FOC is a 50lc(3)
non-profit organization.
Summary of FOC's 2024 Accomplishments
- Updated Friends of Chippokes By-Laws.
- ldentified and recommended that action be taken to correct the hazardous condition of the brick walkway leading to the mansion. Park has initiated corrective action to be taken.
- Recommended production of a new Chippokes orientation video to replace the outdated one shown in the visitor center. Park Manager followed thru, and DCR has produced a new scripted video promoting the park.
- Maintained voluntary service and support for park activities and events, to include the annual Easter Egg Hunt, Garden Tea, Harvest Festival, Holiday Open House and Wreath Making Workshop. Dedicated FOC volunteers also supported the Firewood and Garden Workdays, operated FOC Gift Shop, conducted mansion tours and gave open hearth cooking and interpretive demonstrations.
- Funded $3,329 for the purchase of 150 folding chairs for the Conference Shelter.
- Republished the Chippokes State Park rack card to add the QR code.
- At FOC's invitation, welcomed visit by Melissa Baker, State Parks Director, at the Harvest Festival.
- Assisted with the 2O24 Park Deer Hunt.
- Added 15 new FOC members in 2O24, including members of the Virginia Master Naturalist Southside Chapter.
FOC's Goals and Objectives for 2025
- Friends of Chippokes is committed to building on its proven record of success and accomplishments by providing voluntary services and funding to Chippokes State Park in support of the annual Easter Egg Hunt, Garden Tea, Harvest Festival, and other activities.
- Follow-up with the Park on status of the Mansion Brick Walkway lmprovement Project.
- Follow-up with the Park on status of plans for the Blount House, to include furnishings and pest control.
- Contribute voluntary services and provide financial support for maintenance and upkeep of mansion grounds and designated areas.
- Provide funding support for the Virginia Master Naturalist Southside Chapter to restore the pollinator gardens in front and back of the Visitor Center.
- Set up a Volunteer lnformation Table in the Visitor Center with publications and materials to
encourage volunteerism and promote Friends of Chippokes.
Our Mission -"Here To Serve"
The mission of the Friends of Chippokes State Park is to identify and promote activities to enhance the cultural and natural resources of Chippokes State Park.
In furtherance of our mission, the Friends of Chippokes shall actively encourage donations and fund-raising to support the Park.
Our Activities and Programs
The knowledgeable and friendly volunteer staff at Chippokes love our park and are committed to giving all our guests a memorable and outstanding outdoor experience, rich in natural beauty and cultural history.
The Friends of Chippokes develop, staff, and finance a number of programs and activities for our guests all year 'round.
The Friends of Chippokes (FOC) operate the Gift Shop located in the Packard garage (c. 1837). Money raised in the Gift Shop and other activities is used to provide for park needs and to enrich the Chippokes experience for our guests. For example, the Friends provided the funds to purchase the TVs and DVD players in the guest cabins.
The Friends support the Park staff with the campfire programs, Junior Rangers, and outreach to Surry Elementary School children.
The Friends raise money to fund specific park needs and programs, mainly through donations, Gift Shop, and firewood donations.
To see current and future Park activities, take a look at our Chippokes calendar and the DCR Calendar.
Helping The Friends
Volunteers Capture the charm of Chippokes! Come join with us. Your time will be well spent, and we will provide training if needed.
A few of the many Volunteer opportunities that abound at Chippokes:
- Provide assistance during park events
- Help maintain grounds, garden, and trails
- Mansion docents
- Work in the gift shop
- Assist with fossil walks
- Help with firewood workdays
Volunteer hours earn awards such as:
- Lifetime pass to all Virginia State Parks
- Discounted camping and cabin benefits
- Job experience when applying for employment
You might have special skills or talents that will allow us to expand our programs. TALK TO US!
For general information on volunteering, contact the Park Volunteer Coordinator, at 757-294-3625.
Membership
You do not have to be a member of the Friends of Chippokes in order to be a volunteer. However, by becoming a member of FOC, you will be better informed and will become an integral part of Park operations. So, if you want to join, you are quite welcome!
Annual dues are $15 individual; $25 family, and are renewed at the end of January.
To join, print and fill out this membership application, make check payable to "Friends of Chippokes," and send to: Friends of Chippokes State Park, 695 Chippokes Park Road, Surry, VA 23883.
Meetings
Regularly scheduled meetings are the second Saturday in the month, at 10:00AM, in the Jones-Stewart Mansion conference room. Prospective members are encouraged to come to a meeting and get acquainted.
Organization
Officers include: President, Vice-President, Secretary, Co-Treasurers, and four directors. All are elected to serve two-year terms, and can be reelected.
Our Officers
President - Barbara Lindley email
Vice President -
Sharon Jones
Secretary - Steven Blanchard
Co-Treasurers -
Phil Redmond and
Pat Pauley
Board of Directors - Tom Witowski, Barbara Rucker, Eddie Wrightson and Judith Pysher
Friends of Chippokes was incorporated in 1999 by a group of dedicated volunteers to carry out Our Mission.
FOC is a 50lc(3) non-profit organization. Donations are tax deductible and gratefully received.
For more information e-mail us at president@chippokes.com.
