News release

Enjoy the Outdoors, Become a Campground Host

Natural Resources (to July 2018)

Imagine camping for two weeks this summer in one of Nova Scotia's beautiful provincial parks...walking in the woods, sitting by the fire, meeting new campers, surrounded by nature.

If you also enjoy helping people, you may want to make this picture even more complete by becoming a campground host. Campground hosts help visitors get oriented in the park and the local community. In return for their services they camp for free.

More than 40 people have been hosts since the program began in Nova Scotia in 1996. Some of them return year after year, like teacher Elizabeth Balser of Windsor, who hosted at Blomidon for five years with her husband and two sons. "I loved every minute," she says. "My favourite part was helping staff and campers."

Like some hosts, Elizabeth also opted to lead hikes and present a special interest program -- hers was on wildflower identification. She recommends hosting to others, especially teachers who have program presentation skills and summer months off.

Eleven of the province's 21 campground parks now participate in the program. Hosts are "on duty" for a minimum of four hours a day, five days a week and stay from two to four weeks per park. They greet new visitors and provide information on the park, local services and attractions. They keep an eye on the facilities and campers and report anything amiss to park staff.

Don and Gloria O'Brien of Lower Sackville, are among the dedicated hosts who return year after year. For the past four years, the retired couple has hosted for up to 10 weeks per summer. The O'Briens have been involved in the program at The Islands in Shelburne County, Smileys Park in Hants County, Amherst Shore in Cumberland County and Valleyview in Annapolis County. "I really like meeting people," says Don. "In the job I had before, I was out meeting people all the time."

Some parks have many regular visitors but hosts also get to know lots of tourists so Don keeps familiar with area events "and what's going on around." One couple from Florida was only planning to spend one night in the park until Don talked to them about local attractions. "I kept them in the area for a week," he says. He has helped others plan a two-week itinerary staying at various provincial parks.

Thanks to hosts, visitors are better informed and park staff have more time for other work maintaining the area. Speeding, vandalism and other park problems are also reduced.

For more information on the campground host program see the website at parks.gov.ns.ca/camphost.htm .

Anyone interested in becoming a host can contact Susan Hruszowy at the Department of Natural Resources by phone at 902-424-5832 or by e-mail at jhruszo@gov.ns.ca . Hosts must be 19 or older and a background check will be done. The deadline for applying is Friday, April 30. Training will be provided at the start of the season.