Camp Wooten Work Party

WASHINGTON—Soon, we will enter autumn full of gratitude to the incredibly hard-working men and women who suppressed the numerous wildland fires of summer.

The Umatilla Forest has been shut down due to fire, with some areas beginning to reopen as the conditions improve. The Blue Mountain Land Trust Blues Crew plans to go back into the forest before snowfall for trail restoration projects improving access for hikers and campers.

The Blues Crew has worked throughout the area for years. It is offering a fun and rewarding opportunity for all interested people on Sept 24-26 at Camp Wooten on the beautiful Tucannon River southeast of Dayton. Participants will become official members of the Blues Crew!

Many area residents have enjoyed the activities of Camp Wooten during the school year and summer months. As an Environmental Learning Center, it has been the location of Outdoor School for hundreds of area youth for decades and a popular retreat for church and youth groups. Unfortunately, flooding in 2020 damaged road access, grounds, and trails, and the park is currently closed to the public.

The Blues Crew is excited to partner with Washington State Parks at Camp Wooten for a three-day/two-night work party focused on enhancing trails needing attention. The Blues Crew will be getting the trails ready for the return of park users in 2022 if the current and unforeseen challenges of weather and fire allow.

“The Blues Crew is seeking out local folks who want to help restore trails and leave a legacy of outdoor education for our children and grandchildren, especially those who experienced the outdoors at Camp Wooten Environmental Learning Center,” said Barbara Hetrick of the Blues Crew. “This isn’t a ‘one and done’ type of endeavor. Camp Wooten needs our attention and stewardship every year to keep the trails open, safe, and welcoming to all users.”

Trail restoration activities include general clean-up, brush removal, cutting downed timber, and reshaping the path for ease of walking and safety. The Blues Crew will work with State Park staff to improve identified sections of the trail system.

No experience is necessary. Blues Crew leaders and park staff will provide training and tools as needed. Recommended for ages 14 and older; under 18 must be accompanied by an adult, and a parental consent form must be signed for anyone under 18.

The Blues Crew leaders know how to ensure teams pace themselves and take breaks as needed. It is rewarding outdoor work that makes a difference for more enjoyable hiking in our forest. Meals at the Camp Wooten Work Party will be provided by a well-known caterer beginning with Friday dinner through Sunday lunch at the cost of $40.

This will be a multi-day work party. Washington State Parks will provide the dining hall with a commercial kitchen and rustic cabins sleeping up to 11 people. Individuals may elect to tent camp or bring a camp trailer to the campground by prior arrangement with a group leader. Shared bathrooms and showers are available.

Pets may not accompany volunteers on Blues Crew work parties due to work safety concerns. Pets are also not allowed in the park buildings.

COVID precautions are limiting group size and accommodations. Blues Crew is following state and federal guidelines which are constantly changing. Unvaccinated individuals will be expected to wear masks during group gatherings and when social distancing is not possible.

For more information, please look at the Blues Crew website at https://bmlt.org/volunteer-1/bluescrew/2021/campwooten.