Meet Volunteer Trail Ambassador & Educator Kathy Van Valkenburg
I began volunteering at Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park about ten years ago but my relationship with National Parks began decades ago. I grew up camping and hiking with my parents and brothers in parks coast to coast and this tradition continued with my husband and our family. My parents volunteered at Carl Sandburg National Historic Site after their retirement and giving back my time as a volunteer to the parks seemed like the right thing to do.
As a volunteer Trail Ambassador, I was brought into the education program, and this was a good fit since I had been a high school teacher. “I love teaching and kids. being outdoors, hiking Kennesaw Mountain!’
Many moments on our field trips remind me why I cherish being a part of this team and community. Seeing students make connections between history and their own lives is truly rewarding. Each conversation out on the trail brings fresh perspective and keeps the story of this park alive.
One of the best parts of volunteering is friendships with people who all love the same things that I do!
Come on out and volunteer with us!
(Pictured left to right: Kathy Van Valkenburg, Noah Mayeux, Karen Petrella, Dave Dubelle, Tom Taylor and Ranger Jake Boling.)
Friends of Kennesaw Mountain volunteers help maintain and improve the trails at the park. A monthly workday is held every 2nd Saturday. Friends also support school education trips and hikes, trail enhancements, history reenactments, community programs, and fundraising events for the park. Want to help or donate? www.friendsofkmnbp.org