Dates for 2026 Events
Details
Hi friends!
Is everybody doing okay?
For the past 1.5 years, I've tried to avoid the news--but admittedly, I sometimes peruse headlines and social media to be somewhat familiar with what's going on in the country / world.
Sigh.
Hopefully you all are doing well and staying safe, strong, and sane.
Similar to when life was stressful & scary during the Covid pandemic, I sought self-care and mental health relief through going outdoors in nature and volunteering.
If anyone else is interested - I'll share some future dates of potential things I might get involved with.
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Camping & Hiking
Late Feb or March - if anyone wants to look for wildflowers -- especially since late last year had some rain, then maybe this year will have some colorful flowers...so if anyone wants to go to Death Valley, Anza Borrego, Carrizo Plain, Antelope Valley, Malibu, Joshua Tree, or elsewhere -- lmk.
May 20 - 25 (Memorial Day Weekend) @ Yosemite
I was EXTREMELY lucky to find a campsite in Yosemite Valley. Viewing waterfalls and the beautiful scenery of Yosemite always calms me. It's such a relaxing place to recover from the craziness of the world and stress of daily living.
July 4, 5, or 6 - 11 (Fourth of July) @ Glacier National Park in Montana - This isn't 100%, but I was incredibly lucky to find a campsite, so if hiking trails and Going to the Sun Road are open, I'd love to return to heaven on earth / paradise.
July 14 - 18 @ Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming - I haven't planned a summer camping trip since 2023 to Rocky Mountain NP in Colorado, so it's definitely time to get back into camping, hiking, and viewing wildlife.
July 18 - 24 @ Yellowstone National Park - same as above
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Volunteering
Despite some people being hateful, racist, and xenophobic bigots--I try to be an open-minded, friendly, kind, and loving person...so although I'm Christian, I aspire to be accepting and welcoming of everyone.
I'm not Muslim nor Middle Eastern, but I like kind humans, so I'm gonna try to join one of these...either
Saturday, July 31 or Feb 7 related to Ramadan in Santa Ana
If anyone else is interested, feel free to join:
https://volunteer.irusa.org/opportunity/a1VUb000002n6r8
or
https://volunteer.irusa.org/opportunity/a1oUb00000bjEnt
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Being around animals helps my mental health, so on Saturday, Feb 21, I might return to a small farm animal shelter in Chatsworth.
If anyone doesn't mind getting dirty and doing physical / manual labor, feel free to join. They also serve a vegan lunch afterward. :)
https://www.kindredspiritscarefarm.org/animal-rescue-and-sanctuary
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Adaptive Surfing is always inspiring & uplifting. I might have scheduling conflicts, but if I'm available, then I'll try to attend:
June 6 @ Santa Monica
August 22 @ Huntington Beach
September 19 @ La Jolla Shores (north of San Diego)
October 3 @ Santa Barbara
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I anticipate volunteering (and traveling) less for the children's grief / bereavement camp, Comfort Zone Camp, but I might still help occasionally.
I'll post more in the future, but for now, if anyone else is interested, this year's dates are:
March 27 - 29 (SoCal - Angeles National Forest, NE of Glendale)
May 15 - 17 (SoCal - Angeles National Forest, NE of Glendale)
August 7 - 9 (Northern California...north of SF / Bay Area)
October 16 - 18 (SoCal - Angeles National Forest, NE of Glendale)
In recent years, their SoCal camps were near Northridge / Simi Valley, but this year it'll be at a different location.
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btw, if anyone has family or friends in Central Florida (Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville, etc.) -- the kids who attend are wonderful.
The Florida camps are sometimes low on male volunteers, so please spread the word if you know someone who might want to help:
April 24 - 26 @ Central Florida, north of Orlando
November 13 - 15 @ Central Florida, north of Orlando
I've helped with 4 camps in Florida in the past 2.5 years, and will try to return this year.
There's also a new camp location this year in Tennessee. If anyone knows someone in/near Nashville, they might need volunteers.
I usually help with the camp in Southern California, but if they need me, then I'm open to flying there--so if you or anyone you know wants to help, they might need support
October 16 - 18 @ Tennessee, near Nashville
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Okay--that's it for now.
I'll try to add more volunteer opportunities in the upcoming weeks & months.
I'm sorry in advance if I'm slow to respond to comments / emails.
I honestly am tired after work, and so exhausted that I procrastinate in logging in-- so thank you all for your patience and understanding.
And again, if anyone is struggling and suffering--please remember you are not alone.
Believe in yourself. Love yourself.
Cheers!