Volunteer opportunities

How to volunteer

If you are interested in volunteering at Harrington Beach State Park, contact the office at 262-285-3015 to discuss available opportunities. Anyone who would like be a volunteer must fill out a Volunteer Agreement. Property superintendents will review the agreement and interview and select all volunteers.

Be a concession stand volunteer

Greet visitors at the Welcome Center from Memorial Day through Labor Day
Answer visitor questions about the park and surrounding area
Sell ice cream treats, hot/cold beverages and snacks
Three hour shifts available weekends and holidays
Sign up on our Concessions calendar by emailing Tara Kos at

Be a campground host

Stay in a campsite at the campground and volunteer a few hours a day.
Greet and assist campers with information about the park and facilities.
Assist in daily campground operations and set an example by being a model camper.
Clean campsites, bathrooms, and facilities and assist with light maintenance.
Dispense park information and assist with campground programs.
Enjoy the company of other campers and make sure that they enjoy their stay.

Be a naturalists or nature center host

Present park interpretive and educational programs such as campfire talks, nature walks, multi-media shows, living history programs, and evening programs.
Lead school group programs on-site.
Conduct public workshops or classes.
Conduct nature events in campgrounds, on park trails, and at park facilities.
Support park staff in educational programming.
Greet visitors arriving at the Nature Center.
Answer questions about the environment, exhibits, and the property.

Be a visitor center volunteer

Greet visitors and provide brochures, maps, program schedules and answer questions.
Assist park visitors with vehicle admission stickers, campsite registration and state trail passes.
Staff a visitor center information desk or gift shop.
Help coordinate special events.
Help design and prepare exhibits, displays, and bulletin boards.
Help market and advertise park programs.
Provide newsletters, brochures, fact sheets, and information about the local area.

Be a volunteer for special projects

Repair and construct fences and bridges.
Clean up park grounds, campgrounds and facilities.
Complete special or seasonal maintenance tasks as needed.
Do carpentry, remodeling or other construction projects.
Make park information signs.
Assist with minor vehicle/boat/equipment repairs and maintenance.
Build and maintain new and existing trails.
Build informational kiosks.
Plant trees, remove invasive species and do prairie restoration.
Assist staff in building picnic shelters, accessible cabins and other property facilities.

Form 2500-120, WSPS Power Equipment Safety Acknowledgement [PDF]

Adopt-A-Trail in the State Park System

Provide trails support and clean up.
Perform as crew members on trail construction, renovation, and maintenance.
Assist with the control of invasive species and the planting of native species.
Report any trail obstructions or hazards.

If you are interested in adopting a trail, complete the Adopt-A-Trail Application and Permit [PDF] or contact the park, forest or trail manager.

Be a trail tender

Serve as trail host.
Patrol trails for the safety and enjoyment of all users.
Assist and provide support to other trail users.
Sell state trail passes.
Educate users on etiquette and regulations.

Additional information about the Trail Tender program is available in the Trail Tender Handbook [PDF]. If you are interested in becoming a Trail Tender, contact the Friends Group or DNR property manager associated with your preferred trail.