One thing that most people may not realize, is that unlike most vacation destinations in Virginia whose goal is to make money, at Virginia State Parks ours is to make memories.

Give your family a gift of lifelong memories by camp hosting

We're thrilled to share this update from the Britt Family who have been faithfully camp hosting in our parks for six solid years now. When we say family, we mean family, they were a homeschooling family of six, with 4 kids ages 3 to 14. Now add six years to those ages to see their ages today, plus two more children have joined the park ranks.

Flash forward from 2014 to now 2019 and the Britt Family are going stronger than ever, just completed Camp Hosting at Twin Lakes State Park enroute to James River State Park in September.

Britt Family Camp Hosts Season 1 at Twin Lakes State Park

Britt Family today in Season 6

Becky Britt shares:

I can hardly believe that six years have passed since we decided to give Camp Hosting a try. We have thoroughly enjoyed being in the parks and working side by side with some amazing people.

Our kids have grown up in the park and we have added two more children since the journey began. The simplicity of living in a camper with little to no internet and tv is a blessing in this society of too much technology and always rushing to do another thing.

 

Nature's classroom at Twin Lakes State Park

We have seen many park staff come and go and just like in any family there can be some "drama" but we always find our place, feel welcome, and leave with so many new lifelong friends.

The kids learning new skills as campground camp hosts

Camp Hosts are an important part of the Virginia State Parks family

As a park host, our duties include checking in campers, cleaning the campground and bath house and basically just meeting and enjoying wonderful fellowship with people from all walks of life. One of the best things about homeschooling is that we can do this anywhere we go and are able to live this wonderful lifestyle.

Every year when we return home, I realize how "things" don't matter but the time we spend with our children and others matters SO MUCH MORE! 

FUN FACT:

We have 940 Saturdays between the day our children are born and the day they turn 18 (260 of them are gone by their 5th birthday)!

Time flies past...as you can see from this photo back in 2014

How are you spending your days with your children? This time can't be gotten back. Why not spend it doing things in nature and teaching your children to love their surroundings and the people around them.

If you have ever considered becoming a camp host, I highly recommend. The volunteer hours aren't hard and the experience is definitely worth the investment.

 

Happy Camping!

See the family back in 2014 on their first assignment at Twin Lakes State Park in this blog: A Camp Host Family's Story.

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What about you?

Are you looking to visit and explore Virginia? Do you want to stay near friends or family somewhere in the state? Are you interested in learning new skills or trying new outdoor experiences?

Becoming a Virginia State Parks Camp Host is one of the easiest, most exciting ways to do these things and more. Interested volunteers should contact DCR's Host Program field coordinator at 804-887-8930 or e-mail here for more information.