Camp host FL state parks

[Too_Tall]

We camp host MD state parks and thought we would like trying it in FL during winter. I understand that everyone wants to go to Florida in the winter and we may never get called. I signed up on line but couldn't find any information of the host duties or length of stay. I would appreciate any feedback. Thank You

[Francesca_Knowl]

Dog Folks wrote:

Too Tall wrote:
We camp host MD state parks and thought we would like trying it in FL during winter. I understand that everyone wants to go to Florida in the winter and we may never get called. I signed up on line but couldn't find any information of the host duties or length of stay. I would appreciate any feedback. Thank You

Please understand that there are two basic "forms" of volunteer in Florida State Parks. Campground host, and regular volunteer.

Regular volunteers work 40 hours for a free campsite.

Campground hosts work 20 hours per week for a free campsite.

Regular volunteers can be assigned any general duty in the park, especially if you have special skills.

The campground host position is basically janitorial in nature. Cleaning and maintaining bathrooms, and cleaning of fire pits and camp sites.

You will probably be asked to advise campers of any rules being broken, such as rope tied to trees. You do not need to be security, or confrontational, and may call a ranger at any time that you feel uncomfortable.

Commitment time may vary from one to four months, depending on the needs of the individual park.

Be patient, your application went to all parks that have openings, and it may be months before you are contacted. Most parks firm up their winter schedules in April for the upcoming winter season, but you still may get a call if someone cancels.

I suggest you accept the first job offered, and do a good job to get your foot in the door, to have references for future jobs.

The above information is based upon 5 years of campground hosting in Florida, but I have not been to all parks, and there may be some variation from park to park.

PM me if you have any other questions. Hope this helps. Good luck.

Very illuminating, especially as compares to some other States.

Question about above highlighted portion:

I see you give twenty hour requirements as weekly for Hosts...are the forty hours required for regular volunteers per week, too? And- if you know- why the difference between the rates? Seems like the pay's the same regardless (free campsite)-?

Thanks!

[Dog_Folks]

Too Tall wrote:
We camp host MD state parks and thought we would like trying it in FL during winter. I understand that everyone wants to go to Florida in the winter and we may never get called. I signed up on line but couldn't find any information of the host duties or length of stay. I would appreciate any feedback. Thank You

Please understand that there are two basic "forms" of volunteer in Florida State Parks. Campground host, and regular volunteer. Regular volunteers work 40 hours for a free campsite.

Campground hosts work 20 hours per week for a free campsite.

Regular volunteers can be assigned any general duty in the park, especially if you have special skills.

The campground host position is basically janitorial in nature. Cleaning and maintaining bathrooms, and cleaning of fire pits and camp sites.

You will probably be asked to advise campers of any rules being broken, such as rope tied to trees. You do not need to be security, or confrontational, and may call a ranger at any time that you feel uncomfortable.

Commitment time may vary from one to four months, depending on the needs of the individual park.

Be patient, your application went to all parks that have openings, and it may be months before you are contacted. Most parks firm up their winter schedules in April for the upcoming winter season, but you still may get a call if someone cancels.

I suggest you accept the first job offered, and do a good job to get your foot in the door, to have references for future jobs.

The above information is based upon 5 years of campground hosting in Florida, but I have not been to all parks, and there may be some variation from park to park.

PM me if you have any other questions. Hope this helps. Good luck.

[lizzie]

You might have better luck in the Florida Panhandle. Have you tried contacting the park manager directly? There are also positions in State and National Forests. lizzie