[split] Questions about workkamping

[irishgypsy]

Just like  you, I really enjoyed being a campground host the 4 years I did it. My doctor says I can't do it anymore, but I would otherwise.

Every summer I left with a few thousand in the bank and then I drew unemployment all winter. Sweet deal!!
Bob

Sorry to hear that you can no longer camp host.  I am disabled but did it for the first time this past summer and it was hard, I injured myself.   I read your blog post on workcamping and I have looked at the NF paying host jobs.  Why are they all so many hours?  32 and up?  It doesn't seem there would be that much work to fill all those hours.  Do you fill out a time sheet every week?  How are the hours one works supervised?  I'm not looking to cheat anyone, just hoping that perhaps the actual hours are less, for my healths sake, and hoping I might be able to do it .  Thanks, Lise

 

[BradKW]

I'll use the KOA in Key West as example, since that's the only one I've worked at.

During the season, there's no end to the stuff that needs done. Golf cart garbage duty, housekeeping the facilities, registration, store, maintenance... all jobs that are as busy as the campground. And when its sold out with people coming and going every day, it feels exactly like any other job. Including management begging you to work more hours.

I don't know how many places manage to be so popular that they charge $2500 a month for a small parking spot, but there's no shortage of work campers trying to escape the cold and spend winter in the keys..

 

[blars]

NF paying host jobs.  Why are they all so many hours?  32 and up?  It doesn't seem there would be that much work to fill all those hours.  Do you fill out a time sheet every week?  How are the hours one works supervised?  I'm not looking to cheat anyone, just hoping that perhaps the actual hours are less, for my healths sake, and hoping I might be able to do it .  Thanks, Lise

I've worked for 4 summers and 2 different NF contractors in Oregon. One had time sheets, the other didn't. They tend to have trouble filling lower hour positions that don't include full hookups. Talk to the contractors, there were about half a dozen at the big tent show last year and tell them what you want and what your limitations are. As long as the work is done, they don't care which or how many hours you work, but don't expect it will be less than what they are paying you for during the busy part of the year. (It will be more.)