The Peru Gazette

State Encourages New Yorkers to Volunteer to be “Campground Ambassadors”

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos today announced the opening of the 2020 application period for the Campground Ambassador program. As part of the state’s Adventure NY initiative to connect more New Yorkers with the outdoors, Campground Ambassadors volunteer to assist DEC campground staff to welcome and assist the millions of visitors who vacation in the Adirondack and Catskill parks each year.

“In 2019, its second year, DEC’s Campground Ambassador Program more than doubled its applicants and grew to offer more than 300 fun, educational, and meaningful programs at nine participating facilities,” Commissioner Seggos said. “The Campground Ambassadors have been so successful that we are expanding the program to six new campgrounds in 2020, providing even more opportunities to introduce new visitors to DEC facilities and activities and offering fun and exciting programming for campers.”

DEC is encouraging New Yorkers with a passion for camping and the outdoors to help introduce new campers to DEC facilities and other outdoor activities. Ambassadors also aid in connecting campers and day users to nature through environmentally themed activities and programming.

Ambassadors will serve for two weeks, between July 1 and Labor Day. In consideration for services provided, a campsite will be provided for the duration of their stay at one of the following participating locations:

Catskills

Kenneth L. Wilson Campground and Day Use Area

Little Pond Campground and Day Use Area (new for 2020)

North South Lake Campground and Day Use Area

Adirondacks

Ausable Point Campground and Day Use Area (new for 2020)

Cranberry Lake Campground and Day Use Area

Frontier Town Campground, Equestrian and Day Use Area

Golden Beach Campground and Day Use Area (new for 2020)

Lewey Lake Campground and Day Use Area

Luzerne Campground and Day Use Area (new for 2020)

Meacham Lake Campground and Day Use Area (new for 2020)

Moffitt Beach Campground and Day Use Area

Nicks Lake Campground and Day Use Area

Northampton Beach Campground and Day Use Area (new for 2020)

Rogers Rock Campground and Day Use Area

To apply for the 2020 program please visit the 2020 DEC Campground Ambassador Application website. Applications must be received by Jan. 1, 2020. For more information about the Campground Ambassadors program, visit DEC’s website or call 518-457-2500 x1.

DEC operates 52 campgrounds and five day-use areas in the Adirondack and Catskill forest preserves. The camping season runs through the summer, with some facilities remaining open during fall foliage and hunting season. Under Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s Adventure NY initiative, (PDF) DEC is making strategic investments to expand access to healthy, active, outdoor recreation; connect more New Yorkers and visitors to nature and the outdoors; protect natural resources; and boost local economies.

DEC’s website provides information on DEC-operated campgrounds, including a list of campgrounds and schedules. For more information, visit DEC’s website, or call DEC’s Bureau of Recreation at 518-457-2500. To make reservations at any of these camping facilities, call ReserveAmerica at 1-800-456-CAMP (2267) or visit the ReserveAmerica website. (Link leaves DEC’s website)