Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the purpose of The Nature Corps outings?
2. What are the outings like?
3. Do I need to have special skills?
4. I may be limited by health issues; is that a problem?
5. What are the minimum and maximum ages?
6. What is the make up of the groups?
7. What should I know before I arrive in the park?
8. How do I get to and from the National Parks?
9. How do I join a The Nature Corps team?
10. What does the tuition cover?
 11. When do I pay the remaining portion of the tuition?
12. What if I need to cancel?
13. Are my project costs tax-deductible?
14. How can I get more information?

1. What is the purpose of The Nature Corps outings?

The purpose of The Nature Corps outings is to give Americans the opportunity to serve as stewards of their National Parks. Nature Corps volunteers provide the National Park Service with assistance on important conservation projects that could not be completed otherwise. Three elements make up the core of our volunteer vacations: volunteer service, continuing education and recreation. Our objective is to provide participants with a rewarding and meaningful volunteer experience. You will have the opportunity to leave your own personal legacy as you preserve some of our nation's most cherished natural treasures.  

2. What are the outings like?

The Nature Corps volunteer vacations are designed to be just that. Half of the trip is devoted to working on a critical conservation project. During the remaining portion of the trip, Nature Corps staff take you on guided excursions so that you can see and experience the National Parks that you have worked to preserve. On free days you may explore the park on your own if you so desire.  

3. Do I need to have special skills?

No. Our field staff will teach you everything you need to know once you arrive. The majority of tasks are simple, and you will quickly master them.  

4. I may be limited by health issues; is that a problem?

There are projects to suit nearly everyone's physical ability. If you'd like, please feel free to call us about the various projects that are currently underway to determine their suitability.

Do I need to be in good shape?
Most projects are suitable for every fitness level, but some may be more demanding than others. However, everyone is encouraged to work at their own pace. Your personal safety is very much our concern.

5. What are the minimum and maximum ages?

Are teens allowed on The Nature Corps expeditions?
The minimum age is 16, and there is no maximum! Teens have a history of being enthusiastic and strong contributors to the project. Teens are welcome to join our student outings (for teens 14 and older) or volunteer on the adult outings as long as they are 16 years of age by the first day of the outing. (Note to parents: On the adult outings there is no special supervision of unaccompanied teens; they are expected to participate and behave as adults. Please evaluate their dedication to our projects before they sign up. If they are uncooperative, teens will be asked to leave at the parent's expense.)

Am I too old? Not at all! There is a project for everyone's abilities and stamina. All that is required is a willingness to help.

6. What is the make up of the groups?

Who attends the outings?
Volunteers are diverse in age, experience and background. 60% of volunteers are female, 40% male. Most are professionals. Families also attend. Many of the participants are returning volunteers. All share a love for the outdoors and the same spirit of volunteerism as you do. Many become lifelong friends and come back to the same projects to see them through.

Can families attend?
Families are most certainly welcome. Many people's fondest memories are of times they spent in a National Park with their families. All we ask is that a parent is available to keep an eye on their children and moderate their behavior. We have noted that kids soon recognize the importance of the projects and are amazingly dedicated to helping out. Our goal is to make this one of the most memorable vacations your family will ever have. We hope that you will come back to the park in the years ahead to see how your project is doing. Imagine revisiting Sequoia with your grand kids and the tree you planted is now 30 feet tall!

What is the group size?
Groups are usually between 15 to 20 people (though there are exceptions). The Hawaii outings are limited to 14 people.

7. What should I know before I arrive in the park?

What to bring?Once you register, we will send you Expedition Updates to help you prepare for the outings. The Updates contain a full list of everything that you will need to bring. Certain outings may require special camping equipment; others, specific clothing for certain climates. Most require no more than your favorite pair of Levi's and work-shirt. The Updates also include maps, itineraries, contact numbers and anything else you will need to know to prepare for the trip. Who leads the outings?All our projects are led by experienced staff and educators. They have years of experience at leading volunteer outings and each one has their own forte. They all share an enthusiasm and passion for their parks and projects, and they value your work and are eager to share their knowledge with you.

FoodWhen you are on the outings you do not have to worry about preparing a single meal. All of that is taken care of by our outdoor cooks. You can just sit back and enjoy your surroundings until the meals are ready. The food is delicious and there is plenty of it. Each morning we will rise to the wonderful aromas of coffee and a hearty breakfast. After breakfast volunteers will prepare their own box lunch as they choose from a buffet of lunch foods. There are plenty of sandwich items, fruits, drinks, snacks and yes, chocolate! After a full day of fun and learning, we will be lured to dinner by the wonderful aromas of savory meals. Each evening a festive dinner will be served as we dine under the Milky Way. Then we'll gather around the campfire for dessert and enjoy laughter-filled activities and games. (Dinners on the Hawaii excursion are eaten in a variety of ethnic restaurants as the volunteers tour the island.)

Projects No matter what the project, you do not need any special skills. We will teach you what you need to do when you arrive in the field. Undoubtedly, you will find skills you never knew you had and put them to good use. Our parks (and you) will be better for it. AccommodationsThe accommodations on The Nature Corps projects range from luxury camping to condos. On most of the Sierra and Channel Island outings volunteers camp in special volunteer sites; some with a cooking facility nearby or a base camp set up by our staff. All outings have accessibility to hot showers and restrooms. While working in the field if restrooms are not nearby, clean port-a-potties will be available. In all cases, we try to provide the most comfortable facilities available, while trying to keep participation within the economic reach of the largest number of people.

