For families with kids, September is the month that re-focuses the family on school and after school programs, putting aside the summer fun and getting down to business. With family members heading in all different directions, it may be hard to carve out time to be together.
I have an idea. Why not make a commitment to volunteer as a family one day a month? Naturally, I would suggest that volunteering in a state park is your best choice, but I encourage you to find any organization to offer your time and talents to benefit a worthy cause. It is a worthwhile activity that the family can participate in together while enjoying nature.
Our state parks benefit greatly from volunteer support. We have volunteers that come out one day a year for a beach cleanup and volunteers who work a regular schedule in our visitor centers or contact stations. We have costumed interpreters who share their love of history with guests. We have historic gardens to tend and trails to maintain.
September just begs to be the start of a new commitment to volunteerism. President Obama’s the park nearest to you and ask about volunteer opportunities.