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

Conservation VIP does an amazing job of coordinating and hosting interesting volunteers from all walks of life. Trip leaders Danielle and Pam were gracious leaders who did their best to guide us through a week of uncertainty due to the rising flood waters of the Merced River during the massive spring thaw of May. Even though our trip was subject to daily reports of the possibility of an evacuation, Danielle and Pam were calm and cool leaders who kept us informed and focused on our conservation work each day. The caterers were exceptional and prepared tasty breakfasts and dinners all week long. It was hard to believe we were camping! Additionally, the campsite in Upper Pines was very convenient to showers and clean restrooms. The evening campfires were a nice way to spend the evening with our new friends who worked hard and supported each other in our daily tasks which included a lot of fence post and rail removal, repair and replacement. Our National Park Service charge was Eamon Schneider and he was a great instructor and supervisor, a real credit to Yosemite National Park. Being able to open the new ADA ramps to Bridal Veil Falls to the public for the first time was a special moment that we will always treasure. In sum, a behind the scenes working adventure with terrific new friends and top-notch leaders, excellent food and facilities, and the incredible beauty of Yosemite Valley. You really cannot ask for a better way to give back to the park. Thanks Conservation VIP! We look forward traveling with you again!

First time to Yosemite and first camping experience in decades. I will forever be spoiled by this experience. To see the park with such magnificent waterfalls due to the significant snowpack from this past winter was a treat and to work in view of Yosemite Falls and at the base of Bridal Vail Falls felt more like a privilege. Aemon, our NPS leader, was flexible in finding us jobs that were meaningful and rewarding. We learned how to (re)build split rail fencing and our group enabled everyone to try new skills. Danielle and Pam were true leaders communicating the daily activities, promoting teamwork and safety awareness. From Day 1 they were transparent about the risk that flood levels could affect our week, so each day was a gift and a reason to get as much done as possible. As a result, we would squeeze in small hikes before or after each workday and collapsed each night over dinner and the campfire. And who ever heard of shrimp scampi and key lime pie on a camping trip?! Our caterers Kerry and Dawn are wonderful, and every meal was excellent. I look forward to my next adventure with Conservation VIP, reuniting with friends and making new ones.

The Yosemite trip turned out to positively exceed my expectations! Despite some uncertainties prior to the trip, everything worked out. The combination of a breathtaking location during an exceptional year ( I've never seen so much water in Yosemite) , the great friends, good work and delicious food, made it a trip to remember. We mostly repaired and removed fencing in the valley and were able to open a portion Bridal Veil Falls trail that had been closed for 3 years. I'll never look at fencing the same again! I loved the hard work and learned a lot. Our leaders Danielle and Pam made it all come together. Thanks also to our wonderful caterers Carrie and Dawn (sp?) and Amen (sp?) and Johnny from the park services!

We had a good time, good food and two strong guys to help us build fences, remove fences and open up Bridal Vail Falls. Next time we need strong guys to help us

Good leadership and excellent Group dynamics. NPS people were fun to work with. Thank you ConservationVIP, for pulling this trip off, with such skill and grace. The Merced River was at Flood stage and we had a trip of a life time, experiencing That much water flowing through in the valley. The water falls were memorable. May is a good time to travel to Yosemite …… and the camping was fun.