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State parks and forest campgrounds need hosts
Michigan Department of Natural Resources officials today announced the Campground Host Program is seeking participants for the 2003 season. The program allows individuals to camp in a state park or state forest campground at no charge in return for providing assistance in the campground.
Hosts direct visitors to their campsites, answer questions about the park or state forest, arrange campground activities and perform light maintenance and other services, depending on the host's talents and interests. Retired couples, teachers and students, as well as families, are just some of the people who enjoy volunteering as campground hosts.
Campground hosts can be individuals or teams. Hosts must be at least 18 years old, provide services five days/30 hours per week (including weekends and holidays), serve a minimum of four consecutive weeks and furnish their own camping unit, equipment and personal items. Hosts also must attend a training session May 6-7 at the Ralph A. MacMullan Conference Center in Roscommon.
Campground hosts are chosen by park and forest managers, who may require an interview or request additional information. Selection is based on the individual's familiarity with the state park or state forest system, camping experience, special skills, availability, knowledge of the area and the needs of the specific park or forest campground.
Information and applications are available from the DNR’s web-site by clicking the "Inside the DNR" link, then clicking "How Can I Help?"
Persons interested in being a campground host at a state park should apply directly to the park of their choice, or contact Monica Terrell at 517- 335-3034 for an application and list of vacancies. Individuals interested in serving as a state forest campground host should call Ada Takacs at 989-275-5151 ext. 2049.
Source: MDNR |