Celebrating Service

November 3, 2025

A group of volunteers wearing blue shirts pose with Wolf Trap's mascot Wolfie on the plaza, with the gift shop and greenery in the background.

On October 28, the Wolf Trap family came together to celebrate the many volunteers who made this season one to remember! 

  • A large group of volunteers seated at round tables covered with floral-patterned cloths, enjoying food and drinks in a warmly lit hall.
  • Five volunteers posing together in the event space, with tables and other guests visible in the background.
  • Four volunteers standing side by side in the event hall.

    Celebrating Wolf Trap Volunteers

    Volunteers have been an essential part of Wolf Trap’s operations since its founding over 50 years ago. Community spirit and collaboration were central to Catherine Filene Shouse’s vision of Wolf Trap--a place for all to enjoy the performing arts amid the peacefulness of nature.

    To this day, a corps of dedicated volunteers contribute thousands of service hours annually to strengthen Wolf Trap.

    Each year, Wolf Trap Foundation takes an evening to recognize the hard work and dedication of volunteers with an end-of-season celebration. On October 28, volunteers, staff, and guests reflected on another year of friendship and service to the arts over dinner at the Foundation’s Center for Education.

    Three volunteers in blue shirts pose in front of the gift shop.

    Going Above and Beyond

    Volunteers lend their talents in the Gift Shop, Filene Center Concessions, the Foundation offices, ushering at The Barns, and at countless special events throughout the year.

    They are also contributing members and fantastic ambassadors, sharing their enthusiasm for the arts beyond their philanthropy to make visitors feel welcome and cared for.

    In 2025, volunteers contributed over 7,400 hours of summer season service. That’s on average over 34 hours per volunteer!

    Thank you to our Volunteers who made this year a success! 

    The five volunteer honorees with Arvind Manocha posing for a group photo.

    2025 Volunteer Awards

    Each year, Wolf Trap recognizes particularly outstanding contributions to the volunteer program. We are pleased to share this year’s standout honorees.

    Pictured from left to right: Kelly Spencer, Melissa Gifford, Arvind Manocha (Wolf Trap Foundation President & CEO), Louise Rostker, Camille Haberland, and Lisa Hia.

    Outstanding New Hospitality Volunteer

    Kelly Spencer

    With an eagerness to learn, Kelly jumped in to become familiar with the inner workings of hospitality events and enthusiastically took on additional volunteer responsibilities. Clearly enjoying interaction with both guests and volunteers alike, her pleasant and cooperative attitude was evident every time she volunteered.

    Outstanding New Gift Shop Volunteer

    Lisa Hia

    As a new volunteer for the gift shop, Lisa brought a positive attitude and friendly demeanor to staff and patrons. Her diligence and commitment were abundant, and she eagerly sought opportunities to serve, resulting in over 170 volunteer hours contributed this year! 

    Outstanding New Concessions Volunteer

    Melissa Gifford

    Melissa consistently provided excellent customer service with a smile. She arrived promptly and was dependable throughout the summer season. Melissa was pleasant, thoughtful, and shared helpful hints to improve processes for all.

    Wolf Trap 2025 Volunteer of the Year Award

    Camille Haberland

    With a joyful dedication to Wolf Trap, Camille always greets every patron, volunteer, and staff member with a gleaming smile. Her work is imbued with a sense of ease and warmth. A deep love of Wolf Trap is evident in every hour she worked this summer, which in 2025 numbered over 100!

    Lifetime Achievement Award

    Louise Rostker

    Louise has been an energetic part of the Wolf Trap Volunteer family for more than three decades. As a volunteer, her talent and ambitious attitude were shared with the Hospitality Team, Gift Shop, and Foundation Office teams. Always looking for ways to improve the volunteer and guest experience, Louise’s insightful suggestions were welcome and valued. With an easy-going, dependable, and flexible attitude, she is a volunteer whose presence is always appreciated.  

    Louise Rostker smiles broadly while receiving her award from Arvind Manocha.

    Lifetime Achievement Award winner Louise Rostker.

    Wolf Trap staff member hands a gift bag and certificate to Lisa Hia near a stone accent wall, with “Wolf Trap” visible on the bag.

    Outstanding New Gift Shop Volunteer Award winner Lisa Hia.

    Four volunteers in blue "WOLF TRAP VOLUNTEER" shirts standing outside with clipboards, smiling at the camera.

    Lear more

    Become a Volunteer

    All current Wolf Trap members can participate in the volunteer program.

    Requirements include:

    • be 18 years or older,
    • commit to a certain number of shifts per summer (for gift shop and hospitality only),
    • be willing to work under the supervision of Wolf Trap Foundation staff
    • pass a background check
    • complete online sexual harassment training.


    If you’re interested, read more about Volunteer opportunities here.  

    Get in Touch

    If you have questions about volunteering at Wolf Trap, please call 703.255.1927 or email volunteer@wolftrap.org.