Warm weather means camping for many people who enjoy the outdoors. Visitors to West Virginia state park campgrounds often are greeted and assisted by volunteer hosts. Several state parks have opportunities open for people who love to camp and enjoy helping other campers – combining work with a getaway.
“Hosts do routine maintenance of the campground area, collect fees and, most importantly, are available to answer questions by campers new to the area,” said Dillard Price, superintendent at Beech Fork State Park in Cabell and Wayne counties. “Hosts become greeters. They take the extra time necessary to help folks new to camping become comfortable as campers. Volunteer hosts allow park staff to concentrate on maintenance, seasonal openings and other duties required to keep the parks operating.”
Volunteering also can lead to a career in parks and public recreation. Many of the people who operate state parks today began as seasonal volunteers while they were in high school and college.
Debbie Keener, a retired state park superintendent, spent most of April volunteering as a campground host at Little Beaver State Park in Raleigh County.
“It’s my nature to stay active, even when I’m looking for time away from home,” Keener said. “I love to camp. I love to meet people. I like to relax, to be outdoors and also remain active doing something.”
State parks currently accepting applications for volunteer campground hosts include: Audra State Park (Barbour/Upshur counties), North Bend State Park (Ritchie County), Pipestem Resort State Park (Summers County), Tygart Lake State Park (Taylor County) and Watoga State Park (Pocahontas County).
Individuals seeking volunteer campground host positions are required to serve a minimum number of days dependent upon each area’s needs. They also must go through a training program to understand the scope of the volunteer position and responsibilities. Contact Matt Yeager, district administrator at dnr.parks@wv.gov , call 304-558-2764 or complete a campground host application online at www.wvstateparks.com/community/volpark.htm
2 Comments
My husband and I would be very interested in volunteering for the Spring-summer season as camp hosts, or visitor centre hosts, or interpretive hosts. I have not been able to download the online application. And, would really appreciate your help.
We have served in State parks in Idaho, Arizona, Oregon, and are volunteering in the Rio Grande valley in Texas thru the winter.
Look forward to hearing from you soon.
Thank you.
Marge
Hi, Marge. West Virginia Executive is not directly related to West Virginia State Parks. You would need to contact WV State Parks directly for information on volunteer opportunities. It looks like you can reach them at 833-WV-PARKS. Good luck!