SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — Leif Ericson is a little over a month away from hosting its first camps of the year, but before campers start making their way out there, the staff needed to do a little spring cleaning.

Around 60 volunteers helped get the camp ready for summer.

Solar bringing more light to Sioux Falls parks

Chainsaws, rakes and wheelbarrows were out in full force at Camp Leif Ericson on Saturday.

“Today is kind of the kickoff of our new summer season. We are excited that it’s a community event, an opportunity for the community to give back in a lot of ways, and maybe they’ve been impacted by camp in the past,” Camp Leif Ericson director Justin Lassen said.

Volunteer Kaitlyn Bultje was a camper at Leif Ericson for four years.

“When I was nine years old, I basically fell in love with the camp. It was so much fun. I absolutely enjoyed it,” Bultje said.

Bultje will be working at Leif Ericson this summer. She’s also a member of the Roosevelt High School Student Council. Bultje and other members of the council did some raking and sawing.

“It’s very important because we need the camp to be clean just for us to really enjoy it and have fun,” Bultje said.

“It brings us together as a community of not only bonding, but helping our community, too,” volunteer and Roosevelt student council member Ashley Bohnet said.

Whether it was clearing branches or sprucing up the trail, Lassen says the work will go a long way to ensure Leif Ericson has a successful summer.

“A day like this is is critical, especially coming out of an off season where winter takes its toll on camp. We’ve got thousands of campers coming out in just a little over a month,” Lassen said.

And Lassen was blown away by support.

“For them to give back in this way, without really expecting anything in return, is truly inspiring and awesome to me,” Lassen said.

For more information on camp dates at Leif Ericson, click here.