Washington state seeks camp hosts

While some think the nickname, "The Evergreen State" is directly related to the rainfall level in Washington, RVers who like green and helping out may have a good combination. The state's Parks and Recreation Commission is "seeking enthusiastic and interested volunteers to serve as hosts" throughout Washington . Campground hosts are needed not only on the more "temperate" and moist western side of the Cascade Mountains , but also on the drier eastern side.

According to a news release, the Washington State Parks Host Program offers volunteers the chance to stay and have fun in beautiful and diverse park settings while gaining experience in park operations and visitor services.

Hosts represent state parks by greeting the public and helping set the tone for visitors to have a pleasant stay. They assist park staff and perform a variety of tasks depending on the park and the type of host assignment. Hosts receive free camping and hookups in exchange for performing these duties. A typical assignment is 30 days, but may be extended up to 90 days at the park manager's discretion. Hosts must provide their own RV and camping equipment.

For a list of volunteer and host openings, visit www.parks.wa.gov/volunteers.

For more information on the program itself, visit www.parks.wa.gov/hosting. 

Those interested in serving as hosts, may contact:
• Cindy.Jorgensen@parks.wa.gov or 360.902.8612
• Laney.McIntyre@parks.wa.gov or 360.902.8617

Idaho needs volunteers for RV development committee

"I have been impressed with the urgency of doing. Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Being willing is not enough, we must do." So said Leonardo Da Vinci. For many, making a difference is one of life's holy grails. In Idaho, some RVers find they "must do." And state government is looking for more RVers to make a difference.

Idaho may only rank 14th in size for the states, but that doesn't mean they don't have big ideas. One of those that directly affects us in the RVing community is called the Recreational Vehicle Advisory Committee. The idea is to take input and advice from RVers when it comes to spending state money on RV facilities.

Here's an example: Last year this intrepid group of volunteers analyzed and made recommendations for the development of RV projects to the tune of nearly two and a half million dollars. What did that money buy? New RV sites, campground improvements, a public dump station, even a land purchase for a new public park.

A five-member committee, these RVing members know the real, hands-on needs of their peers. When they meet together, they evaluate a wide range of grant proposals and make recommendations to the state's Park and Recreation Board for funding.

Now the state needs two new members. They're looking for those who are Idaho residents, own an RV (with a valid Idaho state registration), and are willing to serve a three-year term, making it to meetings and actively participating in a process than can make RVing better for Idaho residents and those who visit. While it is a non-paid post, the state does cover member travel expenses.

If you meet the criteria and want to learn more, give Angela Manning a call at 208-514-2448, or e-mail her at angela.manning@idpr.idaho.gov.

There are many ways to 'make a difference,' in the RV world. Scores of volunteers are needed everywhere around the countr as camp hosts, maintenance workers, and caring for other jobs that funding cuts can't fill. And just giving a kind word of advice to a new or old-hand RVer with a problem in the campground makes the lifestyle something we all cherish.

Camp hosting in summer cool Northern Arizona

Looking for a host position in the Southwest, but don't want to roast this summer? The Black Mesa Ranger district of the Apache-Sigreaves National Forest might be your bet. At a high elevation, cool summer breezes are the standard.

The Forest Service is looking for campground hosts who can spend all or part of the summer handling campground management. What do the duties include? The Service says, " Hosts provide an identified presence and play an active role in the care and maintenance of the campground; carrying out such duties as litter cleanup, routine restroom upkeep, and campsite monitoring."

And your 'skill set'? Since campground hosts are the official greeters, the gift of gab, or at least, good communication skills are foremost. In addition, you'll need your own self-contained RV, for which the Service will provide a free site. You'll also get, "a , identifying sign, training materials, a radio, or phone for emergency use, maps, and literature for public distribution, and a uniform." Yes, you can bring bowser, provided you keep your pets properly leashed. And of course, setting a good example on campground cleanliness is a must.

The Black Mesa Ranger District’s Rim Lakes Recreation Area is located about two hours northeast of the Phoenix metropolitan area and about 30 minutes east of the community of Payson on Highway 260. This forested area is popular for both day trips and overnight excursions and provides numerous recreational opportunities such as hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, fishing, boating, camping, back packing, and sightseeing.

For more information please call Lorraine Cuevas at 928.535.7352.

photo: US Forest Service

Some camp hosts to lose allowance

For campground hosts, the benefits of putting in a few hours a week usually are rewarded with a free place to park the RV and the occasional utility hookup. Few hosts receive any sort of financial rewards, so when those that did receive remuneration are told they won't be in the future, we take note of it. Sad to say, some Oregon campground hosts will be waving goodbye to a daily allowance.

Up until April of this year, campground hosts in the Siuslaw National Forest in Oregon received a $10 a day per host stipend to help out with living expenses. It may not sound like much, but for frugal fulltiming RVers, $20 a day for a couple can make a big difference. But, budgets being what they are, the Forest Service is cutting back where it can. According to the spokesfolk with the National Forest Service, the stipend cuts will result in a $70,000 per annum savings to the agency.

To try and make things easier. at least one camp host supervisor says he'll try and jockey schedules to allow hosts to find part-time work outside the forest. That word from Jeff Uebel, the supervisor for the central coast and Oregon Dunes National Recreation area.

Source: Siuslaw News Online. Photo: USDA Forest Service.