The 2025 Government Shutdown lasted 44 days. Some people hardly knew it was going on unless they listened to the news. Many people were worried about the holding of SNAP benefits. Furloughed federal employees were often concerned about paying their bills. I found the shutdown personally disconcerting because I could not volunteer at the park.
I proudly say that my second career is volunteering, most specifically at Rocky Mountain National Park. I love the opportunities I have had over the past 10 years to interact with visitors and staff at this beautiful park. During the shutdowns in past years, volunteers were limited in what they could do. People often do not realize the situation, and different parks have handled volunteers in diverse ways.
Volunteers could perform some services offered in the park, but volunteers are not a long-term solution. If volunteers can easily do the work, then perhaps there is no need for paid staff. I vehemently disagree with that assumption.
As someone who has studied the impact of volunteers on recreation organizations over the years, volunteer opportunities clearly do not just happen. Volunteers require supervision and oversight just as most staff require this direction. Volunteers in any organization are meant to supplement the work of paid staff and not supplant them.
Therefore, the shutdown has been trying for me. I felt relief the first few days since I did not have regular 4-5 hour shifts several times a week. I had guests visiting in early October and the park was open. Having the park allowed us to recreate responsibly. I also went to Yosemite National Park in mid-October. Other than visitor centers closed and interpretive programs limited, nothing seemed unusual.
After those first two weeks, however, I felt lost without being able to volunteer. I was forced to clean my house and take a carload of unneeded items to the Thrift Store. I hiked a lot. I did far more doom scrolling on the internet than I should. Gitch and I argued who got to sit in the office chair since I was at home more than normal.
I missed volunteering at the park. I missed social interaction with other volunteers and staff. I missed not knowing what was going on in the park. I missed the chance to feel I was doing something important with my time. The shutdown did not create any dire circumstances for me, but I am delighted that I am back at work!