A Basic Chainsaw Training class and Workday will be held at
Camp Okoboji on May 2-3
This training and workday will be limited to 15 sawyers and 12 pullers. (please note which you choose) We
have found this gives our new and beginner sawyers & draggers much more
hands on training and supervision in a small group led by experienced trainers and a mix of experienced level volunteers.
LCMS/LCC Qualified Chainsaw Trainers, Marty Johnson, Pete Springmire, and Ed
Boerman, will teach the LCMS Basic Chainsaw qualification class on Friday
evening for all interested in becoming chainsaw certified LERT volunteers. They will be joined by LCC Chainsaw
Trainers from the Northern Illinois District to provide supervision of
small groups on the Saturday Workday.
*In
order to be credentialed as a qualified LERT chainsaw operator or puller, you must
be present both days.
Friday evening is classroom session and Saturday morning, all chainsaw operators and draggers will be outside for hands
on experience clearing trees for
Camp Okoboji which are unsafe for campers, storm damaged, and dead. We will work rain or shine! You will be assigned to a small group
crew for the day.
Lodging and Meals:
Cabins: Camp
Okoboji will provide overnight accommodation in cabins for those wanting to
stay. Please provide your own bedding, towels, and toiletries.
RV sites: Volunteers may bring their own RV or camper to use at
Gull Point State Park (approx ½ mile from Camp), please make reservations on
your own.
Please specify accommodation needed on registration form and call Camp Okoboji directly (712-337-3325) to make your reservation – be clear that you are with LERT.
Meals:
Camp Okoboji and IDW will provide dinner for those attending classroom training
on Friday. They will provide breakfast for those staying the night
at Camp and lunch for all on Saturday Workday.
Volunteers will need to bring the following:
- Chainsaw, bar oil, gas, extra chains and bar
- Chaps and other Personal Protection Gear (hard hat, heavy work gloves, eye & ear protection, work boots)
- Outdoor work clothes and work boots appropriate for the weather at that time. (It is always wise to dress in layers)
- Bug Spray
- Camp Okoboji and the Iowa West District will have water & coffee available. Bring your own Gatorade or other drinks.
- *If
you do not own your own chainsaw, chaps or helmet, there will be limited
availability for use on site.
BASIC
CHAINSAW CERTIFICATION TRAINING & WORKDAY SCHEDULE
Friday, May 2
4:00 – 4:30 pm Check-in/Registration
4:30 – 8:30 pm Basic Chainsaw
Certification Training
Saturday, May 3
8:00 - 8:30 am
Check-in/Registration & Breakfast/Group Photo
8:30 - 3:00 pm Chainsaw
Work
If you are interested, there will be a separate deployment to continue work into the week.
Location:
Camp Okoboji
1531 Edgewood Drive
Milford, IA 51351
Cost: There is a $15.00 registration fee for those taking Chainsaw Basic
Training for the first time only. Please make checks to IDW – memo 5/2-3/25
chainsaw training
Please register by
April 25 so Camp Okoboji and the Iowa West District can make
operational plans for training. NO WALK-INS!
Thank you for your cooperation and willingness to serve.
We look forward to learning and serving together at Camp Okoboji! https://www.campokoboji.org/
Any questions, please contact Julie Mann at 515-408-9696.
