the interpretive day hikes. I can teach you the local flora/fauna, wildlife behavior/habitat, a bit about geology and, of course, show you the trails. I typically accompany you and guests on the hikes until you are comfortable. Secondary duties can include helping with meal preparation and clean-up; cleaning cabins; splitting/stacking wood; providing guest transportation (most of the time, my volunteers have the opportunity to accompany guests if they’re out on a day trip with my specialty outfitters – horseback riding and whitewater rafting); and helping with a “supply run” (a mad dash into the nearest town to do laundry, pick up fuel, groceries and other supplies).

Volunteer accommodation: I have converted the loft of a “barn” into living quarters. It is still rustic (as in, no running water), but it is heated, furnished and has a composting toilet. We are able to use the showers in the cabins when we have a guest change-out. I’m also in the process of planning the remaining renovation of the barn into a useful structure – converting the main floor into a larger cook house – so if you have ideas with that, I would welcome your input.

Special considerations: The ‘Escape cabins are relatively remote, with the nearest point of civilization being Hinton, Alberta – 70 km to our southeast. It is important, therefore, for my volunteer(s) to be comfortable with the sense of isolation. When we have guests in, we tend to work rather long hours – beginning about 8 a.m. and finishing up about 9 p.m. I do try to give my volunteer(s) time off whenever possible; sometimes, it is just not possible.

Dates: I can take a volunteer(s) as early as May and continuing until the middle/end of August. I would prefer a minimum two-month commitment, although may be open to shorter timeframes.

Application process: If you are interested in volunteering at the ‘Escape, please forward a brief resume along with references and covering letter explaining your particular reasons for wanting to experience what we have to offer, to:
ecolodge@xplornet.com