No rocking chairs

“For us, retirement is not always staying at home and sitting in a rocking chair!”

Dorothy and Pete Cogswell wear many hats in the Belle Isle State Park in 2008 and have been hosts ever since. As avid RV’ers, the lifestyle of camp hosts and the constant traveling and living in nature, was ideally suited them.

Camp Host Volunteers Dorothy and Pete Cogwell

For the Cogswells, volunteering is anything but relaxing in rocking chairs. From defrosting water hoses with hair dryers, to maintaining flower beds in their spare time, Dorothy and Pete perceive the park as their home away from home.

“We make sure that the campground is clean, campsites ready for our new guests and flower beds are neat” shares Dorothy.

It is this dedication to their volunteer position that landed the couple in a position to be highlighted as the Virginia State Parks Volunteers of the Month. Not only do the Cogswells dedicate their time to being a camp host in the campground, but they are retail hosts in camp gift stores as well.

The camp store at Grayson Highlands is a hub of activity throughout the day

When asked why she was drawn to volunteer, Dorothy responded, “Pete and I feel that Virginia State Parks that we have used since our children were young”.

Every Virginia State Parksare great camping and visiting experiences”, said Dorothy.

The Cogswells encourage everyone to experience all the parks have to offer and sign up to volunteer. Not only is it rewarding personally, but volunteeringprovides a platform for expanding your horizons.

“As camp hosts, we enjoy meeting people from all walks of life and helping them with their camping needs”, said Dorothy, which I think sums up nicely the goal of our state parks and the world of nature.

If you wish to pitch in to keep Virginia's State Parks among the nation's best, explore the many ways to get involved:

Camp Host
Youth Conservation Corps
Alternative Spring Break
Friend Groups
Natural Heritage Internships
AmeriCorps
Youth Ambassador
Virginia Association for Parks

Does any of this interest you? If so, youcan Virginia State Parks.

We would like to offer a big heartfelt thank you to all of our Virginia State Parks' volunteers, and especially our Volunteers of the Month Dorothy and Pete Cogwell.

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