Volunteer Camp Hosts Needed At Glen Maury Park

Nestled on the western slope of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the southwestern corner of Rockbridge County, Virginia, Buena Vista is an area of great natural beauty. It is bounded by the Maury River on the west, a major tributary of the James River. Partially surrounded by the Jefferson and George Washington National Forests, the area offers numerous outdoor activities, including biking, canoeing, kayaking, hunting, fishing, and hiking. Buena Vista is located six miles east of historic Lexington, three miles east of Interstate 81, and four miles west of the Blue Ridge Parkway. It is easily accessed from the east or west by U.S. Route 60 and is the beginning point for U.S. Route 501 as it winds its way southward to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

Glen Maury Park is a 315-acre jewel, consisting of scenic, level and rolling land. The park is owned and operated by the City of Buena Vista. Glen Maury Park is home to a 52 site campground, a group camping area that can hold over 250 units, Olympic-size pool, wading pool, tennis courts, skate park, playgrounds, pavilions, picnic shelters, roller skating rink, trails, river fishing, ball fields and much more. During the summer and fall, it is the home to numerous music festivals, ranging from Bluegrass to Beach music, and Blues to Gospel. Buena Vista is an Appalachian Trail Community and welcomes hikers to the park to camp, shower, and relax. Peak seasons for through-hikers are May through early-July and September to early October.

We Are Seeking

Camp Host(s) for our prime season, from May 1 – October 31 and are looking for outgoing and friendly people who love meeting new folks. We want hosts who are able to deal positively with different people and understand the limits of their authority and responsibility. They should have strong camping experience, be willing to share their love of the great outdoors and camping with others, and be willing to gain familiarity with the Park and acknowledge of the area surrounding it.

Who Are Camp Hosts?

Camp hosts are individuals and couples with their own RV or trailer who offer their labor/services in Glen Maury Park in Buena Vista, Virginia, in exchange for a free camping site in the Park for a designated period of time. It is a great opportunity to spend time in a beautiful location and meet fellow travelers. Hosts must be at least 21 years of age and are required to pass a background check.

What Do Camp Hosts Do

Hosts are on-site representatives of Glen Maury Park. They basically welcome campers, acquaint them with park facilities and regulations, and answer questions on local and statewide attractions. In addition to being a 24-hour presence in the park, host duties may include:

• Provide hospitality to campers – be Glen Maury Park Ambassadors.
• Provide information about local resources & attractions.
• Act as a good camping role model.
• Generally assist campers as needed.
• Walk through the campground several times a day, conducting camp checks.
• Unlock power boxes for hookup after business hours.
• Be available for late-night emergencies.
• Perform light housekeeping duties, including litter pickup, light janitorial maintenance, replenishing restroom supplies and assisting in keeping the bathhouses clean, and performing minor repairs.
• Stay visible and approachable to campers by being outdoors frequently.
• Contact the Park Manager and/or Police Department when necessary.
• Stay in close communication with staff, referring problems to them for solution.
• Perform other projects and assignments based on park needs and hosts skills and interests.

Hosts must be accessible to campers for comments and complaints and understand and explain-not enforce-park rules and regulations and stress the protection of natural resources to campers.

Special park projects can be designed based on a host’s skills and interests. All hosts must have enthusiasm for working with the public, a willingness to learn about the Rockbridge area, and the desire to accept new challenges.

What is a Camp Host’s Season?

The Camping season in Glen Maury Park is generally from May through October. Hosts are requested to volunteer approximately 20 hour per week.

What Will Hosts Receive?

Camp Hosts stay free in Glen Maury Park campground with full hook up. They are also eligible for free or discounted admission to many of the Park’s recreational facilities, as well as to the numerous music events/festivals held in the Park during their assignment, depending upon the event.

How are Hosts Selected?

Hosts are selected on a first-come, first-served basis and must provide their own RV or camping equipment. An extra vehicle is strongly recommended for personal transportation. Selection criteria include experience in camping, prior campground or park host service, working with the public, length of time willing to be hosts and how wells skills match park needs. No salary or stipend is provided. Hosts are “on duty at least five days out of seven, with any days off taken mid-week. Daily hours vary, but are generally concentrated in early morning, mid-late afternoon, evening and nights. Hosts are “on call” whenever on site. The schedules of our volunteer hosts allow ample time to enjoy recreational activities with friends and family members while providing volunteer services within Glen Maury Park.

If interested in becoming a Camp Host, you will need to submit an application at the Glen Maury Park office or online. Successful applicants are required to sign an agreement stating their park-specific duties, benefits, obligations and termination conditions. For more information contact:

Ryan Groah
Director of Parks and Recreation
ryan.groah@buenavistava.gov
540-261-7321
2039 Sycamore Ave, Buena Vista, VA 24416