Forget yourself and go to work

Pam Brown, Miller Apprentice/Bear’s Mill Store Clerk

What a great year it’s been for Darke County Parks. We had a lot of amazing activities: the Soup and Bowl, Eclipse Parties, Bash at Bish, Gathering at the Garst, Bear’s Mill Fall Open House, and more! We welcomed hundreds of visitors from around the country and even some from other countries. Every activity has been a success, thanks to the efforts of employees and volunteers.

Once, a religious leader said, “Forget Yourself and Go to Work”, referring to volunteering and service to others. When we help others, our problems look so small and we get a new perspective of our life.

I come from a family where service and volunteering were something important and still is. It is true that when I was little, it was boring for me, and I didn’t enjoy it that much. I didn’t understand why we were always visiting people or helping others. Once I grew up, though, I truly started to enjoy it.

When I came to Greenville, I was amazed by all of the volunteer opportunities through Darke County Parks. I soon started volunteering for Gathering at the Garst, where I got to meet wonderful people who put their love and knowledge forward to have a successful encampment. Every week, the volunteer committee, who attended every week with a smile, came to the meetings with new ideas and was very excited about keeping the traditions alive.

I’ve seen volunteers helping in every activity that Darke County Parks has with joy and great attitude, giving their time, their effort, and their love for the parks. Some of them have been volunteering for years, and they have become more than volunteers, they are friends, and some of them are like family.

I want to thank every volunteer who has helped us with any activity, without you, the activities wouldn’t be the same, you bring your love and your wonderful energy to make each event something amazing for the community. Without you, it wouldn’t be the same.

Also, I would like to invite you to be part of our volunteer program and help us to make every activity even more special for this year we still have our Bear’s Mill Christmas Open House and our Luminary Walks at Bear’s Mill and Shawnee Prairie Preserve - that it’s one of my favorites! I promise you will not regret it, as Kitty, one of our volunteers, says, “Volunteering is therapy, and I have fun.”