In 2008, Holden Village embarked on a new form of stewardship in the Railroad Creek Valley. Work crews, guests, and staff participated in clearing and maintaining the wonderful trail network surrounding the Village. By all accounts the program was a big success.
In 2010 we hope to expand the program with more volunteer work groups and individuals participating in this new ministry of work/service, community living in an incredibly beautiful outdoor setting.
WHAT THE PROJECT IS AND WHY HOLDEN IS DOING IT
Holden Village doesn’t actually own the land the Village sits on, but leases the property from the Forest Service. Holden purchases a special use permit from the Forest Service in order to use the land and trails. The user fee has always been below $1000, until the last few years when an act of legislation increased the fee to $55,000 +. Holden has struggled to pay this fee and has been looking for a long range solution.
In 2008 Holden Village worked with the US Forest Service in Chelan, WA to a create the Trails Program which requires the Village to do yearly maintenance and construction on the trail systems in return for a credit on our annual fee. With much hard work from many volunteers last year this “work in lieu” of payment program succeeded. Holden volunteer crews were able to complete the tasks that were set before them and create a credit of over $40,000 which significantly reduced the Special Use Permit fee for 2008.
This year we are hoping to involve more people in this new part of our ministry. We are encouraging groups and individuals to sign up and help in this effort. We have built two yurts that are used for housing and are excited to see this program grow!
WHO IS DOING THE WORK AND HOW YOU CAN HELP
Trail Work Crews: Congregations, youth groups, colleges, neighborhoods or families can apply to come as a trail work group of 5-9 members plus a leader. Crews will work for 4-7 days and live in Yurts just outside of the village, or guest housing. Room and board costs will be covered for these groups. For more information on trail work crews and the application process, please download the Trail Work Crew Application.
Trail Worker: Individuals will be able to come and work on staff as trail workers. Trail workers must be 18 years old and make a minimum three week commitment. Room and board will be covered, and individuals will be housed either in lodges or in yurts outside of the Village. To get started on the application process, please download the Short Term Application Packet. And be sure to list Trails as your first choice! Short Term Application
Guest volunteers: Guests visiting the Village will have an opportunity to participate in the trail work project. Groups will go out for a day and work on a particular trail depending on the week. Equipment and training will be provided for all volunteers. Look for information on the kiosk when you come!
May Youth Weekends: Every weekend in May, Holden will host youth groups who come for sessions, fun… and a two hour service project. Many of these youth will be working on the trails as part of their service component.
Washington Trails Association (WTA): The WTA is an organization that has been maintaining trails near Holden Village for many years. A group will come up for about two weeks in early June.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Email:
Mail:
Trails Coordinator
Holden Village
HC0 Box 2
Chelan, WA 98816
Matins: September 2 by Katie Chatelaine
Yesterday, our community said goodbye to five people...who have profoundly shaped this community and the lives of all who pass through it from the vacationer to the long-term staffer.
Matins: September 1 by Bill Moos
The wall hanging from Augsburg which read, “I have called you by name, you are mine” was placed on the back of the toilet tank --- at eye level.
