I wonder if any forum members have done the summer volunteer thing where the volunteer is provided with a pitch and all facilities in exchange for helping out for "a few hours"? And if so, how many hours a week would seem fair exchange to you?
There are different ways you can look at it e.g. (hourly min wage x hours worked per week) versus (advertised weekly tarif for the pitch you occupy), or (actual cost to the owner in terms of leccy etc) versus (how much that equates to in beer money for helping out)... and then you could add in to the mix that if it was a paid position you would probably be provided with a free pitch on top of the wage that you're not getting... Would be interested in other people's thoughts on this, if anybody has any.
Some of the Camping/Caravan/Motorhome magazines have advertisements for help on campsites. All seem to include a pitch and a minimum number of paid hours. Not sure one should accept a post without pay unless its for a voluntary organisation?
It's the overseas vacancies on UK Campsite that I was looking at.
To be honest that is my gut feeling as well. Apart from anything else there could be insurance issues if you fall off a ladder or whatever and probably other issues besides.
Welcome to UKCS.
CCC does these. My nearest CCC club site is at Culzean which opens at Easter, entirely missing the snowdrop season at next door Culzean estate (National Trust for Scotland). But CCC has working parties before the campsite opens, pitch included. Not every year though.
But - it’s not work on the continent, which is what you’re looking for & you’re looking for payment in kind too?
Thanks for the welcome at Fiona W, actually I've been a lurker for a very long time but this is the first time I've posted!
Just trying to get my head round the concept really. The CCC working party I understand and it sounds a great idea.
My situation is that in the past I've worked as a seasonal employee on campsites in France, because my 'proper' work was entirely desk based and doing this helped to keep me fit and sane, I love the buzz of dealing with people and doing actual physical work. Now I've retired and taken my pension I don't actually want another paid job as it would make things complicated with tax etc but I would miss my annual 'fix', so I was looking at these volunteer helper adverts. In one way it seems potentially win win but in another way I hjave a lot of reservations about it. Was hoping somebody might have done it and be able to share their experience.
OK, I get that.
Why not just contact a site you like, preferably one that knows you & offer to help outdoors? There’s always plant tubs to weed or lawns to edge or a bit of fence painting, I’d have thought (looking at what site managers do). You wouldn’t be covered by employer’s insurance though, so you may have to sign a disclaimer. You might want to take out 3rd party Liabilty insurance for yourself - it doesn’t cost much, I used to have it for doing site visits on private land. And an adult only site would be wise, unless you have the appropriate official “disclosure” paperwork for working with vulnerable people.
Good luck finding something suitable.
There are also the Schengen rules to take into account. No more than 90 days in every 180. Technically you will also need a visa if volunteering for more than 30 days. It is still classed as work even though it is unpaid.
------------- Hypercamp Alaska
Vango Force 10 mk3
Vango F10 Helium 1
Coleman Cobra Pro 3
Coleman Cobra 2
Naturehike Star River 2
Eureka! Solitaire
Dutch army goretex bivvy bag
Quote: Originally posted by David Klyne on 29/10/2023
Not sure one should accept a post without pay unless its for a voluntary organisation?
David
This can be viewed 2 ways. Ok, the site is getting 'free' labour in exchange for a pitch. And, theres the insurance aspect to consider. Though i would think volunteers or paid, the site would have to have cover to just open its doors.
But the 'volunteer' might be happy with this arrangement as they are getting somewhere to live for 'free', and may enjoy the work. (You would have to assume the person could sustain themselves on the financial front though.) And, in a different world, i myself might carefully consider this set-up for a spell. As campsite work is something i'd enjoy, along with assisting folks in whatever way. (though at 65 i'm past contemplating this!).