Mountain Lake Campground near Summersville, WV, has hired Workampers every year since 2007, to engage in a variety of tasks ranging from landscaping to cleaning rental cabins, performing maintenance to providing security, and leading activities to staffing the ice cream shop or store.
by Greg Gerber
Surrounded by trees, Mountain Lake Campground near Summersville, WV, is adjacent to the largest lake in the state, which stretches over 2,700 acres.
Summersville Lake was created in the early 1960s following construction of a dam. Since then, the area is a very popular destination for families seeking time in nature as well as bountiful recreation opportunities.
After Susan James and her husband, Shawn, acquired the campground in 2005, they have hired Workampers every year since 2007. Those employees engage in a variety of tasks ranging from landscaping to cleaning rental cabins, performing maintenance to providing security, and leading activities to staffing the ice cream shop or store.
“I try to match jobs with personalities to put the right people in positions they will enjoy,” Susan explained.
The Campfire Grill was featured on a video segment of Traveling West Virginia. Tourists come from all over just to experience the campground’s signature concoction of warm blackberry cobbler stuffed inside a homemade waffle cone and served with ice cream and chocolate sauce drizzled over the top.
“It’s certainly worth the weight,” said Susan. “Because we’re located in a vacation spot, the calories don’t count.”
A special “Goofy Golf” course features photo opportunities with colorful characters scattered among 18 holes that are fun and challenging for kids and adults alike. There is a special event taking place just about every weekend from mid-May through Halloween.
Consequently, Mountain Lake Campground is a very busy place during the summer. That’s why Susan hires 10 Workampers to join the local staff of 40 to provide exceptional experiences for her guests. She relies on Workampers because living on-site allows them to really get to know the facility and its guests.
“Our Workampers are usually very flexible with their schedules and they have a great work ethic. They’re willing to jump in to do whatever is needed to help the campground run smoothly,” said Susan. “In fact, one of the greatest compliments I enjoy hearing from guests is how efficient they think our campground is being run.”
The work team is very diverse in their ages, skills and experiences. She hires couples, solos and families for the paid positions. There are full- or part-time jobs available from the middle of May through the middle of October.
Although Workampers go through an interview and screening process, Susan wants to make sure every staff member truly wants to work at Mountain Lake Campground.
“If Workampers arrive and realize it isn’t what they expected, then they are welcome to leave early,” she explained. “We only want happy Workampers at Mountain Lake because they create happy guests.
“Our Workampers often come to us as employees, but leave as members of our family,” said Susan. “It goes beyond an employer/employee relationship. I actually cry when some of our Workampers leave. Many come back to visit whenever they’re passing through the area, and Scott and I have visited some former Workampers when we are traveling.”
For more information about Mountain Lake Campground and its amenities, visit www.mountainlakecampground.com. Workampers can apply by sending a resume to [email protected].
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