Custer State Park in South Dakota offers a variety of volunteer opportunities for individuals and couples who are passionate about outdoor recreation, conservation, and providing exceptional visitor experiences. Whether you’re a state park touring enthusiast or a tour planner, these volunteer roles can provide you with unique insights, hands-on experiences, and the chance to contribute to the preservation and enjoyment of this stunning natural wonder.
Responsibilities of a Campground Host at Custer State Park
As a campground host at Custer State Park, your primary responsibilities will include:
- Greeting and assisting visitors, providing information and answering questions about the park, its amenities, and local attractions.
- Monitoring campground activities and reporting any potential issues or concerns to the park staff.
- Performing light maintenance tasks, such as selling firewood, checking out rental equipment, light landscaping, and cleaning cabins, comfort stations, and vault toilets.
By taking on these duties, you’ll play a crucial role in ensuring that visitors have a safe, enjoyable, and memorable experience during their stay at Custer State Park.
Requirements for Volunteering at Custer State Park
To volunteer at Custer State Park, you’ll need to meet the following requirements:
- Applications are accepted year-round for current positions.
- Most volunteer positions run from mid-May to mid-September, but some can start as early as April and run later into the fall.
- A minimum of one month of service is considered, with preference given to volunteers who can serve several months or have previous volunteer experience.
- All applicants must pass a criminal background check, with the associated costs covered by the park.
These requirements ensure that the park can maintain a consistent and reliable volunteer workforce to support its operations and provide exceptional visitor experiences throughout the peak season.
Benefits Provided to Volunteers at Custer State Park
Custer State Park recognizes the invaluable contributions of its volunteers and offers the following benefits:
- On-site volunteers are provided with a campsite during their service in exchange for 24 hours of service per person per week.
- Most volunteer sites are full hook-up (water, sewer, and electric), allowing volunteers to enjoy the comforts of home while immersed in the natural beauty of the park.
- Volunteers are responsible for providing their own housing and personal items, but the park covers the cost of the campsite.
These benefits make volunteering at Custer State Park an attractive option for state park touring enthusiasts and tour planners who want to experience the park firsthand while contributing to its operations.
Additional Volunteer Opportunities
In addition to the campground host role, Custer State Park also has needs for winter and spring volunteers. Interested individuals should indicate their availability and areas of interest on their application.
For more information about volunteering in South Dakota State Parks, you can contact the volunteer coordinator at 605.773.3391.
Conclusion
Custer State Park’s volunteer program offers a unique opportunity for state park touring enthusiasts and tour planners to immerse themselves in the natural beauty and rich history of this iconic South Dakota destination. By taking on roles as campground hosts or supporting the park’s operations during the off-season, volunteers can gain valuable insights, contribute to the preservation of this stunning landscape, and create lasting memories. If you’re passionate about outdoor recreation, conservation, and providing exceptional visitor experiences, consider exploring the volunteer opportunities at Custer State Park.