Recreation Ambassador Program
2026 Applications Open April 7th
Open Until Filled
SCROLL DOWN AND READ ALL MATERIAL BEFORE CLICKING THE APPLY BUTTON BELOW
The Program
The Recreation Ambassador program aims to provide consistency in staffing and messaging at some of the most heavily used—and, at times, abused—resources, trailheads, and river access locations.
During 2025, volunteer ambassadors staffed six of the seven locations every weekend from June 7 to August 31st, 2025.
Additionally, paid Recreation Ambassador staff assisted recreators at two of the trailhead locations on Fridays and Mondays. Due to funding cuts, there will be no paid staff during the 2026 Season.
US Fish & Wildlife Hatchery
East Leavenworth Road Boat Launch
Barn Beach Take Out
Icicle Road Bridge
Eight Mile Trailhead
Stuart Lake Trailhead
Icicle Gorge Trail
2026 Volunteer Dates
Each date has two slots for two nonprofit groups. Dates crossed off have already been filled.
June 27, 28
July 4, 5 - One Left
July 11, 12
July 18,19
July 25, 26 - One Left
August 1, 2 - Two Slots Left
August 8, 9 - Two Slots Left
August 15, 16
August 22, 23
August 29, 30 - One Slot Left
Program Details & Deliverables
Program Needs
From June 27 - August 31 the goal is to have:
12 total Volunteer Recreation Ambassadors per weekend, in six teams of two, covering six locations.
Three teams of two will be deployed to the USFS trailhead locations to partner with and/or assist USFS staff from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. each Saturday and Sunday.
Three teams of two will be deployed to river locations each Saturday and Sunday. Times are from 11:00 am to 5:00 p.m., but may vary slightly from weekend to weekend.
*Subject to change.
Reporting and Award Program
Each nonprofit can receive the full grant amount of $2,200 per weekend when all the requirements listed below are met. Failing to meet all deliverables will result in a reduction of the grant award by the indicated percentage.
Required deliverables:
50% - Maintain staffing levels of a maximum of 72 volunteer hours per weekend.
25% - Complete Ambassador Training Video
25% - Completing the End of Day Report, wearing the provided uniforms with no alterations or modifications, and returning all equipment at the end of the volunteer period.
REQUIRED: An online end-of-period report that will include program feedback and the data gathered by the Ambassadors. This should be completed by the volunteer coordinator for each selected organization at the end of their period. Once received, the grant award will be distributed.
Ambassador Duties
Guest Services: Welcoming guests to the area, answering area-specific and regional questions, and providing assistance to visitors.
Outreach Patrols: An ongoing presence can deter unwanted behavior, so “making the rounds” at locations to interact with residents and visitors is key.
Reporting: The Recreation Ambassadors will be required to gather information on the number of contacts they make, incidents of notable activity, and any other data deemed to be useful to assess future needs.
Ambassador Equipment
Two-Way Radios: Each person on shift will receive two-way radios to enable instantaneous support and information sharing among the other ambassadors.
On-site Equipment: Each location will have a 10x10 tent for cover and shade, a table, litter sticks, extra garbage bags, gloves, masks, and small first-aid kits. These items will be picked up at the Chamber office.
Uniforms: The professional appearance of Recreation Ambassadors is important in representing the area and for providing a sense of authority. All volunteers will receive a shirt, a hat, and a safety vest.
Benefits of being a Recreation Ambassador
Money earned for your organization and the personal satisfaction gained by educating others to recreate safely and responsibly.
Highly coveted Recreation Ambassador swag (Hat, T-shirt).
Gain experience in community outreach and public engagement.
Step 1 - Eligibility
Preference for the Ambassador Program Service Grant is given to Chamber member non-profits that have an active volunteer program and can facilitate the program's goals by leveraging their existing volunteer network and expertise. If we cannot fill the weekends with members, we will accept applications from non-member groups.
Individuals who want to volunteer are welcome to contact us to be paired with a nonprofit in need of volunteers or to learn about other opportunities.
PLEASE NOTE! Volunteers need to be able to do some walking and lifting (30-40 lbs.) to set up and break down their stations each day, as well as other light physical duties.
Step 2 - Pre-Application Work
The official applications period is from April 7, 2026, to April 22nd (Earth Day). However, applications will continue to be accepted until all weekends have been filled.
BEFORE APPLYING
The baseline requirement is for organizations to commit and provide 6 volunteers, each working 6 hours a day, over a weekend (a total of 72 hours).
The program puts ambassadors where they are needed on any given weekend; therefore, your team does not have a choice of locations; members need to be willing to work where placed.
Coordinate with your team before applying in order to pick weekends that you know you have enough people available. Failure to do so could result in the weekend being understaffed when another non-profit could have been awarded that date.
On the application, you will need to select the number of weekends you want to work; you can do up to three.
Step 3 - Apply
Once you know which weekends you can cover and have confirmations from team members, click the button below to apply for the 2026 season.
Once submitted, your application will be reviewed and responded to as soon as possible.
Accommodations Available
Does your team need accommodations to make the program feasible? If you are selected, our three-bedroom, two-bath Icicle Place Haus in Leavenworth will be available to your team on the Saturday night of your service weekend. (Fridays available upon request.
The accommodations are at no cost, but a one-time $75 cleaning fee will apply, payable as a deduction from your grant award.
NEXT STEPS IF YOUR ORGANIZATION IS SELECTED
Step 4 - Training
If your organization is selected, there will be a mandatory training for all those who sign up to volunteer. A volunteer who does not attend the training is not eligible to work as an Ambassador.
The training will be delivered via video and a summary quiz covering the program, land management, ambassador site-specific information, outreach strategies, and program specifics.
Step 5 - Execution
The Recreation Ambassadors will be servicing 7 different locations: USFWS Fish Hatchery, East Leavenworth Road Boat Launch Takeout, Barn Beach Take Out, Icicle Road Bridge, Icicle Gorge Trail, and Eight Mile and Stuart Lake Trailheads. Each weekend, the Recreation Ambassadors will provide guest services, data collection, resource education, and outreach patrols.
On the Monday before your service weekend, your volunteer coordinator will receive an email with information about the weekend and a Volunteer List to complete, including names, emergency contacts, and shirt sizes. You must respond by 10 a.m. on Thursday.
On the Thursday of your service week, the Volunteer Coordinator will receive a packet of information for the coming weekend. This will include location assignments, hours, and details for each location, including where your volunteers will be deployed. The Chamber selects the locations based on need, not personal preferences.
RIVER LOCATIONS: Supplies will be located at the Leavenworth Chamber Administration Offices (940 Highway 2, Suite B), open every day 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Supplies should be picked up on Friday or Saturday morning before 10 a.m. to ensure you reach your location on time.
Volunteers for Forest Service locations will need to pick up supplies on Thursday or Friday, since the Saturday start times are before the Visitor Center opens.
Once an organization has completed its awarded number of weekends, it will provide a report to the Leavenworth Chamber of Commerce with program feedback and observations.
Recreation Ambassador PSAs
Trail Video
River Video
