NSW National Parks Campground Host Program

The Campground Host program is a perfect opportunity to experience camping in our national parks while providing a valuable service to the public. If you have a passion for the outdoors and volunteering, becoming a Campground Host might be for you.

The following parks are participating in the 2013-14 NSW Campground Host program:

National park	Specific campgrounds
Ben Boyd National Park	Saltwater and Bittangabee
Bents Basin State Conservation Area	Bents Basin
Border Ranges National Park	Sheep Station Creek
Bournda National Park	Hobart Beach
Brindabella National Park	Flea Creek and McIntyres (4WD only)
Bundjalung National Park	Black Rocks
Bungonia National Park	Bungonia
Hill End Historic Site	Glendora and The Village
Kosciuszko National Park	Blue Waterholes (4WD in wet weather) Currango Homestead Thredbo Diggings Tom Groggin
Meroo National Park	Meroo Head (walk-in tent camping only) Termeil
Munmorah State Conservation Area	Freemans
Myall Lakes National Park	Broughton Island (Little Poverty Beach, hut and transportation to the island provided) Mungo Brush Yagon
Wadbilliga National Park	Cascades (4WD in wet weather)
Willandra National Park	Willandra

Is Campground Hosts for you?

Applications for Campground Hosts open in September and January each year, in September for the summer holiday program and in January for the Easter holiday program. To become a Campground Host, you will need to:

• be over 18
• apply online (application form available below)
• attach a copy of your resume or one-page document detailing the skills you’ll bring to the program
• submit a National Police Record Check (NPC) to the NSW Volunteer Coordinator before applications close. The cost of the NPC is reimbursed on acceptance to the program.

You will be contacted by the NSW Volunteer Coordinator for a short interview after the application period.

If you belong to a special interest group, such as a 4WD or bushwalking club, and may be interested in sponsoring a campground over the holiday period with your group, please contact the NSW Volunteer Coordinator for more information.

What benefits does being a Campground Host provide?

• You’ll be provided with training and a free campsite at a participating national park when you volunteer.
• A mandatory training workshop will be held in advance of each placement period at Bents Basin State Conservation Area and Bundjalung National Park, where you’ll meet other Campground Hosts.
• Camping facilities and meals during the training will be provided at no cost.
• You can volunteer for the summer or Easter holidays, or both.

What do Campground Hosts do?

Campground Hosts are often the first point of contact for visitors, and provide a friendly welcome to visitors and campers. Hosts assist NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) rangers by meeting and greeting campers, helping them to settle in and enjoy their park experience. Responsibilities and expectations are listed in the Statement of Duties and include:

• assisting with site bookings, check in and check out
• directing campers to fee payment areas and campsites
• promoting walks and activities
• providing information on other local attractions
• providing information on campfire safety and Total Fire Ban Day regulations
• notifying rangers of an offence or issue.

Hosts generally assist the public in the mornings and evenings at meal times, so there is plenty of time to enjoy the park.

You can nominate the dates of your stay during each period. Hosts are allocated to campgrounds depending on availability. Travel vouchers will be available to cover the cost of travel to and from your assigned campground.

Applicants must be self-motivated, enjoy working with people, and have excellent communication skills. Campground Hosts should have a reasonable level of fitness and health, as some campsites are in remote settings.

Familiarity with nominated campgrounds and parks is not required; however, regional experience may be desirable.

Volunteer commitment

The program requires Campground Hosts to stay a minimum of two weeks (10-14 days) during either the Easter or summer holidays. One-week (7 day) opportunities are available but are limited and subject to availability.

You can nominate the dates of your stay during each period. Hosts are allocated to campgrounds depending on availability. Ttavel voucheers will be available to cover the costs of travel to and from your assigned campground.

Training sessions

Successful applicants must attend one of the following training dates to participate in the program. The full-day training is held on the Saturday from 8.30 am to 5.00 pm.

• Friday 7 March - Sunday 9 March 2014 at Woody Head, Bundjalung National Park
• Friday 14 March - Sunday 16 March 2014 at Bents Basin State Conservation Area, Sydney.

The Office of Environment and Heritage covers the cost of the training, accommodation fees (camping), meals, and training materials. You’ll need to bring your own camping gear and enthusiasm.

More information

For all enquiries regarding the Campground Host Program, phone 02 9585 6807.

If you'd like to be a campground host volunteer, please fill out the following application form. The volunteer coordinator will follow up with you within 3-5 days of receiving your application.