Greet first, rules second. Before you point at signs or start listing check‑out times, start with something simple and human: “Hey! How was the drive?” That one question: - Lowers people’s guard so they feel welcome, not inspected - Makes the “rules talk” feel like guidance from a host, not a lecture from security​ When guests feel seen and cared for, they’re way more likely to respect the guidelines, the campground, and you.​ How do you open a check‑in conversation before you get to the rules?

By the time guests reach you, they might be tired from driving, stressed from backing in, or already annoyed from a previous stop. You can reset their whole mood in about 30 seconds with a simple, repeatable welcome script. Try this 3‑sentence framework with each new arrival: Sentence 1 – Acknowledge the journey “Hey there, welcome in! Long drive today or not too bad?” Sentence 2 – Give them the one thing they care about most first For RVers: “Your site is #23, it’s a pull‑through and level front‑to‑back.” For tent campers: “You’re in campsite B7, it’s shaded most of the afternoon and close to the bathhouse.” Sentence 3 – Offer one clear next step and support “Go ahead and get set up first, then if you need anything or have questions, just text this number and we’ll take care of you.” Short, friendly, human. Easy for you or your team to remember. How to turn this into a simple system: – Train your team to use the same 3 beats: journey, top concern, support. – Add a small reminder box to your check‑in sheet: “Did I: 1) Acknowledge drive 2) Explain site 3) Offer support?” – Use the same structure on the phone, at the office, or by text. Question for the community: What’s one line you always say at check‑in that works really well for you? Share it below so other hosts, managers, and owners can borrow it.

One of the hardest parts of hosting is not what you do for campers – it’s knowing where your job ends. Healthy boundaries protect you, the park, and the campers who follow the rules. A few things to be crystal‑clear about: 1. You’re not security or law enforcement - You don’t break up fights. - You don’t handle drunk or aggressive campers alone. - You don’t enforce rules at 11 pm by yourself. ➡️ Your job: observe, document, and call staff/rangers. Your safety comes first. 2. You’re not a repair tech - You don’t crawl under rigs to “just tighten something.” - You don’t rewire someone’s 50‑amp plug. - You don’t fix propane issues. ➡️ Your job: kindly suggest they contact a mobile tech, dealer, or roadside service. Liability isn’t worth it. 3. You’re not required to accept abuse - Yelling, cussing, or “just blowing off steam” at you is not part of the deal. - “The customer is always right” does not mean “the customer can treat you any way they want.” ➡️ Your job: “I’m here to help, but I can’t continue this conversation while you’re speaking to me like that. I’m going to step away and contact park staff.” Then actually step away and call it in. Simple script you can steal: “That’s beyond what I’m allowed to do as a host, but here’s who can help…” Use that for: - Rule enforcement - Mechanical issues - Policy complaints You’re a host, not a hero, not a punching bag, and not a one‑person maintenance & security department. The parks that last – and the hosts who last – are the ones who respect their own limits.

One of the simplest ways to prevent complaints and surprises is a fast morning walk-through before guests really get moving. Take 10 minutes to roll through your main loops or sections and look for anything a guest might notice before they do: overflowing trash 🚮, messy fire rings 🔥, standing water 💧, broken picnic tables, missing or crooked site markers, or anything blocking a roadway or path.​ Use your phone notes 📱 (or a small notebook) to jot down quick fixes vs. maintenance requests that need to be passed to the owner or manager. This tiny routine makes you look on top of things, cuts down on “urgent” radio calls later in the day, and creates a better first impression for every camper who steps outside in the morning.✨​ Question for the group: Do you have a morning or evening routine that helps you “get ahead” of problems before guests notice them? Share one thing you always check. 👇

Hey Camp Host Central crew! If you’re looking to take your skills (and your resume) to the next level, I highly recommend checking out the Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) program offered by the NRPA (National Recreation and Park Association). Why consider getting CPRP certified? - Stand Out: The CPRP is recognized across the country as the gold standard for park and recreation professionals—which includes campground hosts and managers! - Broaden Your Skills: The training covers leadership, facility management, risk management, customer service, and much more. It’s not just for city parks—the knowledge is directly transferable to campground operations and guest experiences. - Boost Opportunities: Certification can open doors to higher-level host positions, management roles, and even new career paths within the outdoor recreation industry. - Increase Your Confidence: You’ll gain new best practices, improve your problem-solving, and bring even more value to your guests and your team. What’s involved? - The training is flexible, with online options and resources to help you prep. - Once you pass the exam, you’ll join a national network of certified professionals—great for networking and career growth. Whether you’re brand new or a seasoned host, CPRP can give you a real edge. If anyone here has already completed the program, I’d love to hear your thoughts or advice for those considering it! Let’s keep raising the bar in our profession—our campgrounds and campers deserve the best!