And now’s the time to make it official!

VIPPers are an eclectic group.
There are hikers and bikers (both bicycle and motorcycle).
There are paw paws and whippersnappers.
There are the very curious with GPS units and the very laid back
ready for a nap in a quiet restful setting.
Preachers, teachers and students.
Historians and naturalists.
Teens and tweens and young families recognizing state parks and forests
as an affordable family vacation with great facilities and programs.
Many VIPPers remember parks as a child and continue to visit parks as a
tradition with children, a sweetheart, parent, guardian or grandparent.

Each participant has a personal commitment
or fond memories of state parks and forests.

All independently share an appreciation of
the recreational treasure that public lands like parks and forests
offer state residents and guests. Parks and forests are special places that are
preserved, stewarded and maintained for all generations.

The VIPP concept gives recognition to those VIPPers who frequent
state parks and forests and support the
interpretative programs, activities and special events offered.

In the “spirit of welcome,” you’re invited to participate.

Complete the online form and submit OR complete the simple registration form available in the VIPP brochure. Brochures are available at every state park and forest, WV Welcome Centers and the central state park office in Charleston, WV. To have a brochure/form mailed to you, simply call (304) 558-2764 and request a VIPP brochure or use our online brochure order request.

After completing the registration form, you’ll receive a VIPP packet of information via USPS mail. A lifetime of enjoyment at WV State parks and forests begins!

To attain VIPP status participants must:

1. Visit fifteen mandatory parks and forests and five additional areas from the list of elective parks and forests printed on the initial participation card issued.
   
2. When visiting the areas, participants must stop at the park office, headquarters or front desk and have your card stamped and dated by park personnel. On those areas that do not operate a 24-hour desk or there is no one available to stamp your visitation card, you will find a modified birdhouse with a stamp specific to that area. We operate under the merit system at these areas and accept your date written by the stamp you place on the card.
   
3. The program is not a race, nor are there any expectations of completion in a given amount of time. The expectation is that completed cards submitted are truthful and that the individual actually visited the areas indicated.
   
4. The program is open to any person regardless of their race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, disability, or other legally recognized protected status.
   
5. Once a participant has personally completed the required visits, sign the back of the card and mail it into the Parks and Recreation office.

6. When the completed card is received the information is logged and your VIPP jacket will be mailed to your address. Each VIPPer receives a jacket for completion of the initial card. Jackets are issued only once. Replacement jackets may be purchased, as available, but only by individuals who have completed the program.
   
7. There is no limit to the number of times you may complete the program.
   
8. For each additional completion, a star is awarded for placement on the VIPP jacket. Participants become a Star VIPP upon the second completion, upon the third, a Two Star VIPP, etc.
   
9. Star VIPPers receive a VIPP Star Card. Star VIPP cards are mailed after completion of the initial VIPP card. The practice of having multiple cards stamped for one individual or having multiple cards stamped for other individuals who are not present at the park or forest is strongly discouraged.
   
10. The coordinator for the VIPP program is Carol Stewart. She and her husband are 14-star participants and were VIPPers long before Carol came to WV State Parks to serve as VIPP coordinator. She enjoys an earlier retirement but refuses to retire completely and thus serves as VIPP coordinator on a part-time basis. She is in the office on an intermittent schedule.
    
    If you plan to stop by to drop off completed cards, please call or email in advance. This allows the participant and Carol to discuss cards, jackets, stars and all VIPP questions that arise. Her email address is carolstewart@wvdnr.gov. The phone number is (304) 558-2764. If you reach her voice mail, please leave a message with your name and phone number so she may return your call.
    
    Carol makes every attempt to contact VIPPers and to complete requests as soon as possible.
    
11. VIPP cards issued are logged prior to mailing. A database is maintained to track jackets, stars, cards and license plates issued.
    
12. There is no charge to register in the VIPP program.

VIPP information and participation cards will be mailed to you.

Tygart Lake State Park will host the 23rd Annual VIPP Picnic on Saturday, September 19, 2009.

The main event is on Saturday with day-only activities and events and the picnic, but for those arriving Friday night, there are activities and an evening program, and following the picnic on Saturday, activities or tour suggestions for those making it a VIPP weekend.

Rooms and cabins and campsites are blocked for reservations. Reservations are taken on a first come, first reserved basis. Caller must ask for VIPP Picnic group block.

Tygart Lake overnight accommodations feature a 20-room lodge, 11 modern cabins, and 40 tent and trailer sites.

• Rooms may be rented for one, two or more nights.
• Room rates are $61 for standard rooms and $81 for executive rooms. 
  
  
• Cabins must be reserved for a two night minimum.
• Cabin styles are 2-, 4- and 6-person units and one 4-person ADA unit.  Cabin rates vary according to style.  Senior discounts will apply for those who are eligible.
  
  
• Campsite reservations are available.
• Campsite rental will be $15 per site per night for VIPPers from 9/14 to 9/24/09.

All reservations are subject to standard reservation policy and are the responsibility of the attendee.  If the rooms and cabins are fully booked, the front desk staff at Tygart Lake will have phone numbers of hotels and other accommodations in the area.

If you did not attend the 2008 Picnic at Hawks Nest, you may review the agenda - 2008 Picnic Newsletter - as a general overview.

The events and activities for the 23rd Annual Picnic (2009) will not be posted prior to mid-July.  Each VIPP picnic is unique.  The success of this wonderful gathering of park friends hinges upon the resources and attractions in the area.  Wherever VIPPers gather, it’s going to be a great day.  Hope to see you at Tygart Lake State Park

VIPP newsletters or flyers arrive via USPS mail a minimum of twice a year to the address on file in our VIPP participant mailing list.

An electronic VIPP newsletter is available when we have your email address and your request for the eNewsletter.

Click here to fill out this simple form to receive electronic newsletters.