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We have had so many cancellations this year within our Host
Community. So. Many. Each time there is a cancellation, I take a
deep breath, let the host know that we hope they (or their family, or their
motorhome, or situation) mends quickly and then I burn through the list of
other applicants to see if we have any other available options to fill this new
immediate need. I know that things
happen; I understand that circumstances come up; it just causes an unfortunate
wrinkle in flow of service for me, the park managers, and the maintenance staff
of the park. We rely so heavily on our
hosts to help our parks function on a daily basis that when we are without
them, we see an obvious decrease in the quality of product we can deliver to
our guests. I know for many of you that have been “in the system” for years,
decades even, you can attest to the dependence on your services. You don’t get told enough how grateful we are
for what you are able to give. We are glad that you love Parks and hosting as
much as you do so that we are both happy in this codependent relationship!
A few weeks ago, at 4:45pm on a Friday, I received a
call. The bridge at Sapelo Island is out
and we don’t have the funds to replace until late 2015 (at the earliest). This news affected 3 approved and assigned hosts.
One set that were already at the island and 2 more that had been scheduled to
come to the island to host since almost a year ago. Knowing that the more notice of cancellation
hosts can give me, the better my chances at finding a replacement, I wanted to
be sure to notify the 2 incoming hosts as soon as possible. Though they had really been looking forward
to hosting at Sapelo, they understood our circumstances and were able to find
alternate options within Georgia State Parks for those Sapelo Island assignments
they had been planning on (thank you Fosters and Sweitzers!). Oh and the host couple that are currently
there? They camp in a tent when we have visitors staying at Cabretta Campground
on the Island. Talk about dedication!
(Capps, Big Thanks!)
I work with a great group of park managers and
staff that step up to overcome obstacles, even when it isn’t necessarily their
fire to put out, they are there to help you battle the flames. The same holds true for many of our hosts as
well. You all understand that the
majority of folks are going to apply for the coast in the winter and the
mountains in the summer. You understand that Georgia has beautiful diverse
parks that each have some unique attributes in every season and are happy to
fill those vacancies at the parks where there is a need. I am truly appreciative of you, your
flexibility, and your ability to try out new experiences and accommodate us as
we try to accommodate you. So this goes out to all of you out there. You know
who you are. Thank you for giving us your time and service to make the
customers feel extra special. Thank you for taking on more responsibility
throughout the years. Thank you for being amazing hosts. Thank you for loving
our Georgia State Parks as much as we do. We really are all in it together.
Additional Immediate Vacancies due to cancellation this year:
Our
volunteers and hosts are encouraged to log their hours online. There
are incentives that are mailed to you once you reach critical hours
documented! Log your hours HERE!
Congratulations
and a great big THANK YOU to those volunteers that have reached the
Over 500 Hour Club. You will receive your note in the mail within the
next few weeks.
Volunteers Defined: We love and need them all!
Community Volunteers-Help
on a day-to-day basis at a Park as they are available. Our community
volunteers help with leading hikes, helping with maintenance, assisting
with the visitor or retail center, guide new visitors to park activities
and locations. Those volunteering more than once per month or planning
to volunteer more than 20 hours per year need to update registration.
Hosts (Campground, Yurt, Maintenance, Golf, Train)-Stay
in their personal RV at designated free Host Site for 2-6 months in
exchange for a minimum of 24 hours of volunteer work. Host duties
include: visitor assistance and maintenance. All hosts are required to
update registration to still be considered for hosting.
Group Volunteers-This
is for Churches, Corporations, Scouts and Universities who want a
tailor-made project that will strengthen the group as individuals as
well as a team morale while assisting Georgia State Parks. Only the
group leader will need to be registered in our system.
How are we doing?
In
order for Georgia State Parks to continue to thrive and grow, even in
these lean budget times, we need to get feedback from those that utilize
our services and Parks. As Volunteers and Hosts, you have the same
rights and anonymity in park observations and feedback as our Park
Staff. Please use this quick survey form to share your experiences with us.
Thanks for reading! Please feel free to share with others. If you need to contact me, Georgia State Parks Volunteer Coordinator: nyleta.wallace@gadnr.org
As always, thank you for being a steward for Georgia State Parks!
Have a great day!
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