Volunteer - Keystone Elk Country Alliance

Volunteer with KECA

KECA is membership based but volunteer driven. Our volunteers are a key part of all aspects of our business. We enjoy working with volunteers of every age and level of participation. Volunteers such as current and retired educators assist our Conservation Education Department with a variety of educational programs for students and the public. Our volunteers can also be seen in the Visitor Center, at the viewing walls, and along our trails answering questions, providing information on sale viewing, and advising guests of trail etiquette.

Our gift shop can provide opportunities for light work, stocking shelves, or helping at checkout. If you are searching for outdoor work, our maintenance staff have daily and seasonal work that always welcomes an extra helping hand. Our fundraising banquet system (Chapters) works across the state, throughout the year, planning exciting events that feature auctions, raffles, and games. KECA also attends a variety of outdoor, recreation, and home shows to provide information about our organization, the Elk Country Visitor Center, and the Region. Links below will allow you to contact us with any questions you may have prior to volunteering. If you are ready to help us, click the sign-up button below to see information on a variety of upcoming events and daily help we need at the Center.

Additionally, if you are a current member of KECA and volunteer at least 6 hours with the Keystone Elk Country Alliance, you will earn a one-night stay at our Gurney Volunteer House located in Benezette.

Why Volunteer for KECA?

Make a Difference. Meet Great People. Experience Elk Country.

Volunteers are at the heart of the Keystone Elk Country Alliance. Whether you can give a few hours, a weekend, or volunteer throughout the year, your time and talents help us fulfill our mission of conserving and enhancing Pennsylvania’s Elk Country for future generations.

There are so many ways to get involved! KECA volunteers help welcome visitors to the Elk Country Visitor Center, assist with educational programs and special events, support habitat and conservation projects, lend a hand with fundraising activities, and much more.

Volunteering is also a great way to experience Elk Country from a whole new perspective. You’ll meet people who share your love of wildlife and the outdoors, become part of the KECA family, and know that the time you give is making a real difference.

Give Your Time. Make an Impact. Join the Herd.

Whether you live nearby or travel to Elk Country to volunteer, there’s a place for you at KECA.

And for volunteers coming from outside the area, KECA’s Gourney Volunteer House makes it even easier to get involved. For every six hours of volunteer service, KECA volunteers earn one free night’s stay at the Volunteer House, based on availability.

Ready to make a difference in Pennsylvania’s Elk Country? We’d love to have you join us!

Ready to Volunteer?

First step is to complete your background check. To ensure a safe and welcoming environment for all visitors, anyone volunteering at the Elk Country Visitor Center are now required to complete a FREE background check through the Pennsylvania Access to Criminal History (PATCH) system at epatch.pa.gov.

Once you have retrieved your completed results, please save a copy to your computer or take a photo/screenshot of the results and email them to: Jennifer@kecaus.com

**PLEASE NOTE just sending the control number will NOT work as we are not unable to access your results through the portal because it requires your personal information to retrieve them.

Complete Your Background Check

Sign up to Volunteer

Sign Up with iVolunteer!

KECA uses iVolunteer to make it easy to sign up for volunteer opportunities, manage your schedule, and reserve stays at the Gurney Volunteer House.

Getting started is easy:

Click the iVolunteer button below to visit KECA’s volunteer sign-up page.
Browse available volunteer opportunities, events, dates, and shifts.
Choose the opportunity and shift that works best for you.
New volunteers will follow the prompts to enter their information and create an account. Returning volunteers can simply log in to manage their schedule and select additional shifts.
Watch your email for confirmation and any additional information about your volunteer assignment.

Volunteer & Stay at the Gurney Volunteer House

As a special benefit for giving your time to KECA, volunteers earn one FREE night at the Gurney Volunteer House for every 6 hours of volunteer service completed.

Eligible volunteers can also use iVolunteer to sign up for their stay at the Gurney Volunteer House, making it easy to coordinate volunteer shifts and overnight accommodations in one place. When you have sign up to stay at the Gurney Volunteer House in Benezette, you may be sharing this house with other KECA volunteers so please be considerate of others.

Whether you can give a few hours, help with a special event, or volunteer regularly, we’d love to have you join the KECA volunteer team!

Questions? Contact KECA at 814-787-5167 or jennifer@kecaus.com.

iVolunteer