Work Session Details



IS VOLUNTEERING FOR SUMMER WORK SESSIONS RIGHT FOR YOU?

If you enjoy the great outdoors... working in a team environment... learning new skills... and building amazing friendships... our Work Session Volunteer Program may be a great fit for you. No particular skillsets are required! We’re confident you find this to be a rewarding and life- changing experience!

VOLUNTEER REGISTRATION

The Work Session Volunteer's Role

As a FRIENDS Work Session Volunteer, you’ll be engaged in the ongoing efforts to restore and preserve the railroad’s historic structures, rolling stock and landscaping, thereby enhancing the guest experience while also supporting C&TSRR’s maintenance efforts.

Because FRIENDS is a non-profit organization, your registration, travel, lodging and food expenses are tax deductible.


As a FRIENDS Work Session Volunteer, you’ll be engaged in the ongoing efforts to restore and preserve the railroad’s historic structures, rolling stock and landscaping, thereby enhancing the guest experience while also supporting C&TSRR’s maintenance efforts.

Because FRIENDS is a non-profit organization, your registration, travel, lodging and food expenses are tax deductible.



Work Session Projects

You’ll choose from several work sessions in Antonito, Colorado and Chama, New Mexico. You can also choose one of the special sessions in Colorado Springs, Colorado. These sessions may align with your schedule... your interests... or your talents, but no matter what, you will be welcome, with plenty of FRIENDS who will help you every step of the way.

Work Sessions

FRIENDS Work Session Volunteers have plenty of options, which include everything from mechanics, woodworking and painting to landscaping, food service, photography and record keeping. Some projects, such as rail car restoration, take years to complete, which only enhances one’s sense of accomplishment once the project is finished!

Recent Projects

ROTARY SNOWPLOW RESTORATION

In preparation for C&TSRR’s 50th Anniversary, FRIENDS Volunteers breathed new life into the dilapidated ROTARY OY, which had been out of service for over 20 years. They rebuilt the windows and doors... rebuilt the roof over the tender... replaced damaged siding... scraped and painted the sides... and added the lettering. Then, remarkably, the railroad’s shop crew found the boiler and mechanical parts to be in good shape, so with a bit of attention, the blades were fully operational, rendering the OY ready for its debut during the 2020 50th Anniversary! The OY restoration is just one example of the many amazing feats accomplished by FRIENDS Volunteers!

Read the entire C&TSRR article regarding the restoration!

A DRAMATIC TRANSFORMATION

Restoration of Car 470

FRIENDS Volunteers are nothing short of remarkable, as evidenced by the decade-long Pullman Tourist Sleeper (Car 470) restoration. Through planning, teamwork, caring hands and plenty of elbow grease, the abandoned car was brought back to its former glory. Now proudly in use by C&TSRR, Car 470 is a testament to the determination, persistence and talent that our FRIENDS Volunteers exhibit.


FROM THE GROUND UP!

Restoration of the Car Inspector House

In dire need of total reconstruction, the Car Inspector House project began with pouring the foundation in 2019 and continues with efforts to rebuild the structure to match the original construction in 1911, using full dimensional lumber.

BECOMING A WORK SESSION VOLUNTEER


THE STEPS IN BECOMING A WORK SESSION VOLUNTEER ARE:
  • Become a Friends Member
  • Complete the Work Session Volunteer Form, which allows you to...
    • Create a personal login
    • View the work session schedule and select one or more sessions
    • Review all required documents
    • Sign the required waiver
    • Add your membership, registration, insurance and meal fees to your shopping cart
    • Order your name badge, t-shirt(s) and personal safety equipment
  • Once you have submitted your choices online or have printed and mailed
  • them, you will be contacted by a Work Session Project Manager

VOLUNTEER REGISTRATION

Join Us... The Friends of the C&TSRR


Your tax-deductible membership will put you in good company with so many others who, like you, want to see the C&TSRR survive and thrive for future generations. We thank you for your support!

JOIN / RENEW