For over 40 years, volunteers have supported the operations of many campgrounds and facilities across the province. They play a vital role in helping park visitors discover, value, protect and enjoy Alberta’s great outdoors and natural heritage.

Hosts cumulatively give over 25,000 hours of their time annually to improve the visitor experience, support the preservation of natural spaces, promote environmental stewardship, foster a sense of community, and enhance safety and security. This group of enthusiastic campers is united by a passion for both recreation and conservation of our natural spaces.

The Host Program mainly operates during the peak camping season, from May until September, at approximately 30 campgrounds or facilities across the province. Host sites and placement dates vary from year to year. Applications to become a host open in February each year for the upcoming season.

What are the hosts' responsibilities?

The responsibilities of a host can vary based on the unique qualities of each site. The experience can also change over the course of a placement due to the unpredictable nature of wildlife, weather, and people. However, all hosts share the following key responsibilities:

• Create a welcoming environment by greeting visitors, answering questions, and being present, friendly, and approachable.
• Provide information about campground amenities and share local knowledge of attractions, trails, and activities.
• Educate visitors on park regulations, and responsible recreation and camping practices.
• Monitor the campground for safety concerns, maintenance needs, or regulation concerns and notify park staff.
• Collaborate effectively with a diverse team of staff (rangers, information officers, interpreters, and maintenance), ensuring clear communication and positive relationships with all members.
• Model proper camping etiquette by following regulations and maintaining a clean campsite.
• Perform light maintenance tasks such as tidying campsites and collecting litter around the park.
• Additional responsibilities for each campground or facility can be found in the site-specific descriptions.

What are the qualifications and skills of a host?

• Be 18 years of age or older or volunteering with another host who meets the age requirement.
• Provide a self-contained camping unit (e.g., motorhome, trailer, truck camper, tent, etc.) and all necessary equipment and supplies to camp for the duration of the placement.
• Able to move up to 5 km daily around the campground, either independently or with a mobility aid.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage with visitors in a friendly, welcoming, and professional manner.
• Confident working independently with minimal on-site supervision.
• Capable of assessing situations, resolving problems, and recognizing when to involve the assistance of staff.
• Demonstrate flexibility by adapting to changing priorities, tasks, and environments.
• Excellent understanding and ability to communicate in spoken English.
• Complete a Criminal Record Check upon acceptance, with the cost covered by Alberta Parks.
• Certified in Intermediate (Standard) First Aid or willing to obtain it. Alberta Parks will cover the cost of the course for accepted applicants who are not yet certified.

What is the time commitment?

Hosts are expected to volunteer at least five hours a day, five days a week, often including weekends. Time is spent on a combination of both active tasks, such as tidying campsites, and more passive activities, like greeting visitors. Many hosts choose to exceed the minimum hours by being available to answer questions at their campsite throughout the day. Daily tasks and days off are scheduled with the host supervisor based on the operational needs of the campground or facility.

Placements vary in length from four weeks to four months depending on the site and availability of hosts.

Orientation and Training

All first-time hosts are required to attend a host orientation, usually in early May. This annual training session is designed to familiarize hosts with their role. It covers essential information applicable to all hosts, regardless of the campground or facility where they volunteer. It also provides an opportunity for volunteers to meet, socialize, and foster a sense of community with their fellow hosts. Complimentary camping is offered at the park, and lunch is provided daily.

At the start of the placement, hosts also participate in site-specific training to welcome them to the park, introduce them to the staff they will be working with, and review essential health and safety information.

How to Apply

Applications to join the Host Program for the 2025 season are now closed. The next application period will be in February 2026 for the 2026 camping season. Check back then to learn more about available host sites and to apply.

To receive a notification when applications open and reminders about the application deadline, please provide your email address in the form below.

Contact Information

The Alberta Parks Host Program is overseen by Drew Delbaere, Parks Volunteer Services Coordinator, and Regan Coyne, Parks Volunteer and Program Development Lead. We are here to help! If you have any questions about the program or becoming a host, please contact us.

Alberta Forestry and Parks
Parks Division, Volunteer Program
E-mail: AlbertaParksVolunteer@gov.ab.ca
Phone: 587-756-1343