Volunteer Vignette

Mark and Donna Hinds live in Milwaukie, Oregon, but you might call Champoeg State Heritage Area their home away from home. The couple volunteers at Champoeg five days a week May through September, camping in their recreational vehicle at the park.

They are one of nine sets of volunteer hosts in the park and the only couple to work in period costumes as re-enactors of the townsfolk who once lived in historic Champoeg. Donna also makes all the period costumes that she and Mark wear.

“Champoeg is special to us because it was always our family vacation destination. We raised our children at Champoeg. It’s just always felt like home to us,” Donna said.
Both retired school teachers, Mark and Donna really enjoy the people that they meet at the park.

“Every day after we leave the Visitor Center, we sit at our campsite and talk about the different people we met that day,” Mark said. “Frequently, we meet people from other countries. But we see so many people who identify a part of their family’s past in something that they see at Champoeg. That’s why it is such a special place.”