Workamping isn’t just about campgrounds – many Workampers lend their time and skills to projects that make a lasting impact on America’s public lands. One shining example is the volunteer program at Greers Ferry Lake in Arkansas, managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Chief Park Ranger Gary Ivy shares how their dedicated team of volunteers helps preserve this beautiful area while building a strong community for fellow RVers.
By Gary Ivy, Chief Park Ranger, Greers Ferry Lake Project, Little Rock District
Greers Ferry Lake has one of the best volunteer programs in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Our volunteers bring a wealth of knowledge to the project and are able to assist team members in many different ways to help save tax payer’s money.
Depending on a volunteer’s interest, they either stay in one of our twelve campgrounds or in the volunteer village located in Dam Site Park. All volunteer sites have full hookups with a storage building at each campsite. The volunteer village also has a meeting room, bathroom, and laundry options.
At Greers Ferry Lake volunteers perform a variety of tasks. They staff our William Carl Garner Visitor Center year round. In 2016 we had 12,988 visitors from 44 different states and 7 foreign countries.
Our volunteers provide visitors with information about camping, events taking place in the surrounding areas, and the history of the Greers Ferry Lake area. Several volunteers are also teaching the Arkansas Boater’s Education Course. Anyone sixteen years of age or older born after January 1, 1986, who wish to operate a boat must take the course.
Volunteers also assist our maintenance staff with high water debris clean up, campsite restoration, carpentry work, and many other valuable jobs. Whether it’s during the off season or during our Workampers days off we have volunteers who stay at our parks to assist our visitors.
Our volunteers have been invaluable when it comes to our Mossy Bluff Disc Golf Course. This 18-hole disc golf course was designed by Corps employees. Volunteers assisted in completing the course prep work for the fairways, built tee boxes, set baskets, and continue to maintain the course making it one of the most desired courses in the country. The course has been a tremendous success and it has hosted many tournaments.
Greers Ferry Lake has over 30 volunteers on staff. They are a close community who are willing to assist with whatever is needed.
When Bruce and Theresa Williams were asked why they like volunteering at Greers Ferry Lake their response was “We love working with all the hard working people and interacting with the customers who visit this beautiful lake.”
Bruce retired from a career with Batesville Casket Company in Batesville, Indiana. Theresa retired from Dillard Distribution in Little Rock, Arkansas. Bruce is one of our certified boater’s education instructors who teaches the course with Volunteer Jerry Chambers. They have been volunteers at Greers Ferry Lake for about four years.
Another member of our great team is Bob Breedlove. Bob was one of our first volunteers at Greers Ferry Lake and he has been volunteering with us since 2006. He currently works in our visitor center but has also assisted with many other projects ranging from volunteering at different gatehouses, adjusting courtesy docks, carpentry work, lawn maintenance, and many other day-to-day jobs.
Greers Ferry Lake’s experience with volunteers has been extremely successful. Once they come to Greers Ferry Lake they all want to stay. Our volunteers are an important part of the Greers Ferry Lake family and the biggest winners are the visitors.
Their hard work, dedication, and outstanding customer service shines in the Little Rock District and our nation! Our team of 32 volunteers has a combined experience of 73 years for the Corps of Engineers, Greers Ferry Lake. In 2016, the team humbly collected 17,585 hours of service saving Greers Ferry Project Office over $400,000 in budgeted expenses allowing our staff to utilize those dollars in other areas at the project.
If you want to become a volunteer for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Greers Ferry Lake and become a part of a great team please contact our office at 501-362-2416 to see what volunteer opportunities we have available.
The stories of Bruce and Theresa Williams, Bob Breedlove, and so many others show how volunteering can be just as rewarding as paid Workamping opportunities. If you’re looking for a way to give back, connect with people, and enjoy full hookups in a beautiful location, volunteering with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers might be a perfect fit. To explore other opportunities like these, visit the Workamper News Job Listings or contact the Greers Ferry Lake Project Office directly.
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