Chance McCormack, the Director at Outdoor Recreation, said he is looking for volunteers, specifically anyone who has outdoor experience.

Outdoor Recreation looking for volunteers

The Outdoor Recreation office at White Sands Missile Range is looking for volunteers to help with their programs.

Chance McCormack, the Director at Outdoor Recreation, said he is looking for volunteers, specifically anyone who has outdoor experience.

McCormack said he is looking to add some trips and activities to their repertoire and wants to be able to offer outdoor recreation trips such as mountain biking, climbing, fishing.

“I’m looking for someone who knows the area or is willing to explore the area and bring that knowledge back here so they can lead trips and get people out to learn a little bit more about this great state we live in,” McCormack said.

He said he would also like someone who has maintenance experience because they have a lot of rental equipment that needs simple maintenance such as replacing trailer lights, wiring, etc.

“This is a fun place to work and there is a lot of cool stuff to do and with the right people out here we can make it better.”

Anyone interested in volunteering at Outdoor Recreation can contact McCormack by calling (575) 678-1759.

Right now, McCormack is running Outdoor Recreation by himself. He currently runs a small retail operation, but they also have a wide variety of rental items such as campers, trailers, car haulers, canoes, kayaks and camping equipment. He also has inflatables such as bouncy castles.

“We have all the supplies you require to go out and enjoy the outdoors. Come out here and enjoy the area and use our services.”

McCormack said there is also a driving range on site.

They also have an RV park with 8 sites that are full hookup which means they have electric, water and sewage connections and 4 sites that are electric only.

Behind the Outdoor Recreation building is the Desert Emerald Park where people often take a stroll, run or walk their dogs. McCormack said there is a lot of wildlife out there. Just watch out for the rattle snakes.

McCormack, who arrived at WSMR in April, is originally from Kentucky. After he graduated from college with a degree in Outdoor Recreation he stayed in the area for several years. Then he moved to Idaho where he taught Outdoor Recreation. While attending a conference he met someone who worked in military recreation and got him interested. He ended up working for the national parks for about a year before taking a job in Germany in Outdoor Recreation. He spent five years as a programmer for Outdoor Recreation. Then he moved to Alaska doing something similar working for the Air Force.

Then he decided it was time for a change of scenery and chose New Mexico. He said it was a harsh adjustment with the temperature change.

“I am still adjusting but I knew what I was getting myself into.”

McCormack said there is a lot to do in the area. He said there is a lot of potential for good mountain biking and climbing in the area.

“I am excited to start some outdoor recreation programs and get the community involved in exploring the area.”

Miriam Rodriguez

WSMR Public Affairs