Park Hosts Betty and Perry Congdon

Hardworking, dedicated and dependable — these characteristics describe Colleton State Park’s power couple, Betty and Perry Congdon. Hosting since 2019, they have become a staple during the winter months as they escape the harsh weather back home in Pennsylvania. Always ready with a story, a joke or a smile, they create a joyful experience for everyone they meet.

Both grew up in Campbell, New York, where they were high school sweethearts before marrying in 1967. They spent 10 years traveling along the East Coast before settling in Tunkhannock, Pennsylvania, where they still reside today. They have two sons and one daughter, along with 10 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. One of their favorite pastimes at home is spending quality time with family — especially attending their grandchildren’s sporting events and co-hosting a legendary Fourth of July party.

Perry served 10 years in the U.S. Marine Corps and later worked as a vocational instructor for Job Corps for 12 years. He also drove semi-trucks for Procter & Gamble in New York and operated tri-axle water trucks for a natural gas company. In his free time, he enjoys tending to his garden, which his entire family gets to enjoy.

Betty worked for 40 years, primarily as a fabric cutter creating custom-designed furniture. At home, she stays busy with housekeeping, landscaping and making updates after the harsh winter months.

At the park, Perry assists with routine maintenance on equipment, including scheduled oil changes, replacing parts and making adjustments as needed. He helps keep two golf carts, a zero-turn lawnmower, an RTV and two tractors running smoothly. Together, Betty and Perry take on a wide range of projects, from raking and mulching to larger improvements. Their work has included boardwalk repairs, stonework behind the camper cabin, rebuilding the gas shed and park shop, and assisting rangers in 2020 with upgrades to water, electricity and sewer systems across all campsites. Perry recalls that project with humor, noting how the thick red clay would often leave his boots stuck in place.

They love meeting new campers and helping ensure every visitor has an enjoyable stay. They also enjoy assisting Rangers with miscellaneous projects from time to time. While reflecting on their time as park hosts, Betty and Perry share, “When you see people working a job and there is laughter and times of heavy thinking, then you know you are in the right place. This has been a wonderful experience for us — the rangers here are a great group of guys!”

Betty and Perry perform essential daily tasks that are vital to Colleton State Park’s success. When a park looks spotless and operations run smoothly, dependable park hosts are often behind the scenes. 

Without dedicated volunteers like Betty and Perry, it would be difficult to provide the level of care and customer service visitors have come to expect in South Carolina State Parks. For many guests, a park host may be the only staff member they interact with during their stay — making their role all the more meaningful. Their willingness to give their time, energy and expertise does not go unnoticed.

We are incredibly grateful for the contributions of all park hosts who help keep our parks welcoming, well-maintained and running smoothly each day. If you see a host during your visit, take a moment to say hello and thank them for the important work they do.

If you are interested in becoming a park host, please contact the park you are interested in directly to learn more about current opportunities.

 

Click here to learn more about volunteering in South Carolina State Parks. 

 

“Do what you can, the best you can and have fun doing it” -Betty and Perry Congdon