News release

Campground Host Program

Natural Resources (to July 2018)

Where is the nearest laundromat? Are there bears in the woods? How long will it take to walk the park trails?

These are just a few of the many questions Shirley and David Whiston of Halifax have been asked during their four years as volunteer campground hosts.

The Campground Host Program, operated by the Department of Natural Resources, is available in nine of Nova Scotia''s 22 provincial camping parks. Hosts receive a free campsite and help fellow campers by offering helpful information about the facilities and programs offered in the park and surrounding area.
For those, like the Whistons, who enjoy the outdoors, camping, and meeting people, being a campground host is ideal.

"It enables us to share our knowledge of many off-the- beaten-track places with first-time visitors to our province, as well as with those who return again and again," says David.

The program is intriguing because there’s no such thing as a typical camper. Campers encompass all age groups and come with camping equipment ranging from cyclists with simple pup tents to 45 foot motorhomes, and everything in between.

Campground hosts work from two to four weeks at a time and may host at more than one park during the season. They agree to work at least four hours a day, five days a week. Participating parks have signs to notify new arrivals that a campground host is available and hosts are provided with identifying hats and name tags.

"Although only four hours daily are required, we enjoy being on duty for longer periods," says Shirley. "We usually sit outside our site so that we can wave and welcome new campers as they drive in. It gives us an opportunity to explain who we are and why we are there."

A basic requirement for hosts is having a good knowledge of the park facilities. This means studying up on tide information for beaches and knowing about the length and difficulty of any park trails. Hosts also need to be knowledgeable about the surrounding area -- locations of the nearest gas and propane outlets, laundromats, recreational vehicle repair, grocery stores, restaurants, churches, canoe and kayak rentals, and where fresh seafood can be purchased. Some hosts conduct children’s programs, offer nature videos or lead campfire get-togethers. Others may offer guided walks featuring the natural history of the area.

Like camping in general, part of being a successful campground host is planning ahead. Before Shirley and David start camping each year, they collect information and maps from tourist centres.

"We visit the local tourist bureau and pick up the local papers so we can compile a list of events and festivals for the time we are at the campground," says David. The list can include church suppers, fairs, plays, concerts, museum displays, parades, and special weekend events.

"We’ve spent many hours marking campers’ maps with suggested day trips," says Shirley.

Hosts’ duties are primarily focused on improving customer service. Enforcement of park regulations is the responsibility of park staff.

"We’ve enjoyed our participation in the program and are looking forward to our fifth year," says Shirley. "I’d recommend it to anyone looking to make their stay in Nova Scotia’s beautiful provincial parks even more memorable."