The Wahkiakum County Eagle - Established as The Skamokawa Eagle in 1891

Lewis and Clark National Historical Park Ranger Izzy Sanchez has delivered programs and demonstrations at the park since June 2018, and some of his favorite skills to share and teach are fire starting and candle making.

Ranger Izzy offers a session on fires and candles 10-2 p.m. Monday, March 21, as part of the park’s Klahowya Youth Volunteer program. The session is one of five living history workshops to be held this spring, with participants agreeing to demonstrate their new skills later during public sessions at the park. For each session, those who participate will sign up as a volunteer and must commit four hours of volunteer work in the Spring or Summer. Participants, under the mentorship of park staff, will be able to use this volunteer time for resume building, community service hours or high school senior project commitments.

The free workshops will be held at the Fort Clatsop Visitor Center from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Sessions are limited to 10 high school or high school age participants each. Registration is required. Food and snacks will be provided. Instruction will take place inside and outside, so warm and waterproof layers are encouraged.

As an education technician and interpreter, Ranger Izzy has a fun time getting youth involved in demonstrations, making light and impactful learning moments. Izzy has worked hard to be a quick fire starter with flint and steel. He also knows other methods of fire starting to share. He has made tallow candles and is ready to share the importance of candles and fires at Fort Clatsop and the step-by-step instructions to make them.

For more information contact Ranger Izzy Sanchez at (503) 861-4416 or email lewi_education@nps.gov.