Volunteer With Rocky Gap and Dan's Mountain State Parks
Volunteer Opportunities
Adopt-A-Trail – Rocky Gap and Dan's Mountain State Parks
Rocky Gap State Park has four trails available for “adoption,” ranging in distance from a quarter of a mile to 5 miles. By adopting a trail, an individual or group agrees to provide routine maintenance for the trail, including clearing downed trees and debris, picking up litter, and checking for other safety concerns. In return for their efforts, the individual or group will receive recognition in the form of a sign near the trail entrance. This program is perfect for frequent trail-users, and can be very rewarding for those who have a genuine interest in trail stewardship. All volunteers must complete a Volunteer Application and demonstrate competency with trail maintenance tools. Volunteer applications are available at the Rocky Gap Park Office or by visiting the Volunteer site at http://volunteerteam.org/.
Volunteer Rangers – Rocky Gap and Dan's Mountain State Parks
Volunteer Rangers are needed to assist park staff with a variety of duties, including maintaining park property, assisting with park operations, answering visitor questions, providing interpretive programs, and assisting with special events. Training opportunities, such as CPR, first aid, and search and rescue, may also be available. Interested persons must complete a Volunteer Application and attend Volunteer Orientation training. After accruing 40 hours of volunteer service within the park, the volunteer will be eligible to become a certified Volunteer Ranger and receive a uniform. Volunteer applications are available at the Rocky Gap Park Office or by visiting the Volunteer site at http://volunteerteam.org/.
Camp Hosts – Rocky Gap State Park
Camp Hosts are a valuable part of the Volunteer Team at Rocky Gap State Park. Camp Hosts provide assistance with a variety of tasks throughout the camping season, including welcoming new campers, keeping campsites clean, promoting park programs and events, and providing campers with general information about the park and surrounding area. Camp Hosts are required to contribute at least 300 hours of volunteer work every weekend from Memorial Day to Labor Day. In return for their efforts, Camp Hosts receive a free campsite with electric hook-ups. Interested persons are encouraged to apply, although positions are limited. Volunteer applications are available at the Rocky Gap Park Office or by visiting the Volunteer site at http://volunteerteam.org/. A background check is required.
Annual Park Earth Day Celebration – Rocky Gap State Park
The Annual Park Earth Day Celebration is a one-day event held each year in April. Volunteers of all ages are encouraged to join park staff to complete a variety of tasks in an effort to prepare the park for the summer season including planting trees. Activities may also include native garden weeding and mulching. This event is a great way for students to earn Service Learning Hours for school! Interested persons should contact the park in March to pre-register. Volunteer applications are available at the Rocky Gap Park Office or by visiting the Volunteer site at http://volunteerteam.org/.
Special Projects – Rocky Gap and Dan's Mountain State Parks
Any volunteers or organizations seeking a special project are encouraged to contact Rocky Gap and Dan's Mountain State Park Volunteer Coordinator, Ranger Sarah Milbourne, at the address below. Ranger Milbourne will work together with the volunteer(s) to plan and develop a project based on the needs of the park and the interests and skills of those involved. Volunteer applications are available at the Rocky Gap Park Office or by visiting the Volunteer site at http://volunteerteam.org/.
Park Photographers – Rocky Gap and Dan's Mountain State Parks
Photographers, both new and experienced, are invited to help Rocky Gap and Dan's Mountain State Parks expand its portfolio! Photographs taken by volunteers may be used in the development of park brochures, press releases, flyers, or the park website. Interested persons must complete a Volunteer Application and attend a short training with park staff regarding essential paperwork and program goals. Volunteer applications are available at the Rocky Gap Park Office or by visiting the Volunteer site at http://volunteerteam.org/.
Volunteer Team, Inc.
The Volunteer Team was initiated in 1992 in response to budgetary cuts throughout the State Forest and Park Service. A core group of dedicated individuals began to volunteer personal time to maintain resources and preserve programs at the three local sites. Since then, hundreds of volunteers, individuals, and groups, have participated in the program, logging in excess of 250,000 hours.
In 1995, the Volunteer Team became incorporated and was granted non-profit organization status. Its new fund-raising capabilities are used to support various projects and special events at Rocky Gap and Dan’s Mountain State Parks.
Volunteers are involved in many aspects of operations and maintenance. Maintenance work includes, but is not limited to, maintaining campground and day-use facilities, trail maintenance, gardening, building picnic tables, creating fish habitats, cleaning grounds, and construction projects, as well as manning of the Volunteer Team Snack Shack at the Rocky Gap State Park Campground, and the Chuck Wagon at Dan's Mountain State Park.
For more information about volunteer opportunities, please contact the Park Volunteer Coordinator at 301-722-1480 or visit the Team website at http://volunteerteam.org/.