CAMPGROUND HOST PROGRAM

If you enjoy the benefits of extended camping experiences in Nebraska's state park areas and enjoy sharing your experiences with those around you, you are invited to check out the Game and Parks Commission's Campground Host Program.

What is a Campground Host?

Campground Hosts are volunteers over the age of 18 who serve without pay in selected Nebraska state park areas, helping other campers enjoy the outdoor experience in a variety of ways. Hosts may be individuals or teams, such as a husband and wife. Their primary responsibilities are to assist campers by answering questions, explaining rules and generally making sure their campground neighbors are comfortable and content. They are the campers' liaisons with the Commission's parks staff.

What is Involved?

Campground hosts are generally veteran campers who are willing to show less experienced hands the ropes. They should have intimate knowledge of the park and facilities in which they are camping and possess the ability and enthusiasm to impart their knowledge to their fellow campers. They should set a positive example in developing a pleasant, wholesome campground culture.

The Host program operates from May 1 through Sept. 15. Hosts must be willing to devote a minimum of two weeks and a maximum of four weeks to their selected campground. They are on duty from two to four hours per day, five days a week, including weekends and holidays. They are on call at all times in case of emergencies.

Hosts may be accompanied by other campers, but the Commission recommends that the Host party be limited to six members.

Host services are likely to include:

• Welcoming new campers.
• Distributing park literature and interpretive information.
• Informing campers about local attractions.
• Arranging campground social activities such as coffee hours, campfire gatherings, kids' fishing derbies and services such as trash pickup in the area and helping to keep sanitary facilities clean and stocked.
• Performing other duties depending on the Host's capabilities and area needs as determined by the area superintendent.
• Volunteer Campground Hosts will play no law enforcement role other than staying vigilant for violations and notifying park staff about violations or potential problems.

Campground Hosts receive free camping, electrical hookups and, where available, use of the area's shower facilities. Hosts must supply their own camping equipment. Hosts will be issued Game and Parks Commission caps and badges that will identify them as Campground Hosts.

One of the most attractive benefits, however, is the opportunity to meet fellow campers from all walks of life, develop short- and long-term friendships and receive the satisfaction of helping others to share their enjoyment of Nebraska's natural attractions.

How to Apply

Complete the on-line application form by clicking "Apply Now Online" below. Host selection will be made by the local park superintendent at each area that participates in the program. Selection is based on area needs, the applicant's qualifications, familiarity with the parks system, the selected park and the surrounding area. The superintendent may interview the applicants as part of the selection process.

Campground Host Participating Areas
Alexandria SRA Branched Oak SRA Calamus SRA Chadron SP Conestoga SRA Dead Timber SRA Enders Reservoir SRA Eugene T. Mahoney SP Fort Kearny SRA Fort Robinson SP Fremont SRA Indian Cave SP Johnson Lake SRA Keller Park SRA Lake McConaughy SRA	Louisville SRA Cedar Vue Area Lake Ogallala SRA Lake Minatare SRA Lewis & Clark Lake SRA Medicine Creek SRA Niobrara SP Pawnee SRA Ponca State Park Rockford Lake SRA Rock Creek Station SRA Summit Lake SRA Swanson SRA Willow Creek SRA

Hold Harmless Agreement

Before you may volunteer in any Nebraska Game and Parks Commission state park or recreation area, you must sign and return a hold-harmless agreement. To print out an agreement click here Please submit the signed agreement to your selected park's superintendent, or you may pick up and sign an agreement on site.

HOW TO VOLUNTEER

Click the link below to become a member of our NGPC Volunteer Registry. Your application will be noted as desiring to be a part of our Campground Host Program. Your application will e-mailed to Park Administration and then forwarded to the Park Superintendent for consideration.

CLICK HERE! to join our Volunteer Registry!

View Available Volunteer Opportunities in the Campground Host Program!