Volunteer Profile: Karen Wilcox & Jon LaRochelle

Volunteers are the heart of our nonprofit organization. Their tireless efforts are a key component to our success. We are thrilled to highlight two of our longtime volunteers, Karen Wilcox and Jon LaRochelle. They have been integral to our organization as we navigated through COVID and our updated business model since. The interview highlights not only the dedication and compassion of our volunteers, but also the vital role they play in helping our mission come to life every day.

Why did you choose to volunteer with Maine Huts & Trails?

I had stayed at all the huts at least once throughout the years. It was a place to get to and experience time with friends doing a variety of activities. One of those friends contacted me and told me that the Maine Huts & Trails was looking for volunteers. I jumped at the chance. It gave me a opportunity to help and also time at the huts doing outdoor activities. I was newly retired and on a tighter budget than what I was use to. My husband was working at the time, but would join me on weekends. This was back when the huts were quite dependent on volunteers. I believe I started in 2020.

What do you enjoy most about the work you do?

I enjoy meeting people. My husband is also very social. The staff is always very accommodating, and each and every guest has a unique story that they bring to the Hut experience. We enjoy the challenge of doing the physical work (stacking wood, helping with dishes, shoveling snow, etc.). But when our work is done, we get to play in incredible environments.

Can you describe a memorable moment from your volunteer experience?

Jon enjoys the hikes in and out and talks about the time we were leaving Stratton Brook by mountain bike. It was 4:30 in the morning and we almost hit a moose that had made herself comfortable in the middle of the trail. For me, it’s when I was volunteering at Flagstaff and Covid-19 hit the world. We sent the guests home and waited for what would happen next.. The Executive Director, Wolfe Tone, came out with signs to put on the hut windows and on the trails to close the building. I was asked to stay to keep the hut running. It was a very quiet week, yet I could not think of a better place to be at in such an uncertain time.

To tie in with that, when the huts opened again, I got to great the first family unit to Flagstaff Lake. Covid-19 protocol was created and we made things work. It was warm enough to paddleboard, go kayaking, and do cannonballs off the dock (the kids called them “Karenballs”). There was so much joy and fun, at a time when it was needed.

How do you feel your work has made a difference?

I have been volunteering long enough that I remember when the huts were in transition and needed volunteers to keep the buildings functional. My husband is a retired carpenter and can help with some maintenance. I’m glad that I am part of that and we were able to see the Maine Huts and Trails system grow to a fully staffed experience for all. To see the growth and see how busy the staff is during the winter is enlightening. Now, when we are volunteering, we are more than happy to lend a hand so they can focus more on the guests than chores.

What would you say to someone considering volunteering for the first time?

Enjoy the volunteering experience, get outside and put your feet up at the end of the day. Each hut has it’s own gifts. At Poplar Stream we like to cross country ski. At Stratton Brook, we find the time to snowshoe, and at Flagstaff we enjoy quiet hikes along the lake edge.