"I've Always Wanted to Do Something Like This!"

"Can I bring a friend?"..."Do you have any trips out East?"..."Do you go to Alaska?"..."I had no idea something like this even existed."..."How do I sign up?"...Our national parks need more groups like you."..."Can I bring my five year-old?"..."We appreciate the work you're doing"..."Thank you."

Those are just a few of the comments and questions Wilderness Volunteers fielded this weekend at the 2011 Calvary Outdoors Expo, held in Souderton, Pennsylvania just 30 miles north of Philadelphia. We handed out rack cards, showed pictures and video, and shared stories and laughter with a good number of the nearly 10,000 people in attendance. Folks of all ages and backgrounds - even a real-life owner of a chocolate factory who is section hiking the AT - stopped by to learn about WV and express their interest in "Giving Something Back."

Special thanks to Rick and Marge Volpe for organizing the event, as well as Howard Dupee, Joe Maglaty, Ron Eydelloth, and Jen Leonard for enthusiastically representing Wilderness Volunteers.

We'll see you all again next year!

P.S. Interested in doing a Wilderness Volunteers event near you - whether at your local outdoor store, an expo, or anywhere else? Let us know at info@wildernessvolunteers.org.

WV in PA on Saturday March 26th

Saguaro Nat'l Park, AZ (2007)

For the second year in a row, Wilderness Volunteers will be out and about at the 2011 Calvary Outdoors Expo this Saturday March 26th in Souderton, PA - just 30 miles north of Philadelphia. Last year's event attracted nearly 10,000 attendees and an even bigger turnout is expected this year. The event runs from 10am-6pm. Special thanks to WV'ers Marge and Rick Volpe for organizing the WV exhibit.

So if you're in the area, stop by and see us.

P.S. And in case you missed the recap of last year's expo, here's one of the highlights: volunteers Joe Maglaty, Ron Eydelloth, and Howard Dupee - who worked last year's event along with Rick and Marge - shared with me their awe-inspiring vision of a little something they call "the trail zamboni." Read about it here.

Take Advantage of the Wilderness Volunteers Online Auction

Looking for a great way to help out Wilderness Volunteers, beyond participating in that special service trip? Wanna get in on some unbelievably dirt cheap deals on new outdoor gear, art, photography, apparel, and trips to fantastic destinations?

The Wilderness Volunteers online auction is just what you're looking for! The countdown is underway, with just a little over six days left as of this post, so get in now and place your bids.

Participating in an online auction is just plain fun; watching items you've bid on, and outbidding others to get that special item you just can't do without...all at prices well below what you'll find at your local retail outlet.

Proceeds from the auction will be used to keep our program strong and in particular, help us field our first intern this summer. Remember, you aren't just bidding on some cool gear/activities, you are supporting Wilderness Volunteers. The Auction will run until next Tuesday, March 15th.

And don't forget to join us on a service project this year; there are still openings on 2011 service projects across the country. Get outside, have an adventure and Give Something Back to our beautiful wild lands.

We wish to extend a very special THANK YOU to our auction donors for their generosity in support of Wilderness Volunteers!

Pack It Gourmet

I've ordered food for personal adventures many times from this small company based in my hometown of Austin, Texas, and really enjoy their smoothies, breakfast migas and peanut porridge. I was really glad that they enthusiastically agreed to donate a sampler pack of their yummy freeze-dried food for the Wilderness Volunteers online auction.

Speaking of the auction, it is up and running now with 135 items. Head on over to this link, register and place your bids on the Pack It Gourmet sampler pack -- the lucky winner will have a weekend's worth of meals for two that is truly gourmet!

And check out the other items, adventures and artwork. The proceeds from the auction go to help us run the program, and in particular this year, will help us support our first intern.