Our Virginia State Parks? A few responses pertained to volunteering at our state parks.
If you love camping, have you ever considered volunteering as aVirginia State Parks Camp Host ? Want to learn more about it? Read on…
Photo credit: Photo courtesy of Bill Crabtree, Jr., Va. Tourism Corp.
Become a Virginia State Parks Camp Host. It's one of the most rewarding things you can do for yourself and Virginia's outdoors. Camp for free for from 30 to 90 days at any of 20 participating parks across the state in exchange for volunteer services.
Looking to visit and explore Virginia? Want to stay near friends or family somewhere in the state? Interested in learning new skills or trying a new outdoors experience? Becoming a Virginia State Parks Camp Host is one of the easiest, most exciting ways to do these things and more.
Hosts receive
- -Campsite and pet fees waived for the duration of the host's assignment
- -Free or reduced fees for usage of park offerings, including boating, swimming and rentals, in certain parks. (Check with park staff: – not all sites offer this benefit.)
- -Hosts are eligible for seven nights of camping after completing one 30-day assignment. Hosts who complete two or more 30-day assignments in the same season are eligible for 14 nights of camping or seven nights in a cabin. The cabin benefit is offered only to hosts who serve two or more months in one season. Cabin benefits must be claimed during off-season.
- -We use the termsassignmentsandseasonsand not years because in some parks, hosts work in two calendar years on one assignment. For example, (A volunteer may host from Nov. 7, 2008, through Jan. 30, 2009, which would count as one assignement.)
- -Camping and cabin benefits earned must be used prior to Memorial Day weekend or after Labor Day. They cannot be used during prime season.
- -Benefits earned are subject to availability of the given facility.
- -Benefits earned are for the use of the host only and must be used in their entirety in one reservation (or, in the case of camping, seven-night increments). Any portion of a week used counts as the use of a seven-night benefit
Camp Host responsibilities
- -Greet campers, answer their questions and orient them to park and region
- -Set example for others by keeping host site clean and neat
- -Be accessible to campers for comments and complaints
- -Understand and explain – not enforce – park rules and regulations to campers
- -Help maintain campground – pick up litter, clean campsites after guests check out, replenish restroom supplies and assist in keeping the bathhouses clean
- -Check windshields for passes to ensure park fees are paid
- -Contact park staff and other law enforcement personnel about emergencies
- -Other projects and assignments based on park needs and hosts' skills and interests
How are the camp hosts selected?
Hosts are selected on a first-come, first-served basis; they must provide their own RV or camping equipment. An extra vehicle is strongly recommended for personal transportation. Selection criteria include experience in camping, prior campground or park host service, working with the public, length of time willing to be hosts and how well skills match park needs. No salary or stipend is provided.
Successful applicants are required to sign an agreement stating their park-specific duties, benefits, obligations and termination conditions.
Participating Parks
Chippokes Plantation State Park
Shenandoah River (Raymond R. “Andy” Guest, Jr.) State Park
Learn more about the be found here- see the last line of each park listed "View Camp Host Opportunities"as well as the camp host application form.
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