A Volunteer Speaks:
Dear President, Board of Directors, and Fellow COP members,
The phone rang and I heard a welcoming, familiar voice on the line. It was Ann Gerckens and she gave me the most outstanding news I could ever imagined. I was one of three who were being recognized as Volunteer of the Year.
I was surprised, and overjoyed, but yet, in disbelief. I am so grateful to the membership for this honor. I have received so much from my association with the organization and a simple thank you seems so small in comparison.
When I became involved with Columbus Outdoor Pursuits in 1991, I was looking to put some "fun" into my solitary corporate life. I certainly did find it with this wonderful organization. My first introduction to COP (formerly associated with American Youth Hostel) was through an invitation by a fellow business associate for Friday night volleyball. It was the start of a wonderful journey into other COP activities.
Thinking back to my youth, bicycling was my emotional resolve for adventure and peace of mind. And Columbus Outdoor Pursuits had that recreational activity. I learned that the organization had in fact much more to offer than just volleyball and bicycling. So, I ventured into buying a discount department store bike to ride some budget rides ... my learning process with COP was just starting. I eagerly looked forward to the volleyball games and the biking activities. I learned that the organization had in fact much more to offer than just volleyball and bicycling. Endeavors that offered teamwork, fellowship, and skill development. Then, there was the great and mighty TOSRV and my introduction to Charlie Pace and the volunteer registration and food station gangs. I wanted to help out in the way the organization was helping me out physically and psychologically while I was going through a difficult employment episode. I volunteered for TOSRV and started to expand my circle of new found friends. I discovered that other COP members cared about their passion activity, the environment, and the education of others about their favorite activity. I wanted to learn and help out what way I could while embracing my own education. I have helped out in the business office by collating maps for GOBA, updating the membership database about new and renewal memberships, sorting the newsletters for mailing, and whatever the Office Goddess (alias Ann Gerckens) desired and Tom Barlow (former GOBA tour director.) I have learned so much as to the workings of this organization, which is maintained by volunteers like myself who have a love for the outdoors and want others to benefit from our experience and knowledge. I am so grateful for the tremendous COP volunteer leaders because they are giving of themselves and their precious time. I have learned about canoeing, back-packing, wilderness first-aid, budget and full service bicycling tours, hiking, volleyball, caving, trip leader training, bicycle safety, and how our board of directors focus on the safety, fun, programs, insurance liability, and education of fellow members.
I have learned much and continue to do so, as I hope other members will gain with their involvement. We continue to need volunteers to lead trips, or help plan a back-packing trip or a bike ride. This organization can not survive without volunteers. The next time you are activity participant, ask how you can help in a small way. You extend your spirit, fellowship, and growth to not only to one member, but to all others within the organization.
Often, I have wished I had known about Columbus Outdoor Pursuits years ago so that I and both my children could have taken advantage of the education received and extension of friendship that I have personally gained over the years. There are so many people with so many stories to be heard and embraced. Remember to stay awhile after you have biked or hiked with someone ... get to know them and for them to know you. We are family.
Again, thank you so much for selecting me as one of the recipients of this honor.
Sincerely and humbly,
Johanna Garber