Volunteer Program
CoVID-19 Update for Camp Hosts and volunteers
(June 17, 2020)
Effective July 1, Washington State Parks will begin to welcome back camp hosts and other volunteers.
To ensure the health and safety of our volunteers, staff, and visitors, Washington State Parks has developed new COVID-19 guidance on volunteer activity. Please review this guidance to learn more about the new health and safety requirements for volunteers.
Volunteer opportunities this year will be limited as not all facilities are currently open. Visit the Parks Status webpage for a list of parks that are open for day-use and camping and those that remain closed.
What does this mean for scheduled camp hosts?
Parks are currently evaluating which host positions will be available starting July 1. The Volunteer Program and park staff will be reaching out to all currently scheduled hosts to confirm placements and notify hosts of any cancelations. Canceled hosts will be prioritized when filling any vacancies.
We encourage you to communicate with the Volunteer Program and/or park staff to determine if you are willing and able to meet the new volunteer criteria and requirements this year. We respect your decision to continue to serve with us in 2020, or to cancel or postpone.
Thank you for your understanding and flexibility in these difficult and uncertain times. We are grateful for your continued support and patience as we all move forward together.
Applying To Become A Camp Host
Applications are still being accepted!
Washington State Parks is still accepting applications to become a camp host. Processing time may be longer than usual with the current COVID-19 situation. Many of our fingerprinting venues have temporarily closed in an attempt to help stop the spread of the virus. Due to this and the current COVID-19 situation, we will not be placing any hosts until the end of April. We will re-evaluate as the end of April approaches.
If you have already submitted an application, we ask for your patience. Thank you!
Do you love your Washington state parks?
Would you like to volunteer in a state park and play a role in keeping parks open, clean and green? We have many short- and long-term volunteer opportunities, such as:
- Hosting
- Interpreting natural and cultural resources
- Maintaining trails
- Making minor repairs
- Mowing lawns
- Organizing events
- Performing office duties
- Picking up litter
- Recycling
- Researching park histories
- Restoring habitats and waterways
- Spiffing up park grounds
- Trimming and pruning trees and shrubs
- And much, much more!
State Parks volunteers play a vital role in sustaining the treasures that are Washington state parks, providing more than 250,000 hours of service each year.
Anyone can be a Washington State Parks volunteer--individuals, couples and groups (families, school groups, citizen groups, service organizations and corporations).Join us!
Volunteering has its rewards: earn a Discover Pass!
Hours spent on certain volunteer projects can qualify volunteers for a complimentary Discover Pass. Learn more.
Volunteer opportunities
If you or your group are interested in volunteering at your favorite park, we would love to have you! Just contact the park that you want to make a difference at and see what volunteer opportunities are available for you. We love our volunteers!