Open fires are prohibited throughout the park from midnight to 4 p.m. through April 30 per the 4 p.m. Burning Law. This includes wood and charcoal. Gas is permissible. Campground fires are allowed during the restricted time if a camp host is on duty and signage to that effect is posted in the campground. Failure to observe the 4 p.m. Burning Law can result in a fine. Contact the Park Office for additional information.

Home > Blog > No rocking chairs

No rocking chairs

By Guest BloggerPosted April 14, 2015

Shared by Jenna Lottman, Intern, as Guest Blogger.

“For us, retirement is not always staying at home and sitting in a rocking chair!”

Dorothy and Pete Cogswell wear many hats in the Virginia State Park. The couple, who loves RV’ing, fell in love with the possibility of being a camp host in Belle Isle State Park in 2008 and have been hosts ever since. As avid RV’ers, the lifestyle of camp hosts and the constant traveling and living in nature, was ideally suited them.

Camp Host Volunteers Dorothy and Pete Cogwell

For the Cogswells, volunteering is anything but relaxing in rocking chairs. From defrosting water hoses with hair dryers, to maintaining flower beds in their spare time, Dorothy and Pete perceive the park as their home away from home.

“We make sure that the campground is clean, campsites ready for our new guests and flower beds are neat” shares Dorothy.

It is this dedication to their volunteer position that landed the couple in a position to be highlighted as the Virginia State Parks Volunteers of the Month. Not only do the Cogswells dedicate their time to being a camp host in the campground, but they are retail hosts in camp gift stores as well.

The camp store at Grayson Highlands is a hub of activity throughout the day

When asked why she was drawn to volunteer, Dorothy responded, “Pete and I feel that volunteering is an opportunity to give back to the Virginia State Parks that we have used since our children were young”.

Volunteers are the heart and soul for Virginia State Parks

Every Virginia State Park has individual and unique attributes to offer its visitors, and each visitor has something to give back to each park. It’s this symbiotic relationship of humans and nature which the Cogswells seem to have perfectly mastered. “I’ve yet to meet anyone who did not say Virginia State Parks are great camping and visiting experiences”, said Dorothy.

The Cogswells encourage everyone to experience all the parks have to offer and sign up to volunteer. Not only is it rewarding personally, but volunteering provides a platform for expanding your horizons.

“As camp hosts, we enjoy meeting people from all walks of life and helping them with their camping needs”, said Dorothy, which I think sums up nicely the goal of our state parks and the world of nature.

If you wish to pitch in to keep Virginia's State Parks among the nation's best, explore the many ways to get involved:

Camp Host
Youth Conservation Corps
Alternative Spring Break
Friend Groups
Natural Heritage Internships
AmeriCorps
Youth Ambassador
Virginia Association for Parks

Does any of this interest you? If so, you can learn more here about volunteer opportunities at Virginia State Parks.

We would like to offer a big heartfelt thank you to all of our Virginia State Parks' volunteers, and especially our Volunteers of the Month Dorothy and Pete Cogwell.

Shared by Jenna Lottman, Intern

PARKS

Belle Isle State Park | Grayson Highlands State Park