If you're a new host applicant who has just received your first host volunteer assignment with us or someone who is still searching for that first host position, in 2012 please consider joining us for our annual statewide New Host Orientation!

This 2-day session takes place in Cascade Hall at the Oregon Expo Center in Salem on Wed, April 25 & Thurs, April 26. Training begins with an overview of the Oregon State Parks system and where you fit in helping us meet our goals. Sessions will review the history of the wildly successful OPRD Park Host program, an introduction to our three administrative regions and park host sites, and a discussion of mutual expectations, typical job duties and hours, and guidelines for your specific position. We'll review your rights and responsibilities of becoming a host and all that confusing paperwork we ask you to complete!

Thursday's sessions continue with a communications training called "Verbal Judo", providing us an opportunity to look at situations you may find yourself in. You will also get a chance to speak to some of our experienced hosts in a question and answer format, and help us honor them at our annual Outstanding Host Award luncheon.

Free overnight RV parking available on-site, although no hook-ups will be provided. Parking will be available starting at 3:00 p.m. on Tues, April 24, and event festivities begin with our traditional welcome/potluck dinner, featuring a ranger-led interpretive program beginning at 5:30 p.m.

Please join us! You MUST have already applied in order to attend. Space is limited. If you are a new host and have not yet received an e-mail invitation, please contact Jill at: 503-986-0752. When a final agenda is confirmed, it will be posted here.