FAQ: Gateway to the Outdoors Projects
Frequently Asked Questions
To give you a better idea of what it’s like to be at one of our Gateway to the Outdoors projects, check out the answers to our most frequently asked questions.
What do gateway participants do?
Volunteers are a vital part of keeping our public lands and wilderness areas safe and clean. Participants will volunteer by working on the ground with others to heal and protect wild places. This trip is fun, rewarding, and can be a great way to meet new Friends. You’ll also get to explore the places we’re working to protect and learn about our environment from local experts.
What is the cost?
It's free! Thanks to the generosity of donors, we're able to provide all the meals, gear, and transportation, including tools, safety gear, cooking equipment, chairs, and tents. All we ask you to bring is personal items, like clothes, gear, etc.
Do I need to have prior experience?
Not at all! We especially encourage you to sign up if you've never done trail work or restoration. It's a great opportunity to learn with other beginners and ask all the questions you didn't know you had. This project doesn’t require prior camping experience, and we encourage all levels of experience to get involved. You’ll receive a safety and training session before you begin working on a project, including proper techniques and appropriate tool use.
What do I need to bring?
Check out our page about WHAT TO BRING here! Be sure to bring some creature comforts, like snacks, a card game, or your favorite hoodie to make sure you're cozy and enjoy the week. And remember, you and your belongings will likely get dirty, so pack accordingly. If you are missing gear (like a tent, sleeping bag or sleeping pad) we have gear you can borrow, as long as you let us know ahead of time.
How do I sign up?
Go to this page to RSVP. After you RSVP you will be sent an email with information about the project.
How do I get to the project?
We will provide all transportation, including picking you up and dropping you off at our designated meeting area. We ask that folks carpool with us and not use their own vehicles. As you can imagine, if everyone drives separately, we won’t have enough room to park all of the vehicles.
Do I have to stay for the entire project?
Yes, we ask that you come for the entirety of the project, as it is too logistically difficult for us to plan meals and coordinate safe projects when the group size fluctuates. That being said, if an emergency arises and you need to leave, let us know so we can get you the help you need.
Will there be a camp host or chef on the project?
We’ll be cooking up gourmet camp dinners and desserts every night! We’ll have coffee, tea, and a breakfast bar in the mornings. We’ll also have lots of tasty snacks and lunch fixings. Make sure to let us know about allergies or dietary restrictions prior to the event so we can prepare a menu.
What are the age requirements?
Must be 18 years or older.
Can I bring my dog?
No. Due to safety reasons and concern for the animal’s well-being we do not allow pets on projects. There are swinging tools and moving objects at our work sites, which could be potentially hazardous. In addition, while your pet may be adorable and well-behaved, not everyone is comfortable around dogs. We would, however, love to see your cute photos and videos around the campfire.
