PCCC Digging and Burial Volunteer Training

Have you ever been interested in volunteering at Prairie Creek Conservation Cemetery (PCCC), but not sure where to start?

Join us Saturday May 5th at 11AM where we will be hosting a volunteer training workshop where prospective volunteers can learn about what is involved in volunteering as a grave digger and/or a member of our burial team.

The first half of the workshop from 11:00-12:30 will will cover how we dig graves, after which we will take a break for lunch and snacks back at the Lodge. At 1:00 pm we will resume with a tutorial for being a burial team volunteer. 

There are many tasks at every burial carried out by our volunteer burial teams, and we always need help.  Many are familiar with The Society of the Pick and Spade, founded by Robert "Hutch" Hutchinson, which takes reverent responsibility for digging nearly every grave at PCCC. At this upcoming workshop you will find out the specifics as well as how to be notified when there is a need for help.

Several of our volunteers never miss a burial. These burial team volunteers return again and again for the comradery and the deeply felt connection with life that is almost indescribable. Sterling Davenport, one of our regular volunteers summed it up beautifully: Death is part of life; with every burial, I am reminded of what's precious about existence and about where my priorities should be.

Every burial is a careful balance of many moving parts, and our staff and volunteers work closely as a team. Before the burial we set up chairs and prepare the grave site with our ceremonial frame and other equipment. Often there is a need for parking attendants. Volunteers drive the golf carts to transport visitors who are unable to walk to the grave site. While there are activities the family often participates in, our volunteers are ready to assist as needed. This might include when the body is placed over and lowered into the grave, and when the grave is being covered.