Lighting the Way Through Dedication to Minnesota’s State Parks

Meet Daily Point of Light Award honoree Bruce Gravelle. Read his story, and nominate an outstanding volunteer or family as a Daily Point of Light.

For nearly two decades, Bruce Gravelle has brought light and warmth to Minnesota’s state parks through his volunteer work with the state’s Department of Natural Resources. A big part of his service is helping with candlelight events held on winter trails, where he crafts hundreds of ice luminaries and recycles candles to create new ones each year. These luminous trails, enjoyed by children to grandparents and everyone in between, foster a unique winter experience, bringing joy—as well as an essential mental health boost during the colder months.

Each year, Bruce’s candle-making expertise results in 1,200 to 1,600 candles that he donates back to the parks, adding a cozy glow to these beloved events. Visitors often ask about his techniques, and he takes pride in sharing his knowledge, making these events even more memorable for attendees. His efforts have brightened thousands of winter nights for park visitors, enhancing the enjoyment and beauty of Minnesota’s state trails.

In addition to his work with candlelight events, Bruce’s skills as a certified National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) instructor bring a different kind of excitement to Minnesota’s state parks. Throughout the summer and fall, he guides beginners and experienced archers alike in archery programs, building skills in both confidence and precision. Year-round, Bruce partners with park naturalists to support educational programs, and in winter, he helps facilitate ice fishing and snowshoeing. Averaging 15–20 volunteer hours a month, Bruce’s dedication enriches visitor experiences across all seasons.

Read on to hear how and why Bruce contributes his time and effort to light the way—quite literally—for countless parkgoers.

Tell us about your volunteer role.

I started volunteering after my mother-in-law saw an article about a program called Minnesota Master Naturalist about 19 years ago, and she thought I’d like it so I checked it out. As part of that program, you’re supposed to volunteer 40 hours a year for some organization. I selected the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, and started at a state park because I knew the naturalists there from going to a lot of programs.

That’s how it started, and then it just built from there. I helped wherever I could. Later on, I got into being an archery instructor with the NASP, and it’s been really fun to see people from all backgrounds trying archery for the first time.

Another big project I do in the winter is the candlelight walks. I recycle and make all new candles that I donate back to the DNR, as well as ice luminaries to put them in, for the parks and their different events. That started as a Girl Scout project with my daughter, and I just continued on with it from there.

Why are you inspired toward this type of work in particular?

It brings people out to the parks. I can talk to them and show them different opportunities related to being outside. It also encouraged them to go to different parks that they normally wouldn’t, or have never been to. Some of these people have never experienced being away from city lights, so doing a night hike and seeing the stars—some people have never seen anything like that before. Or showing them how to ice fish… some people have never walked on frozen water. On the candlelight walks, they often don’t realize that the ice luminaries are real. I get to educate them on how to make them. It’s fun to see people getting so much enjoyment from being outside.

Why is it so important in today’s world for people to get outside?

People need to get away from being inside. When they get outside, they can see what nature offers. Seeing different types of things, being with people from all backgrounds, all having a good time. Not really caring who you are and where you’re from—seeing people with their dogs walking around, everyone is just enjoying themselves. It’s great to see. I enjoy being outside, so my volunteerism lends to my showing that enjoyment to others.

How long does it take you to make the luminaries?

Because it needs to get below freezing, it takes some time. Usually it takes about 24 hours, assuming the temperature is in the 20’s. If it gets too cold, they become big ice cubes!

What’s been the most rewarding part of your work?

The most rewarding part is seeing the thankfulness that comes from people, their gratitude for me as a volunteer. Showing them how to snowshoe, or being involved in a candlelight walk where there might be 800 to 3,000 people. The appreciation that I’m there to help put on that type of event, that’s a warm fuzzy appreciation feeling. And seeing people go from, “oh there’s an archery or a candlelight event at this state park this weekend,” and then I’ll give them a recommendation for another, and seeing them there too when I’m volunteering. It’s wonderful to see people at different places enjoying the outdoors.

I’ve met a lot of nice people from all over the state and country, doing volunteer activities. That’s been enjoyable, learning something from them or seeing something through their eyes. And I’ve had a great group of people I’ve volunteered with, who support my volunteering and don’t put a lot of pressure or demands on it, so that makes it enjoyable too. I like being part of the group.

Why is it important for others to get involved with causes they care about?

I think it becomes a release, offering a different type of activity you don’t get to do on a daily basis. It’s something different that you can enjoy and get satisfaction out of. It helps others in some way, and that’s important.

Any advice for people who want to start volunteering?

If you have a passion, or even a thought that you might like something, go talk to those people. You can make it as simple a commitment as you want or get as involved as you want. Have fun with it! Don’t make it a chore. Otherwise, find something else you do enjoy.

Do you want to make a difference in your community like Bruce? Find local volunteer opportunities.