Silly Newbie Question

[sterandber]

My husband and I bought a new TT a little over a month ago, and have been camping in state parks several times. Every time we go, I notice that there is a "Camp Host."

So, my question is, what is it exactly that a camp host does? I was once told that they get to camp for free in exchange for their duties at the park. Sounds like a pretty cool gig to me! Has anyone here on the forum ever been one?

Okay, so it is more than one question, and I am sure a somewhat silly one. Just wondering.

[336muffin]

First of all, welcome to the forum. I'm curious if you are camping at Uwharrie National Forest, I have known the Camp Host there for many years. I also know the CH at Cane Brake also, many weekends and none off with other tasks as well. I'm also the food Vendor there. Yes they camp (live) there for free with almost no weekends off. They also have to provide they're own campers.

[Frantz]

We are currently Camp Hosts at Emigrant Lake County Park near Ashland, OR. We watch over the Oak Slope Campground which has 40 tent sites. We are provided a site with 30A, water, and sewer. In exchange we clean 2 restroom buildings, pick-up trash, clean out fire pits, sell firewood, answer questions, and smile. It takes approx. 2-3 hours each day for each of us. We have 2 days off a week and can take most afternoons off for short trips. There are 2 other hosts who are in the RV section of the park. They have similar duties.
Not sure we would do this during high season but it has been great during this shoulder season. We arrived Aug. 24 & will leave Nov. 1.

[JMonroe]

First things first ---->

The duties of a camp host will vary with the agency or park management. I am a camp host for the county park system in and around Madison WI. My 'employers' made it clear ours is primarily a 'PR' position, helping campers with questions from "How do I register for a campsite" to offering local information on sights to see, things to do. I'll sell firewood and will check the restrooms for function and state of cleanliness a few times per day. In our case, if there is a problem in the restrooms I'm to call the office, they'll send someone to address it. I'll check the campsites, once the guest leaves, for litter. Of course just being present provides some level of security for the facility too, however, if I observe any rules infraction I am not to try to enforce them, I'm supposed to call the ranger or law enforcement, as appropriate (haven't had to do either so far). I am provided a full hookup site as my 'compensation'.

Both private and public campgrounds utilize RVers for just about anything and everything a successfully operation requires. Some will provide only a site, others will also pay you for time worked. You have to do your homework and ask questions to determine if the work and the hours required fit into your lifestyle and expectations.

[Bo Walker]

I would like to ask, can a long-time rver with no hosting experience get a job hosting relatively easy? Or, must one seek a volunteer position to get experience before applying for a hosting job with benefits? Just because I know I'm good doesn't mean a potential employer can see through my distinguished looks and with confidence know I can handle the available job.

[melvonnar]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bo Walker I would like to ask, can a long-time rver with no hosting experience get a job hosting relatively easy? Or, must one seek a volunteer position to get experience before applying for a hosting job with benefits? Just because I know I'm good doesn't mean a potential employer can see through my distinguished looks and with confidence know I can handle the available job.

You will have no problem finding a host job.
Try it; some love it; some not so much.
Me, I tried it; didn't like it, ties you down to much for me.
When volinteering, one thing, always make sure that your duties are in writing; and you agree with them. I've read many stories about folks that didn't know what they were getting into and didn't like it.

[ronspradley]

Check out workkamping in RV LIFE STYLES FORUMS............ronspradley

[mustang652]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ronspradley Check out workkamping in RV LIFE STYLES FORUMS............ronspradley

Welcome and with very very few exceptions there are really no "silly newbie questions". Mabe, do I pull or push the trailer would have been a silly question. Seriously, you have ask a question that caught my interest as well and ronspradley has helped us both. I've been doing the RV thing since '85 and I get a fresh education and learn someting new nearly every time I open this forum.

[rvjimmy]

Kate and I help out as assiatant host on buzy weekends at a county park. We help sell wood and ice and give out info if needed. I have a good time and meet a lot of nice people ( and a fewbad apples) but mostly friendly people that like to BS something I'm rather good at.