California State Parks

Camp Reynolds Bakehouse

Camp Reynolds is the earliest US Military site on the island, established in 1863 to provide for the defense of San Francisco Bay during the U.S. Civil War. Angel Island SP hosts Environmental Learning Programs (ELPs) for elementary schoolers, where students spend the night emulating Union Army soldiers stationed here during the War, running drills, spending the night in the barracks, and baking their own bread. During ELPs and during special events, we staff the bakehouse with a volunteer who’s interested in operating the historic brick oven and guiding students and visitors through the bread making process. We provide training for the operation of the brick oven to everyone, as well as lodging for the night in Quarters 10 for volunteers who stay after the last ferry of the day.

Camp Reynolds Cannoneer

Additionally, Camp Reynolds will occasionally host cannon firing demonstrations during special events. Volunteer cannoneers safely perform cannon firing demonstrations with the public, wearing period clothing or an approved volunteer uniform and providing general assistance to visitors.

The Auburn State Recreation Area Canyon Keepers is a volunteer group that promotes healthy recreation by providing assistance and information for visitors to the state park. They organize hikes, conduct trail maintenance, provide guided history walks, maintain a native garden, remove litter, perform roving trail education, and assist the professional ranger staff through volunteer work.

Train crew operate the excursion trains. Positions include Conductor, Engineer, Fireman, Brakeman and Fire patrol.

The interpretive team engages with the public to tell the Railtown story.  Positions include Greeter, Tour Guide, Roundhouse Host, Car Host, Narrator, Station Agent, Ticket Agent, and more.

The maintenance & restoration team work on various projects throughout the park.

The Living History program at Railtown participates in special events such as History Train and Tales of the Roundhouse. Volunteers also demonstrate important skills such as blacksmithing.

Railtown photo club take photographs and video of activities throughout the park for use in volunteer recognition, social media marketing, etc.