This was my first volunteer vacation, but it won't be my last!

The People: I loved the leaders, chefs, park staff, and other volunteers. I couldn't ask for a more wonderful group to collaborate with during our week together. I challenged myself beyond what I thought possible and it was due to the help of this group. The first meeting set the tone that this experience was different for each individual. Various circumstances brought us together. We spanned all age groups from age 19 to the beyond the 60's. The leaders did a nice job encouraging us to share ourselves - our talents, our humor, our stories, and our passion. The NPS Ranger Eamon was a great resource for educating us and joining in our joy. I had a great time and grew as we took on tasks, worked together to accomplish common goals, and enjoyed our time together.

The Fun: After the volunteer work, it was nice to have a good time during our "down" time. The leaders were very receptive to our ideas, but I was so happy they shared their love of Yosemite. They allowed me to see some spectacular sites that I would have missed on my own. Norman and Shelley's knowledge really made this experience special, fun, and welcoming.

The Work: It was so rewarding to help nature. I am glad to have an impact on improving trails, creating fence posts, and installing the posts to mend fencing. I was filled with joy to leave Yosemite a little bit better than when I arrived. We all took pride in the work that we accomplished together as a team.

I miss the laughter. The memories will last me a lifetime!

September 26, 2024
By Pam M. (Yosemite Trip-- September 2024)

My volunteer trail service experiences started 6 years ago with Conservation VIP (CVIP) on a trip to Patagonia. A trip that was life changing and convinced me that my goal in retirement was giving back to trails where I’ve done a lot of backpacking and/or visited. Since then, I have volunteered with REI, Sierra Club and the Tahoe Rim Trail and then returned to CVIP this summer for their Yosemite trip. And I strongly feel that the CVIP organization excels in the overall experience for their volunteers. From the website description, pre-trip information packet and communication, to the outstanding leaders (CVIP and the National Park Service) they are passionate about their mission to conserve our natural wonders and spark an interest in others. Our future National Parks and other outdoor locations are in good hands with CVIP.

Before starting with my review, I would like to say that I agree with everything Kim V. said in her review!!!!!

Leaders: Norman and Shelley did an outstanding job of making everyone feel welcomed, valued, and meeting individual expectations throughout the week. They were passionate about CVIP and making our experience enjoyable and fulfilling. And they were a great team that work well together and obvious enjoyed working together. The environment they created and openness to suggestions helped our group bond quickly
We were presented several of possible tasks, and our group decided what we’d like to accomplish. After each day Norman and Shelley checked in with the groups experience and how individuals felt physically and mentally about our workload and adjusted as needed.

Eamon-- who else is better to learn the various trail maintenance skills and work alongside then the leader of Yosemite’s trail maintenance crew. Eamon’s passion for his work, people skills and leadership were evident from the moment we meet him. His smile and easy nature made you feel part of his crew right away. His demonstrations and explanations were clear, short and with safety always his top priority. He was wiliness to answer questions, provided some advice but let you accomplish the task your way instilled confidence and pride in your abilities. And it was very interesting to learn about Yosemite’s sustainable practices and history from a person who lives it every day!

Meals ( 3 meals a day--preparation, serving, and clean up all done by Dawn and Kerry)

Awesome meals but more importantly Dawn and Kerry (spelling?) were wonderful people. So friendly, upbeat and personnel from the moment we meet them. Each morning a cheerful “good morning,” after a full day on the trail they were interested in what we had accomplished, or we’d chat about our interests. And the food was like a 5-star restaurant. Who eats salmon, eggs benedict, prime rib, Thai Curry, Prawns and so much more while camping.

Trail Work—I loved everything about the work we accomplished and the variety within the tasks and locations in the park. Also, I enjoyed having an opportunity to work with another partner each day. Getting to know them, learn from them and begin a friendship. The most rewarding part of our work was repairing the split rail fences along the Valley floor of Yosemite and knowing our work will stand for generations. Having the opportunity to learn and do the whole process was so rewarding. From split the logs into 8-foot posts, digging the post hole, watching Eamon make the notch hole (done with a small chainsaw -- were not allowed to use), adjusting rails, and finally filling and packing the dirt. And of course, taking a picture with my partner for the day, John. Then off to the next post. What a glorious day!!

Other Volunteers
You all were the best. So honest, straight forward about likes and dislikes, hardworking, sharing of yourselves and caring about others, fun to be around (ooh, the laughter around the cabin fire and all the stories). As I told you, “You all filled my memory box.” Thank you.

In Closing---I would highly recommend Conservation VIP to anyone who would love to give back to the environment, in a small way but meaningful way to preservation of our natural wonders for our future generations. If you have a teenage or college age child who loves the outdoors, looking for a possible future in a National Park or want a new experience that might spark a direction in their life, or want a great bonding trip with your son, daughter or older grandchild. A Conservation VIP trip could be that trip you or your loved ones.

Needless, to say I’ll be back on another trip.

I don't like to give 5-star reviews because I feel most of them are fake.

This trip experience was a true 5-star experience.

The sign-up and pre-trip communication was easy and complete.

The group leaders, Shelly and Norman were exceptional. They knew what to expect and prepared us well everyday. Most of all thier enthusiasm for the trip and its mission was 110%. They worked as hard as the volunteers each day then found energy to drive us to shopping and showers or finding places for star gazing. Thier individual support enabled each volunteer to exceed what they might have thought they could do.

Eamon from the NPS (Yosemite) had an "aw-shucks" attitude that hid his intelligence and experience. You could tell he loved giving to the park. Every day, with his guidence, we completed more than we should have been able to do.

Taking a Voluntourism trip carries the hope that the projects are actually beneficial to the recipient. In this case it certainly was. ConservationVIP seems to be a very legitmate organization.

