This is a love story.
Thea Roe grew up camping with her family, and after moving from California to Washington State when she was ten, spent many summers camping in Olympic National Park. “I love the parks, and especially the National Parks, and those early trips have to be where that love comes from,” she said.
Teenage years brought an end to the family camping, but she started making trips again during her school breaks. Now, she gets out in the parks as much as she can manage.
“From May to October, I do as much camping as I can,” Thea said. “I really love Colonial Creek; it’s gorgeous. But, there are so many pretty places to go. It can be hard; it’s sort of like having a favorite item on a menu. I try not to just keep doing the same thing.”
Thea became connected with Washington’s National Park Fund two years ago when she met Executive Director Laurie Ward at an event. She jumped at the opportunity to volunteer at WNPF’s booth at the Northwest Outdoor Expo, and started volunteering at the Spring Dinner and Auction, too.
She recalled what it was like the first year she volunteered.
“It’s awesome to see how many rangers and parks staff are there,” she said. “It’s really special to get to talk with them. You can learn so much. You see things differently the next time you’re out in the parks. Actually, just seeing them in those green uniforms triggers amazing memories of being in the parks. It really got me thinking about getting back out to the Peninsula.”
Thea described a unique kind of energy in the room.
“You hear everyone’s stories, and about everything that’s out there in the parks. Everyone who’s there loves the outdoors. It’s invigorating.”
Thea shares her love of the parks with friends who didn’t grow up the way she did.
“I take friends who don’t camp or just haven’t had the chance to try it,” she said. “Sometimes it takes an invitation to make trying it out more accessible. There’s not a person so far who didn’t leave just loving it.”
Thea’s fiance Ryan has a lifelong love of camping, too. So, when they started talking about getting married, it led to a phone call to the parks staff in Newhalem.
“We’re looking at getting two group campsites and using the covered shelters and the amphitheater,” Thea said. “My family has all camped a lot, and we can rent tents and all of the basics that other people might need.”
From childhood into adulthood, the parks have been a part of Thea’s life, and she’s glad to have a chance to give back though WNPF.
“I definitely want to keep doing this,” she said. “It’s pretty amazing. I was surprised the first time at how much I liked just engaging with people and talking about the parks.”
Thea and Ryan are even giving back at their wedding! They’ve chosen to register with the I Do Foundation to benefit the Fund. The nonprofit helps engaged couples make philanthropy a part of their wedding. It’s a wonderful honor that Thea and Ryan have chosen to direct donations to the parks on their special day.
The Fund is so grateful to Thea, and other volunteers like her, who share their love for the parks with friends, family and beyond. If you’d like to learn more about volunteering with the Fund, or directly with one of the national parks, please contact Laurie Ward, WNFP’s Executive Director.