Volunteer your time in Kane County forest preserves
Love to camp and assist others? The Forest Preserve District of Kane County seeks camping enthusiasts to volunteer for campground host positions in Big Rock and Elgin.
Duties include answering questions about camping, facilities, programs and rules; monitoring the campground; relaying any disturbances to district full-time staff; and reporting emergencies to the proper authorities.
Campground hosts will not collect money, operate district vehicles, or enforce ordinances. Instead, volunteer campground hosts will serve in a leadership role, provide information, and act as extra "eyes and ears" for the Forest Preserve District. In return for volunteering, campground hosts will be provided a free camp site.
Volunteer campground hosts would split coverage of the 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. shift, seven days a week, for a minimum of one month or a maximum of one camping season, May 1 - Oct. 31. Positions are available at both Big Rock Campground within Big Rock Forest Preserve and Paul Wolff Campground within Burnidge Forest Preserve in Elgin.
Applicants should be flexible and able to work as a team with other volunteers and District staff, as well as be willing to learn about the forest preserves, campgrounds, amenities and rules. Applicants must be available to volunteer on weekdays, weekends and/or holidays; enjoy working with the public; and strive for excellent customer service.
Applicants must also be experienced campers ages 21 or older, and provide their own recreational vehicle and personal items.
Volunteers are required to attend a volunteer orientation and earn CPR/First Aid certification, offered through the forest preserve district.
For more information or to apply online, fill out the volunteer application at kaneforest.com/volunteer/volApp.pdf or contact the volunteer coordinator at volunteer@kaneforest.com. You also may fill out an application in person at Forest Preserve District administrative headquarters, 1996 S. Kirk Road, Suite 320, Geneva.
For more information on the Forest Preserve District of Kane County, visit www.kaneforest.com.