All of the reviews seem to mention the food; for good reason. It was exceptional! Dawn and Cary served love with all the meals. I did not expect to gain weight after working so hard each day.

Thanks to the program and the group leaders we quickly solidified into an over-achieving team. It was a diverse group of ages and abilities. From the safe place that was created, everyone found ways to contribute mightly.

Any 5-star review should answer if you would (or have already) purchased the product again: I recently contacted Conservation-VIP about my next trip with them.

This trip caught my eye a few years ago. After reading multiple trip reviews and reports, I finally committed to the experience. And, oh what an amazing experience it was!

Pre-trip:
Conservation Volunteers International Program (ConservationVIP) did a wonderful job communicating pre-trip preparations to ensure a smooth arrival and experience.

Arrival and Trip Leaders:
Arrival went smoothly—thanks to the informative and detailed directions from ConservationVIP. We were greeted by Shelley and Norman (both fantastic individuals and team leaders), who helped each and every one of us transition into our group campsite. (I love the view in the morning from my tent of the sunrise kissing the tips of The Three Brothers while breathing in fresh morning air.)

Experience:
Although we (volunteers) generally know that we will be doing physical work to improve trails, etc., arriving with an open mind, open heart and helping hands is helpful for the synergy of the group. I would say that each of us shared that same value which made the experience even more meaningful, rewarding and enjoyable. I so appreciate the opportunity to be and work alongside wonderful individuals throughout the week!

The Work with NPS (Yosemite):
Eamon with National Park Service (NPS) has a special gift of honoring the group and our collective talents, as well as getting to know each individual. Safety and training was the top priority, alongside of a positive volunteer experience. With his direction, we cleared trails, learned about and executed the efforts of drainage on trails to keep hikers safe and mitigate erosion, made fence posts (without power tools) from fallen trees within Yosemite which promotes sustainable practices, and sunk those fence post three-feet deep after digging out posts needing attention. W0W! We accomplished a lot, thanks to Eamon’s thoughtful direction!

The Meals:
What can I say?! Dawn and Kearey not only provided delicious meals, but also added to the positive experience for the week. I can tell that they put so much care and attention into all of the meals—salmon, Thai curry, prime rib, prawns, cheeseburgers, corn on the cob 😋

Future Volunteer Experiences:
ConservationVIP was very organized and thoughtful. They not only provide a safe and supportive environment, but also can back up the volunteer efforts with data so that at the end of the day or the trip, we can look back and realize that we made a positive impact on this beautiful place called Yosemite. I’ll be signing up for another Yosemite adventure and/or international volunteer experience with them. This has got to be one of the best ways I can spend my vacation time!

This was my first time doing a volunteer trip and it was absolutely amazing. I got to meet a wonderful group of people, work on projects that will help the parks for years to come, and push myself to do things that I didn't know that I was capable of doing. The location was beautiful with lots of amazing views to look at and the leaders for my trip were great. I could trust that they knew what they were doing, they were super accommodating to the needs of the group and they created a safe space for anyone to share their needs or complaints if anyone had any.

I have been to Yosemite several times. This was my first time volunteering and I cannot adequately put into words how amazing it was to experience Yosemite as a volunteer, meeting awe-inspiring people and get a glimpse "behind the curtain" of Yosemite in helping. And I will now say this trip has been my favorite way to experience this breathtaking place.

The leaders, Danielle and Pam, were amazing: between communicating what to expect, being available for any questions/ concerns before and during the trip, and facilitating times where we could come together as a group to share our experiences, thoughts, etc. I am so grateful to have their leadership, wisdom, and encouragement during my time in Yosemite.

And the cooks....beyond the ridiculously amazing food every day (Thai food night while camping?!) they also had a vast knowledge of the park and suggestions for where to explore during free time.

It was such a joy to meet everyone and work alongside extraordinary volunteers from all walks/phases of life and learn from everyone. I will forever cherish the conversations I had working side-by-side with everyone and I am grateful for the new friends I made during this time.

I decided on a whim to go and I do not regret that decision one bit. My only complaint is that the trip was too short. Yosemite is a stunning place and being able to help and give back to this place working alongside beautiful and inspirational people is a lifetime experience that should not be missed!

I doubt you will ever have the chance to see Yosemite like this. The park is breathtaking in the spring when the water runs out of the mountains into the valley. We stayed in a semi-private campground, secluded deep in the valley yet easily accessible to showers, shops and other comforts. The food was great and our cooks had a lifetime's knowledge about the park. Danielle and Pam, were extraordinary leaders: prepared, careful, knowledgeable, encouraging. And I can't praise my fellow volunteers highly enough. I've never been with a group so committed, interesting or inspirational .

To top it all off, we did satisfying work that left the park in a better condition. And we got glimpses of the park's operations (we spent two days with climbing rangers and half a day with the mule teams) that gave me a greater appreciation of the vast hidden operations that ensure visitors of all kinds enjoy their stays. Anyone who pays the entrance fee can see Half Dome, El Cap the falls and any of the other magnificent sites in the park. But few get the chance to see the park close up and from the inside like this.

If sleeping on the ground is the only thing giving you pause, please think again. You will be so exhilarated by the second day you won't even care. I want to go back and I’ve encourage everyone I know to join me. It is the trip of a lifetime.

It was Great trip……5 Stars ..we were a good people and the leadership was excellent . CVIP is a conservative group …….they are very safe and respectful. This was my 6th VIP trip and I plan on attending next years , 2025 , spring Trail maintenance effort in Yosemite. We enjoyed Excellent food and had a good campground experience ….. The work was rewarding and memorable. Spring is a fun time to visit Yosemite  because the water falls are full of water, and the Merced is full ……….. Mateo