Several states host an annual rendezvous, a gathering of volunteers that may best be described as an RMEF camping weekend with fun, food, meetings and built-in celebrations.
These can be planned as free for attendees or, if necessary, a small registration fee may be necessary. The locations also vary greatly. At times, some are held on public land at an undeveloped site. At other times, a more established facility like a rural fairground or buildings can be rented or used. A sample agenda for a rendezvous is below:
Friday evening:
- Attendee arrival
- Welcome BBQ dinner
- Cornhole tournament
Saturday:
- Morning work project
- Morning volunteer roundtable meeting
- Presentations by volunteers and staff
- Mission updates
- Presentations from state or local agency contacts
Saturday Night Fun Night:
- Raffles and silent auction (to help cover rendezvous cost)
- Potluck or dessert competition
- Special presentations
A rendezvous is a great opportunity to gather volunteers for a fun weekend together. The relationships built and things that are learned can be beneficial for all who attend.
Work Projects
RMEF work projects are often integrated in with a volunteer rendezvous and are a great opportunity to get volunteers in the field to make direct mission-related impact.
- Fence removal projects
- Trailhead maintenance or cleanup
- Wildlife management area maintenance
- Tree planting
- Conifer encroachment removal
- Removing abandoned junk or old buildings
- Noxious weed removal
- Wildlife-friendly fence building
- Building water developments for wildlife
- Public land gun range cleanup
State rendezvous gatherings offer an opportunity to bring volunteers together. Anytime we can strengthen relationships among chapters and volunteers within the state, doing so will help educate, inspire and energize staff and volunteers to do more for the mission.
Interested in attending a rendezvous near you? Contact information is below about an upcoming rendezvous near you.
June 5: Pennsylvania Volunteer Rendezvous
Near Benezette, PA
Contact Dave Ragantesi : 570-278-4747, [email protected]
June 12-15: Idaho Rendezvous and Work Project
Near Cascade, ID
Contact Karee Head: 208-301-0386, [email protected]
June 19-22: Montana Rendezvous
Near Boulder, MT
Contact Ginger Heims: 406-899-7592, [email protected]
June 20-22: Utah State Rendezvous
Richfield, UT
Contact Ron Camp: 801-859-3474, [email protected]
July 16-19: Oregon Summer Rendezvous
Near Seneca, OR
Contact Dan Beraldo: 541-790-9255, [email protected]
August 22-24: Washington State Rendezvous
Near Naches, WA
Contact Jason Schmidt: 360-661-2278, [email protected]