Immediate openings for volunteer camp hosts

Release Date: Apr 9, 2015

Contact(s): Susan Blake

The Apalachicola National Forest is accepting applications for volunteer camp hosts at various recreation sites throughout the forest. Campground hosts play a key role in supporting forest activities and projecting a friendly, helpful face to visitors. 

Volunteers that support our campgrounds receive a free site that includes full hookups, propane reimbursement and tools needed for the job, in exchange for 30 hours of service per week. Camp hosts on the Apalachicola National Forest are unpaid volunteer positions. The time requirement may be divided up when there is more than one individual occupying the host site. 

Some of the duties that camp hosts are required to perform include welcoming visitors and providing them with information about the forest, performing general site maintenance and assisting Forest Service personnel. Current positions available include camp hosts for:

Trout Pond Recreation Area, this day-use areas is in a tranquil setting with trails, picnic areas, and pier overlooking the pond. This recreation area provides a quiet place to relax and take in the beauty of the longleaf pine forest in Leon County;

Whitehead Landing is a small campground and day use area on a tributary to the Ochlockonee River. The river may be accessed by boat from the concrete boat ramp. Campers can select primitive campsites under the trees surrounded by a beautiful forest in Liberty County;

Camel Lake Recreation Area, surrounding one of the few crystal-clear lakes for swimming, its recreation area provides a quiet place to relax and take in the beauty of the longleaf pine forest in Liberty County. RV and tent camping with electric and water hookups and bathhouse;

Hickory Landing Campground, offering a boat launch to the Apalachicola River, tent and RV camping in a beautiful primitive setting located in Franklin County. Hosts must have a self-contained RV or may tent camp;

Fort Gadsden, located along the Apalachicola River, is a historic site dating back to the War of 1812. The interpretive trail offers detailed interpretive information about its history along with river access and a picnic pavilion.

Volunteers of all ages can apply for positions and individuals under 18 years old may volunteer with signed permission from a parent or guardian. The Apalachicola offers diverse projects and a chance for an individual or group to become involved in meeting visitors, working in a natural setting and learning about the forest.  

Groups are welcome to help with individual projects such as trail maintenance, forest cleanups, recreation area projects and various other activities.

The Apalachicola National Forest, at 571,088 acres, is within short driving distance from Apalachicola, the beaches at Carrabelle and St. George Island.  Outdoor recreational activities are centered on campgrounds, lakefront beaches, hiking, fishing, boating and OHV and equestrian trails.  Other attractions include the Florida National Scenic Trail and Bradwell Bay Wilderness.

For more information on volunteering, contact Chandra Roberts or e-mail at chandraroberts@fs.fed.us.  Interested applicants can also go to www.volunteer.govto fill out an application.