Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library Volunteer Opportunity

June 30 to July 5, 2026 in Medora, ND

The Northern Lights Council is hosting a unique camp-out and service week at Badlands Ministries, and we want you there! We are putting together a contingent of 300 older Scouts (ages 12+) and adult Scouters to camp, explore the badlands, and serve as the official volunteer staff for the historic Grand Opening of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library.

In celebration of the U.S. 250th anniversary, this once-in-a-lifetime grand opening on July 4 will bring dignitaries and visitors from across the nation to western North Dakota. To support this massive celebration, the Presidential Library and the Medora Foundation have specifically requested our council's help. Volunteers must commit to camping and serving for the full week. The registration fee is $120. Spots are strictly limited to the first 300 registrants on a first-come, first-served basis, and sign-ups will close permanently once filled. The final deadline to secure your place in history is June 15, 2026.

WHAT VOLUNTEERS RECEIVE: Each volunteer will receive:

• A commemorative event patch and two staff shirts
• Meals and snacks from dinner on June 30 through lunch on July 5
• Tent camping accommodation at Badlands Ministries (bring your own tent)
• Admission to the Pitchfork Fondue and Medora Musical
• Special recognition of Scouts and Eagle Scouts during the Medora Musical
• Access to live music, vendor booths, hiking trails, and activities around Medora
• Opportunity to purchase discounted tickets onsite for Point-to-Point Park attractions (mini golf, lazy river, zipline, and more)
• A special visit from Joe Wiegand, nationally recognized Theodore Roosevelt reprisor

VOLUNTEER RESPONSIBILITIES: Volunteers will work at least one 5-6 hour shift each day. Three shifts will be available daily:

• Morning: 7:30 AM - 12:30 PM
• Afternoon: 12:30 PM - 5:30 PM
• Evening: 5:30 PM - 10:30 PM

Participants will rotate through different shifts during the week to provide flexibility and a variety of experiences. Volunteer assignments may include:

• Parking and traffic assistance at multiple lots between Medora and Dickinson
• Leading children’s activity stations
• Assisting with flag ceremonies
• Supporting event logistics and guest services
• Additional event support roles as needed

Transportation between Badlands Ministries and volunteer work sites will be provided.

ARRIVAL & CHECK-IN INFORMATION: The event officially begins on the afternoon of Tuesday, June 30. Volunteers may arrive to set up camp during either of the following times:

• Monday, June 29: 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
• Tuesday, June 30: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Please note that meals will not be provided until dinner on June 30. Anyone arriving prior to that time should plan to bring and prepare their own meals. On June 30, Scouts and Scouters will also have an opportunity to tour the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Dinner and a volunteer orientation session will follow that evening.

MEALS & HOSPITALITY: A hot breakfast will be served each morning at Badlands Ministries from July 1 to 5. Volunteers will also receive a grab-and-go lunch each morning to enjoy during the day. Dinner will be provided through vouchers redeemable at participating food trucks in Medora.

The Pitchfork Fondue and Medora Musical experience will be scheduled for half of the group on July 1 and the remaining attendees on July 4. A nightly cracker barrel fellowship gathering will also take place at Badlands Ministries.

COST: The volunteer participation fee is $120 per person. This fee helps cover meals and snacks, patches and shirts, crackerbarrells, water, and other supplies or administrative costs.

FREE TIME & ACTIVITIES: Volunteers will have a significant amount of downtime each day, depending on their assigned shift schedule. During free time, participants can enjoy:

• Hiking trails and scenic overlooks
• Live entertainment and music
• Vendor booths and activity stations
• Gift shops and local attractions
• Point to Point Park activities
• Nearby Badlands and National Park experiences

Volunteers are also welcome to travel outside Medora during their downtime to visit places such as Dickinson, Bismarck, or other Badlands destinations. To avoid heavy traffic, we recommend using backroads such as Sully Creek Road when traveling to the interstate.

TRANSPORTATION & SHUTTLE INFORMATION: Because Medora and the surrounding area are expected to be extremely busy during the celebration week, parking within town will be very limited. Shuttle transportation will be strongly encouraged and, in many areas, necessary. Shuttle stops are expected to include:

• Medora Musical & Pitchfork Fondue Amphitheater
• Bully Pulpit Golf Course
• Badlands Ministries
• Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library
• Chimney Park
• Billings County School
• Multiple hotels in Dickinson and Dickinson Public Schools
• USFS Pasture Lot (I-94 Exit 36 near Fryburg)

CAMPING INFORMATION: A limited number of RV hookups will be available at Badlands Ministries, including four 20-amp sites and one 30-amp site, offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations for these spots can be made during registration. All volunteers should plan to bring their own tents, sleeping gear, and personal camping equipment. Cooking supplies will generally not be necessary unless you plan to prepare your own meals prior to dinner on June 30. Parking space will also be available for troop trailers.

IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT FLEXIBILITY: The Northern Lights Council is excited to support this historic opportunity for Scouts and Scouters. Because the planning timeline for this event has been significantly compressed, some details are still being finalized. While we are committed to providing a great experience for our Scouts and Scouters, schedules, assignments, and activities may change as additional information becomes available. We appreciate everyone’s patience, flexibility, and understanding as plans continue to develop.

Additional information, including a finalized list of volunteer roles, responsibilities, and activities, will be shared as it becomes available. We expect more details, along with a volunteer waiver, to come by June 1.

Please note that during registration, you will be asked to select your check-in time, indicate your preferences, and provide the ages of participating Scouts. If you have any questions, please contact Ryan Hansen at (218) 770-7505 or ryan.hansen@scouting.org.