9CN: Boot Lake Campground Host

The Lakewood/Laona Ranger District of the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest is located in northeast Wisconsin. Boot Lake is in the county of Oconto, near the town of Townsend, WI. Outdoor recreation opportunities abound at this “recreation district.” Boot Lake campground is near Bass Lake Swimming and Picnic Area. Cathedral Pines, located a few miles east of Boot Lake, features one of the best old growth pine-hemlock stands on the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. This area is a must see opportunity for anyone visiting Boot Lake.

The nearby Wolf River provides excellent opportunities for fishing, rafting, canoeing and kayaking white water. Jones Springs Semi-Primitive Non-Motorized area is just west of Boot Lake Campground. It offers opportunities for hiking, hunting, and cross-country skiing. There is a trail in the campground that leads to the Jones Spring area. Boot Lake campground is located on the northwest side of Boot Lake.

The 235-acre lake is popular destination for anglers as it offers walleye, northern pike, bass, musky, and pan fish. The lake also provides a great place for your kayak or canoe. Much wildlife can be viewed from the shores on the lake. There is a sandy beach and a grassy picnic area. There are 34 campsites available at Boot Lake. Some sites are on the reservation system at http://www.Recreation.gov.

The campground has waterfront campsites. Sites can be used for tents and RV camping. Each site has a campfire ring and a picnic table. Vault toilets and drinking water is also available. The campground has trash collection and a recycling area. Fuel, fishing supplies, firewood, ice, and restaurants are within 10 miles of this campground, in the town of Lakewood or Townsend.

General duties of a campground host include:

• Campground hosts will serve as the first contact many campers will have with the Forest Service.  The experience should leave campers with a positive attitude.
• Campground hosts must be identifiable, visible, and a positive representative of the Forest service.  Maintain a groomed appearance, greet visitors and provide information, and display a courteous and helpful demeanor when rendering assistance to visitor questions.  Host campsite will be tidy and welcoming to visitors.
• Campground hosts will serve as an important link to the Forest Service Recreation staff. 
• Clean and resupply 8 vault bathrooms daily.  On busy weekends the bathrooms will be checked twice a day.
• Campsites and fire rings will be cleaned after a campsite is vacated.
• The beach and boat landing area will be checked daily.
• Some light maintenance will be required as needed.
• Campground hosts will be asked to assist visitors during any severe inclement weather related emergencies.
• Encourage visitors to “do the right things” by following all Forest Service rules and regulations.
• Campground hosts do NOT do any collections or compliance in the campgrounds.  They do not enforce any of the Forest Service rules and regulations. 
• All supplies will be furnished by the Forest Service.
• Hosts will also help with the reservation system, and making sure that everyone finds their campsite.

Time commitment:

We ask for at least a one month commitment, or as long as a full season.  Season is May 1 to Dec. 1st.

Hosts will be expected to work a minimum of 25-30 hours a week. This includes Saturdays, and Sundays and Holidays. Work weeks will revolve around the busy weekends.  Being on the host site for the busy weekends is a must.

Requirements:

• Hosts are to be neat in appearance when working with visitors.
• Have adequate housing for extended periods of time.
• Hosts should be in good physical condition and able to walk the campground and trails several times a day.
• All host work is performed in a variety of weather conditions including rain, humidity and heat, and varying temperatures.