The new Campground Ambassador program would provide a free campsite for anywhere from two to four weeks in exchange for helping campground staff and connecting other campers to nature.

“Introducing new visitors to DEC’s facilities and activities like camping, fishing and hiking is an integral part of continuing the success of our campground program,” DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said in a press release. “Equally important is offering the best possible customer service experience for our returning customers.

“Campground Ambassadors will assist DEC staff on both fronts, ensuring our place as the destination in the Adirondacks and Catskills for building memories and connecting visitors to nature for generations to come.”

The DEC operates 52 campgrounds within the Adirondack and Catskill parks, but the ambassadors will be be stationed at only two Catskill campgrounds and six in the Adirondacks. The Adirondack campgrounds that will have ambassadors this coming year are Fish Creek/Rollins Pond, Cranberry Lake, Lewey Lake, Moffit Beach, Nicks Lake and Rogers Rock.

Fish Creek and Rollins Pond have a combined 642 campsites in southern Franklin County, east of the village of Tupper Lake. Lewey Lake, just south of the hamlet of Indian Lake has 206 sites, while Moffitt Beach, outside of Speculator, has 261. Rogers Rock — on Lake George — is home to 332 sites, and Cranberry Lake in St. Lawrence County has 173 sites. Kenneth L. Wilson and North-South Lake campgrounds in the Catskills have 76 and 219 campsites, respectively.

Ambassadors must be at least 18 and will be on duty five days a week for anywhere from two to five hours a day. The minimum commitment is two weeks, and the maximum is four. Ambassadors will also need to provide their own camping equipment.

Ambassadors can expect to welcome campers to the campground, help new campers with the basics, and lead activities like nature walks and outdoor games.

Applications must be received by March 30 this year. For more information, including the application, go to www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/112550.html.

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