Will I have any time off? Yes. Our volunteer time ends in the mid-afternoon. Once we return to our base camp, you will have free time to enjoy hiking, fishing, photography, reading, playing Frisbee, or taking a nap under a majestic pine. Each evening we have scheduled side trips that will give you an opportunity to see various aspects of the park. We also have designate days off to tour the park and explore a variety of points of interest. Or, you might just like to kick up your heels and lie on a hammock with a good book. The choice is yours.

8. How do I get to and from the National Parks?

There are set locations and times for all The Nature Corps expeditions. Nature Corps staff will meet you at the rendezvous sites. Usually, the rendezvous is in a National Park, the nearest airport or harbor. Who makes my travel arrangement?You do. Nature Corps staff will be able to offer suggestions and looks forward to assisting you in any way that we can. However, you are responsible to get yourself to and from the rendezvous point.

When should I book my travel?Book your travel as soon as your place on an outing has been confirmed. In addition, we recommend that you make sure the tickets are refundable or open ended. While rare, there is always a possibility that outing dates could change. Should I purchase travel insurance?Yes. We strongly recommend volunteers purchase trip cancellation insurance. A travel agent can offer a variety of travel policies. Your travel arrangements are subject to the terms and conditions of the travel agency through which you make your booking. Please note that The Nature Corps can not take responsibility for any cancellation or amendment penalties that may arise. While it rarely occurs, if for some reason an outing is canceled, The Nature Corps we will refund your tuition. However, The Nature Corps is not responsible for non-refundable airline or other tickets or payments or any similar penalties that may be incurred. It is your responsibility to protect yourself against airline and travel agency cancellation fees by taking out appropriate travel insurance. We strongly recommend that you purchase trip cancellation insurance.

Can I stay longer?You cannot stay on the project longer than the scheduled outing. However, many people choose to make other travel arrangements either before or after the outing.

9. How do I join a The Nature Corps team?

Step One: Select a park and outing dates and remember to choose an alternate in case your first choice is full. The outings fill quickly and are limited, in some cases, to just 14 people. It is important to sign-up early since we register participants on a first come, first served basis.

Step Two: Reserve your place online. To make an initial reservation, simply use the secure online Registration Form to register. You can use your credit card to make a deposit and reserve your place. You can also phone or fax the information. After making the initial reservation, download the complete registration form on the Application Page and mail the signed forms to The Nature Corps office. If at any time you need assistance, please feel free to contact us at (800) 77-4- PARK.

Step Three: Review your confirmation letter. Once you have made your initial reservation and sent your deposit, we will send you a confirmation letter and an Expedition Update containing detailed information on the expedition; what to bring, maps, itinerary etc.. Please read it carefully and return any additional forms as soon as possible.

Step Four: Book your travel. We will provide every assistance to make your travel as easy as possible. Travel costs to the rendezvous sites are not included in your expedition tuition. The balance of tuition is due in full 60 days prior to the outing start date.

Step Five: Meet us at the park. We will receive you at the rendezvous point and help you get settled in. It's that simple!

10. What does the tuition cover?

The tuition covers your meals, accommodation, ground transportation on the Channel Island and Hawaii outings. It also includes crew leaders, instructors on the professional development outings, cooks and all of the various logistical expenses associated with implementing the outing. Please note that from time to time the tuitions are subject to change. We do our best to keep the tuition as low as possible as our goal is to provide the most comfort conditions during the outing while keeping costs down and within the economic reach of the largest number of people.

What other expenses will I incur? The remaining costs will be your transportation expenses to and from the outing rendezvous sites and while driving in the park. This means that airfares and related travel costs are not covered by the tuition. Additional costs may be incurred for any side trips made during times outside the expedition dates or for meals while volunteers are on a road tour. This may also apply to dinners on the Hawaii excursion when volunteers will be touring the island and the group stops to get dinner on the road. Expedition Updates will clearly outline any meals that are not covered by the tuition.

11. When do I pay the remaining portion of the tuition?

If you reserve your space 90 days or more before the outing, the remainder of the balance is due at 90 days. The full tuition is required if reserving a space under 90 days before the outing start date. You can pay either by check or with most major credit cards.

12. What if I need to cancel?

Outside of 90 days from your team start date we assure full refunds less a handling charge of $100 to cover the costs for expenditures already incurred in preparing for your arrival in the field. Please refer to the Cancellation Policies included in the Reservation Forms. The forms can be downloaded from the Registration Form

13. Are my project costs tax-deductible?

The Nature Corps is a private operating foundation described under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. In general, contributions of cash, securities and property donated by US citizens to support Nature Corps projects are tax-deductible. Note: Contributions of cash or securities to a charitable organization are tax deductible only upon completion of giving. As such, your payment(s) towards an The Nature Corps expedition may be tax deductible only after such payment(s) is non-refundable or, in other words, 45 days before the outing start date (Tuition is no longer refundable). Under certain circumstances, volunteers may deduct reasonable out-of-pocket expenses associated with their participation in The Nature Corps expedition including (the $25 mandatory health insurance) and some expenses for transportation to and from the National Park. AS WITH ALL TAX MATTERS, PLEASE CONSULT YOUR PERSONAL TAX ADVISOR ON ALL ISSUES CONCERNING TAX DEDUCTIBILITY.

14. How can I get more information?

Give us a call: Our experienced staff is ready to help answer any questions that you may have. Once you have decided to join a project, we will help you every step of the way. (800)77–4–PARK. To begin the registration process, simply use the secure online Registration Form to reserve your space.