Escape to Angel Island, enjoy the beautiful surroundings and meet visitors from all over the world.

Volunteering brings together a diverse range of people from all backgrounds and walks of life. People drawn to the island share a love of the outdoors and an interest in our historic and cultural heritage. Volunteers also enjoy the privilege of traveling from the mainland to the island for free via public ferry and receive a discount on purchases at the Cove Cafe’.

Volunteers are needed at the Angel Island Conservancy’s Information Station Monday thru Friday during the hours of 10am to 3:30pm and Saturday and Sunday from 10am – 4:30 pm. At the information station you will meet guests from all over the world and help them enjoy a great day on the island.

There’s no need to have prior knowledge of Angel Island and its history… those interested will attend a Volunteer Orientation to gain an overview of Angel Island State Park and the Park system. We’ll also provide you with reading material and “on the job” training.

For information and/or to register for the next orientation call: (415) 435-3972

Each year Angel Island State Park offers an overnight Living History Program (LHP) for fourth and fifth grade classes.

When the class arrives at the island, all participants become soldiers in the U.S. Army in the year 1864. They march to Camp Reynolds carrying their personal gear on their backs. Bunks are then assigned in the Quartermaster building for the night. During the day these new recruits receive training in militia drill, compass orienteering, mess cooking, bread baking, and flag signaling. In the evening a reconnaissance hike is made to Mount Livermore. Later that night, each squad is assigned a security watch period and must maintain a journal of their experiences. The next morning, park staff returns and utilizes a group of “soldiers” to help fire a twelve-pound, mountain howitzer cannon.

Each class is limited to 44 people of which no more than 11 can be adults (including the teacher). The program is offered twice each week and is supervised on site by a state park employee.

Those interested in this program for your class, complete the printable application, then mail, or fax it back to us. Program dates will be determined on a first-come, first-served basis. Teachers who return their applications first will be given priority for their date selection. Once accepted into the LHP, the teacher must attend a weekend workshop held on the island in September. Food and teaching materials are supplied for the workshop at a cost of $25 per person. Teachers participate in the program, as your students will – carrying all of your own equipment for 1 1/2 miles.

The LHP program offers 2 classes per week: 80 classes per year. The program fee is $15 per person with a maximum of 44 people. A $100 non-refundable deposit is required by September to hold the field trip date and will be subtracted from the remaining balance, which is to be paid two months before the program date. Trip cancellations under 30 days will not receive a full refund of program fees. The class must supply their own food (about $300 to $350) and pay transportation costs to and from the island. Once the program deposit is received, the park will notify the ferry company of the school ferry discount. This will reduce your ferry fee by $3 per adult and $2 per child. The school will still need to make reservations for the ferry.

The LHP program offers a personal experience of living in the past and has a profound effect on the student’s interest in history. Classes leave Angel Island with a greater understanding and connection to history.

For further information contact: Teri Pope, Interpreter I / Angel Island State Park LHP Coordinator: (415) 435-1915 or email aielp@parks.ca.gov