Hearts and Hands Volunteer Week at Naramata
Hearts and Hands Volunteer Service Event at Naramata Centre - October 14 - 21, 2017.
It's time again to get our hands dirty and our hearts filled! Come join us as we gather in community and collectively care for the Centre. We will prepare the grounds for winter, complete some light building projects and build community as we eat, work and play together.
Arrive Friday, October 13 and take time to settle in. Please bring gear for garden work, building work and all types of weather. We will work together from Saturday, October 14 to Friday, October 20 - come for as little or as long as you can. Kick off the week with us at 9 a.m. Saturday morning for our community welcome circle.
Jenne Newman and her family, Chris Giffen and Clara Lindstrom, Jim and Donna Simpson, and Gwen Dell'Anno will share leadership throughout the week, and create opportunities to engage in community activities, music, conversation and contemplation.
Accommodation is available at no charge and we will share some potluck meals. As well, Columbia Hall is the setting for the highly popular local NaramataSlow Harvest Supper on Sunday, October 15th. This dinner features local meat, produce and wine. You may want to be a part of this fun event! More information about tickets can be found on their Eventbrite site
Please call the Centre (250-496-5751 or 1-877-996-5751) or email info@naramatacentresociety.org to book your accommodation and to register for Hearts and Hands. If you are local and not staying on site, please call or email to register for the event.
We are looking forward to meeting and working with you!
Questions and Answers
What duties are involved in the Volunteer Service Week? There will be a wide range of projects to work on during the week. While the list isn't fully compiled, it includes: Grounds - gardening, pruning, clearing out, raking leaves; Accommodations - cleaning, winterizing, painting and Small building projects to complete
I can't participate in heavy lifting of strenuous activity. Will I still be of use? Absolutely. As you will see from the list, there is a range of activities to choose from based on your skills, interest and abilities.
Will there be breaks during the 5-6 hour work day? Yes, we want you to work in healthy ways that work for you. Pace yourself and work to your potential.
Will there be other activities on site during this time? Yes, we plan to offer spiritual nurture activities and more. Participants can join in these activities or volunteer to lead. On Saturday, we will collectively plan activities for the week.
What should I bring with me? The Centre has most basic tools but if you have particular tools or equipment that you like to use when working, and if you can safely transport them, please bring them along. As well, please bring proper clothing and footwear in line with the activities you would like to do - indoors, outside, etc. Please check the weather before you come, and bring clothes that match the forecast! Evenings can be cool at this time of year.
Where will volunteers stay? Orchard Court, East Court and the campgrounds will be used first. If we get more people (a good problem we hope for), we will also have people stay in Cottage Court.
Can I camp while I am there? Yes, you can! October can still be a lovely time here in Naramata. Evenings/night-time will be cool, so warm clothes are in order.
Can I bring my children? Will there be child care? We welcome families but there is no organized childcare. You would need to be prepared to manage your own childcare needs.
How will food be organized? Just like summer, there will be no food services provided on site, so people will need to be prepared to provide for themselves. There can also be the opportunity for people to prepare food together and eat together.
I am local, can I come for one day or intermittently through the week? Absolutely, just register and let us know you are staying offsite.
Will Board members be present/ will there be opportunities to discuss the future of the Centre? There will be board members at this event. Questions and feedback are welcome and will be passed on to the board at large.
Ways to Stay Connected
If you haven't already done so, become a Naramata Centre member to support the work of the Board.
Watch for our monthly emailed newsletter to stay informed about Centre activities and Board plans as they unfold.
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Check out our blog posts for news about the Centre.