Volunteer Spotlight, Richard Axe
Richard Axe
“I think the Florida Park Service volunteer program is one of the best ideas anyone has had. It benefits everyone.”
Rich has maintained a strong connection to Florida since childhood. Raised in Pennsylvania, he always looked forward to vacationing with his grandparents in Florida each year for two to three weeks. Some of his earliest memories are camping with his grandfather at Florida State Parks in the 1970s. He’s always loved Florida because of the warm climate and diverse wildlife. In his words, “I love the ocean and the people are so much nicer here.”
He continued to vacation in Florida soon after retiring and meeting wife Cindy in the 2000s. Together they started taking camping trips to various state parks, where they were introduced to the Florida Park Service resident volunteer program at Camp Helen State Park. “We have been loving it ever since,” says Rich.
He recently received the esteemed Irene DeLaby Award for contributing more than 10,000 hours of volunteer service at various state parks, including St. Andrews State Park. Upon receiving the award, Rich said, “I think the Florida Park Service volunteer program is one of the best ideas anyone has had. It benefits everyone.” Many resident volunteers, like Rich, are retired specialists from their respective fields and bring a wealth of knowledge and skillsets to parks and park staff. Volunteering is his way of giving back to the community.
While serving as a camp host at St. Andrews, Rich does a little bit of everything. From working on projects to maintaining park facilities, like building the boardwalk at Buttonbush Marsh alongside other volunteers and park staff, to helping campers in the campground. He enjoys the variety of everyday tasks and helping visitors have a better vacation.
His favorite part of camp hosting is building friendships and meaningful connections among staff and volunteers, and it’s what motivates him to return year after year.