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Partnering and volunteering with Recreation Sites and Trails BC

Last updated on December 19, 2024

Contribute to sustainability and stewardship for recreation in British Columbia by volunteering with Recreations Sites and Trails BC (RSTBC). 

Volunteer Partnership Agreements

Partnership agreements are written agreements between RSTBC and volunteer organizations. These agreements are known as Stewardship Partner Insurance Program (SPIP) agreements (see below). Volunteer partnership agreements allow RSTBC to work with First Nations community groups, local governments and other volunteers. Volunteers are essential in providing outdoor recreation opportunities by maintaining campgrounds, trails and other recreation facilities. At campgrounds, Site Operators are responsible for maintenance of campsites, day use areas and boat launches.  Trail Operators are responsible for maintaining trails or trail networks and their associated facilities (signage, parking areas, toilets, etc.). The province of BC provides insurance coverage for partnership agreement holders.

On this page:

 Campsite Operators

RSTBC maintains hundreds of campsites across British Columbia. Many campgrounds are free, but at some a fee is collected. RSTBC will partner with a site operator at campsites where a fee is charged. RSTBC authorizes the fee collection and sets the fee amount but the site operator collects the fee on a fee for service basis. The site operator collects fees and pays costs to provide services at the campground. The fees are applied against “allowable expenses” to ensure maintenance is done to a standard.

The Campsite Operator role offers our volunteers a unique, nature-based experience with the opportunity to stay at some of the most beautiful campsites in the province. Typically, site operators stay at the recreation site for the entire camping season where they undertake maintenance activities, fee collection and interact with campground guests. Fee collection is meant to support the cost and service of staying on site. Site operator roles and responsibilities can vary depending on location, public demand, and RSTBC priorities. A site operator will generally be responsible for the following duties.

  • Greet visitors
  • Provide supervision
  • Collect camping fees
  • Maintain the campsite (i.e. mow grass, weed control, etc.)
  • Clean campsites (i.e. rake gravel camping pads, clean out fire rings, etc.)
  • Clean and arrange to pump pit toilets
  • Pick up garbage and recycling
  • Clean and paint structures (tables, pit toilets, etc.)

Current Opportunities

RSTBC advertises opportunities within different recreation Districts. The scope and nature of volunteer opportunities varies. Recreation staff use a variety of methods to gauge public interest and acquire volunteers.

Those methods include:

  • Print publications (ie local newspapers, community bulletin boards)
  • Social media (ie Facebook – Recreation Sites and Trails BC page)
  • BC Bid
  • Word of mouth
  • Opportunities listed on this website

RSTBC is trialing a new application process with the opportunities being listed below.  The requirements outlined below should not be considered a precedent or standard for any other forthcoming RFP's.

If you are interested in becoming a Site Operator, check out the following opportunities.

Chimney Lake and Felker Lake Recreation Sites

Howard Lake Recreation Site

Trail Operators

Throughout the province, there are many existing volunteer agreements with community organizations. Recreation groups maintain trail networks for

  • Hiking
  • Mountain biking
  • Cross-country skiing
  • Equestrian
  • Snowmobile
  • Off highway vehicle (ATV, motorcycle, trial bikes, 4x4 vehicles)

Is your organization interested in becoming a trail operator?

Roles, responsibilities, and benefits of partnership agreements vary between Districts. Contact a District Recreation Officer to learn more about local opportunities.

Trail operators are active volunteers. Guided by RSTBC staff priorities, trail operators can

  • Provide trail inspection reports (i.e. trail conditions, fallen trees, etc.)
  • Groom trails
  • Perform trail maintenance (i.e. brushing and light trail clearing)
  • Assess and report environmental damage
  • Replace structures (if authorized to do so)

In return, your group actively participates in local recreation management. Your group provides a community voice to RSTBC staff. This relationship can lead to discussions in recreation management and can enable solving issues.

Insurance coverage

The Stewardship Partners Insurance Program (SPIP) was created for groups who volunteer for us. The province pays for this insurance coverage. There is no cost to volunteers.

SPIP is operated by Aon Reed Stenhouse Inc (Aon) and covers 2 areas:

  • A general liability insurance policy (third-party)
  • An Accidental Death and Dismemberment (“AD&D”) policy

This insurance covers services as outlined in your Partnership Agreement.

Example agreement

Here is an example partnership agreement. Additional schedules* (D-H) are added when needed, based on service requirements.

Volunteer Handbook

The Volunteer Handbook provides guidelines for volunteering. It covers general responsibilities and objectives of volunteering. It will also provide the orientation and guidance given by Recreation Staff. Use it as a reference and record your own information as needed.  Read the RSTBC Volunteer Handbook (PDF, 238KB)