Opportunities From: Maryland Park Service

A Camp Host is an inviting person that provides a friendly presence for park staff and visitors. Here at Elk Neck State Park, Camp Hosts are vital when it comes to meeting the expectations of our visitors. In exchange for a free campsite, Camp Hosts are obligated to volunteer at least 20 hours per week in the park, mostly in their assigned camping loop. The typical responsibility of a Camp Host is to take care of their assigned loop which entails cleaning the bathhouse daily, keeping the loop and all of the campsites tidy, greeting visitors, assisting visitors with information about the park, reminding campers of park policies when needed, and generally being a friendly, helpful liaison between visitors and park staff, All Camp Host Campsites have electric, water and sewer hook-ups and are located close to the bathhouse. Camp Hosts are required to host for a minimum term of 1 month and must be available to fulfill their duties. If you are interested in Camp Hosting, please email elkneck.statepark@maryland.gov or email the Volunteer Coordinator at jamese.roberts@maryland.gov

Special Volunteer Projects are unique events or projects that can require specialized skills. If you have an idea of a project/event and would like to volunteer at Elk Neck State Park, please email elkneck.statepark@maryland.gov or email the Volunteer Coordinator at jamese.roberts@maryland.gov

A Park Operations and Maintenance Volunteer is an individual that would like to assist our Rangers and Maintenance employees with keeping the park beautiful and running smoothly here at Elk Neck State Park. This opportunity is available for anyone that has spare time and would like to help or learn new skills. Key duties would be maintaining the park by keeping it clean, operable, safe, and user friendly. Come join us with this amazing opportunity. If you are interested in volunteering, please email elkneck.statepark@maryland.gov or email the Volunteer Coordinator at jamese.roberts@maryland.gov

A Special Events Volunteer is an individual that likes to help out in anyway they can. Some of the events that volunteers can assist with include Earth Day celebrations, the Cecil County Wade In, Fall Fest, and the Cecil County Christmas Parade. During these large-scale events extra hands are needed to make each event successful. If you would like to help in a special event, please email elkneck.statepark@maryland.gov or email the Volunteer Coordinator at jamese.roberts@maryland.gov

The Turkey Point Lighthouse Volunteer is an opportunity for an individual that enjoys history and the beautiful scenery the historic Turkey Point Lighthouse has to offer. Since 1833 this lighthouse has been safeguarding locals and visitors to the area pointing them to safer waters. For generations this lighthouse has been a part of history, linking people from all walks of life. Turkey Point Lighthouse holds stories from recreation to unbelievable challenges to tragedy. Now you have the opportunity to be a part of history. Come join us and support park visitors by volunteering with Turkey Point Light Station Inc. This opportunity involves providing tours, greeting visitors, assisting with minor upkeep and providing visitors with a chance to enjoy the incredible beauty this lighthouse has to offer. 

A Beach and Litter Clean-Up Volunteer is an individual that wants to honor the Maryland Park Service's Trash Free Parks Policy and keep the park clean and void of trash. Although Maryland State Parks are beautiful, it is a big responsibility to make sure they stay clean and natural. Elk Neck State Park is a peninsula, surrounded by the Elk River and the Chesapeake Bay. Marine debris washes up on the shorelines, causing a hazard for visitors and wildlife. Throughout the year the park works with the local community, organizations, school groups, scouts, businesses and other individuals to schedule clean ups. All you need to bring is yourself. Trash bags, trash grabbers and gloves will be provided. If you are interested please email elkneck.statepark@maryland.gov or email the Volunteer Coordinator at jamese.roberts@maryland.gov

A Nature Center Volunteer is an individual that enjoys nature and wants to educate others about the outdoors. It is often that a Nature Center Volunteer has an excitement and a love for the outdoors with good communication skills. The Nature Center at Elk Neck State Park offers regularly scheduled programming for park visitors during the busy season. During that time volunteers would greet visitors, offer information about the park, assist with programs, hikes, groundskeeping and upkeep. If you are interested in spreading your knowledge of the outdoors and nature, please email elkneck.statepark@maryland.gov or email the Volunteer Coordinator at jamese.roberts@maryland.gov

A Trail Volunteer is an individual that enjoys hiking or biking trails and wants to maintain them for others to enjoy. With nearly 19 million park visitors in Maryland State Parks every year we are asking you to help keep trails accessible, safe and enjoyable. Elk Neck State Park has roughly 12 miles of trails to maintain with a variety of terrain and views. From virtually flat trails to cliffs overlooking the Chesapeake Bay, the trails offer something different for all hikers and bikers. So come join the dedicated staff and volunteers and learn a unique skill set while promoting safety and stewardship. If you are interested please email elkneck.statepark@maryland.gov or email the Volunteer Coordinator at jamese.roberts@maryland.gov

If you are interested in volunteering at Elk Neck State Park, please take a look at our volunteer website and see what opportunity would be the best fit. If you do not see anything that piques your interest and would like to offer ideas on other ways to volunteer, please email us at elkneck.statepark@maryland.gov or email the Volunteer Coordinator at jamese.roberts@maryland.gov

A Volunteer Ranger is an individual above the age of 18 that wants to serve the public and the beautiful state of Maryland. A Volunteer Ranger focuses on honoring the Maryland Park Service Mission Statement to manage the natural, cultural, historical and recreational resources to provide for wise stewardship and enjoyment by people. The responsibilities of a Volunteer Ranger are to assist park staff in keeping the park clean, operable, safe and user friendly. Once joining the Volunteer Ranger Program at Elk Neck State Park, the volunteer will be trained on park specific operating procedures. This will include patrolling, providing information to visitors, assisting with hikes or programs, reminding visitors of park policies, cleaning bathhouses, general maintenance, etc. Once 40 hours of volunteer service is completed, uniforms and additional trainings will be offered. These trainings could include an annual volunteer training, customer service, voluntary compliance, Basic First Aid/CPR, Basic Chainsaw, Leave No Trace, interpretation, search and rescue, and other amazing opportunities. If you are looking to find ways to fulfill your spare time, this is it! If you would like to become a Volunteer Ranger email elkneck.statepark@maryland.gov or email the Volunteer Coordinator at jamese.roberts@maryland.gov