By RICK WINTERSON

Are you new to South Boston? Or perhaps you’ve lived here for a while, and now you’d like to “give back” in return for the Southie experiences you’re enjoying. Possibly you’d simply like to make some very enjoyable friends, while giving your sunscreen a workout.

Interested? Consider joining the Castle Island Association (the “other” CIA), an organization of 5,000 members, who are responsible for one of the most magnificent historic sites in Boston and vicinity, as well as one of the most striking harbor views in the city. Then think about volunteering.

Right now, volunteers are being sought for guided tours of Fort Independence. These tours are learning experiences for both the guides and visitors to the fort. They take around 45 minutes, and are scheduled from noon to 3 p.m. on summer Saturdays and Sundays. You will be trained to guide tours by the Historical Committee of the CIA.

Your own personal skills could be a crucial addition to other CIA areas of interest. Many such skills are needed in order to be effective “custodians” of Castle Island and Fort Independence. Any skill from carpentry to paperwork to administrative talents would be useful.

You are invited to take part in sunset viewing from the fort’s walls on summer Thursday evenings. You are welcome to join the Castle Island Choir. Led by practiced musicians, the choir meets each Monday evening. And the Castle Island “season” ends with a colorful, action-packed Halloween Mystery Walk – an unbelievable extravaganza that attracts thousands of kids and kids-at-heart (for free) during the two weekend afternoons just prior to Halloween.

Join us. You’ll be glad you volunteered; you’ll even make history.

Contact the organization by phone 617-268-8870 or mail your info to Castle Island Association, P.O. Box 432, South Boston, MA 02127