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LGBTQ+ Crew at Deception Pass State Park

Youth Volunteer Vacation

Thu Jul 23, 2026 3:00 PM — Mon Jul 27, 2026 12:00 PM

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Region

Puget Sound and Islands — Bellingham Area

Features: Earn Discover Pass

Crew Leader: Kaci Darsow

Overview

Join us for WTA's 6th annual LGBTQ+ youth trip in one of Washington's premier state parks! It'll be a fun and inclusive trip where LGBTQ+ youth can have their identities recognized and celebrated while exploring the wonderful world of trail maintenance. No prior experience required, although prior hiking and/or camping experience is recommended.

About the Area

Deception Pass State Park is one of the most popular Washington state parks and it is easy to see why! There are beautiful beaches, mature woodlands, great views, lakes, and a beautifully built bridge high on rocks above two narrow waterways.

Note: both our campsites and project locations on this trip are in proximity to the Naval Air Station Whidbey Island. There may be instances of jet flyovers throughout the trip, earplugs recommended.

What to Expect

We'll learn about the world of trail maintenance while also hiking, camping, and making new friends! No prior experience necessary.

Project Description

From improving drainage to brushing the trail corridor, we'll do a little bit of everything on this trip.

Camping and Hiking Information

  • Type: Car camp
  • Location: Bowman Bay Campground
  • Shower: Coin Operated
  • Weather: Be prepared for variable conditions including heat, cold, wind and rain
  • Hike to camp: None
  • Expected daily hike to project: 2 miles roundtrip over flat or gently rolling terrain.
  • This work party may involves a quick (20 minute) shuttle from camp to the worksite. WTA will provide transportation.

Schedule

  • Day 1 (Thurs.): Meet your crew and crew leaders at camp at 3:00pm. Set up camp, get settled and make dinner.
  • Day 2-4 (Fri.-Sun.): Trail work days. Breakfast starts at 7:00. After eating and making your lunch, clean up and head to the work site. Work at your own pace, take plenty of breaks, and enjoy lunch on the trail. Head back to camp around 3:00 for snacks and free time before dinner. Be prepared to help make breakfast and dinner with a partner at least once. Your crew leaders will help!
  • Day 5 (Mon.): Break down camp, pack up your personal gear, say goodbye and get picked up by your guardian(s) at the campsite at 12:00pm.

For safety reasons, arriving late or leaving early is not allowed.

Planning Information

Get ready for a great vacation!

What it Takes to Do This Work Party

  • A great attitude for working with a team!
  • Camping gear and trail work gear; WTA provides training, tools and great food.
  • Readiness to be physically active for about 7 hours daily on uneven terrain
  • Flexibility to adapt to changes due to unpredictable weather or land manager requests
  • Must be 14-18 and presently attending high school or starting high school next school year

What to Bring

Required:

  • Sturdy closed-toe shoes
  • Work gloves
  • Eye protection (glasses, sunglasses, or safety glasses)
  • Long pants

Recommended:

  • Sturdy work or hiking boots
  • Long sleeved shirt

A hard hat will be provided by WTA. Additionally, work gloves and eye protection will be provided by WTA if you do not have your own, but when possible we recommend bringing your own. For safety reasons, certain tasks may be assigned based on the safety level of your footwear. Volunteers who do not have long pants, or sturdy closed toes shoes, will not be able to participate in the work party.

Check out your Packing List!

More Information

A My Backpack account is required. You will be asked to register or log in before you can join.

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Partners

Directions

From I-5: Take exit 230 towards WA-20/Burlington/Anacortes, turn left onto State Route WA-20 West, continue on WA-20 for about 11 miles. At the traffic circle, take the 2nd exit onto SR-20 W, continue for .7 miles, at the next traffic circle, take the 2nd exit to stay on SR-20 W for another 4.5 miles. As you pass by Pass Lake take a right onto Rosario Road, take the next left onto Bowman Bay Road, continue to the stop sign and turn left, the parking lot will be just ahead of you.

Note: Please follow the written directions above instead of using a GPS device. This will ensure that you get to the correct meeting location for this work party. The location of the pinpoint below is only approximate.

Getting to WTA work parties can involve travel on rough, unpaved roads in areas without cellular service and without street addresses that can be accurately used by navigation devices. Unless specifically noted otherwise, routes can generally be traveled by all types of vehicles. Volunteers with limited experience driving on unpaved mountain roads may want to allow extra time, beyond what is recommended in the directions above, to get to the meeting location.

Fees

Trip fee for WTA members: $300.00

Trip fee for non-members: $350.00

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Cancellation Policy

  • If you paid the WTA member fee of $300, there is a $30 cancellation fee for cancellations more than 30 days prior to the trip, and no refund for cancellations within 30 days of the trip.
  • If you paid the WTA non-member fee of $350, there is a $70 cancellation fee for cancellations more than 30 days prior to the trip, and no refund for cancellations within 30 days of the trip. You will retain your one-year membership to WTA.

Required Documentation

You must be part of this crew and have a My Backpack account to see the Crew Corner.

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Carpool

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