Sandy Hook: Volunteers for The Lighthouse Challenge of NJ 2026

Become an integral part of sharing the rich history and natural beauty of this national park. Volunteers assist during the Lighthouse Challenge of New Jersey, on October 17-18, 2026, at the Sandy Hook Lighthouse.

The Lighthouse Challenge of New Jersey is an annual event that takes place the third weekend of October each year. The challenge is to visit 11 lighthouse sites, 4 lifesaving stations, and 1 museum over the two-day weekend. The challenge route covers the Atlantic Coast from Sandy Hook to Cape May and the Delaware Bay and River Coast from Cape May to Paulsboro. A small registration fee enables you to collect a souvenir from each site.

Volunteers:

• Will be stationed in or outside the lighthouse during the challenge (Being stationed inside the Lighthouse is optional, but the Volunteer Coordinator must know in advance of the event)
• Welcome and count the number of visitors at their station
• Engage the public in conversation and share information about park resources
• Provide basic orientation or direct visitors to park staff with questions
• Assist with parking/directing traffic
• May operate a radio if necessary

Qualifications/Health and physical condition requirements for this position:

·        Attends Lighthouse Challenge Volunteer Training (dates below).

·        The ability to walk and stand for up to 4-5 hours with intermittent breaks.

·        Ability to climb 95 steps and a 9-rung ladder (Optional but must inform Volunteer Coordinator in advance of the event).

·        Must be comfortable with public speaking.

·        Can follow a schedule

·        Must be 18 years or older

Training Dates at the Sandy Hook Lighthouse (required to attend one - select on the form below)

·        Sunday, October 4, 10am-11:30am

·        Friday, October 9, 4:30pm-6pm

Shift Options:

·        Saturday, October 18th - AM Shift 7:45am-1pm

·        Saturday, October 18th - AM Shift 12:45pm-6pm

·        Saturday, October 18^th – Both Shifts (I confirm I am staying for the entire day)

·        Sunday, October 29th - AM Shift 7:45am-1pm

·        Sunday, October 29th - PM Shift 12:45pm-6pm

·        Saturday, October 20^th – Both Shifts (I confirm I am staying for the entire day)

Once registered on Volunteer.gov, choose the training date and shift options you are interested in via this form.

Please note: If we reach our capacity for volunteers, you will receive notification that you have been put on a waitlist. 

Registering for this event closes on Saturday, September 26, 2025. Must be 18 years or older.