Wor Camping Options

[RLM]

There has not been much discussion on the website about work camping so I decided to start the topic. I am sure that there are members of the site who do work camping and some that would like to get into it. I suspect that both categories could improve the learning curve for each other.

Some ideas to respond to:

1- Who works for only a free site and who works for the money? Why do you do either?
2- What's the best way to get started?
3- Because of the lack of work camping experience and competition for jobs, does one have to accept the first offer even if it isn't suited for you?
4- How much effort and time does it take to get the idea work camper job? What is involved?
5- Is work camping in a commercial campground preferable to a public one like a national park or forest service?
6- What is your best and worst experience?
7- For those who have work camped, what is the one (one only) valuable piece of advise you could give someone considering it?
8- For those who are just getting into the work camping thing, what's the most annoying aspect of the process?

[RLM]

I gather from some of the posts that there is a definite place for those wish to work/volunteer for site only. It’s a first step for those who want to build the resume, shave expenses in visiting a new area, or accommodate an employer who only needs help a few hours a week.

It is also understandable that when some provide their labor they want to get paid for all hours worked. Correct me if I’m wrong, but doesn’t that situation become a job as opposed to volunteering? There is nothing wrong with either.

It is interesting that almost everyone indicates that they are looking for a job that is “right for them.” It is also interesting that so many have a unique and preferred method of finding a work camping job…. or an employer has his/her own method for finding the ideal employer. Obviously, expanding the job search horizons is the way to go.

I’m inclined to side with those who might be stuck in a bad situation, but would honor their commitment. However, there has to be a point where the honorable thing to do is overcome by employers who really don’t care.

We’ve heard from camp ground owners. But, perhaps it isn’t appropriate for a camp ground owner to consider a free site as part of the compensation - with the exception of the utilities that we use while on it. If I’m on a $50/nite site, I’d suggest that only about $5 of it is utility expenses. Am I wrong in that thinking?

[westernrvparkowner]

I gather from some of the posts that there is a definite place for those wish to work/volunteer for site only. It’s a first step for those who want to build the resume, shave expenses in visiting a new area, or accommodate an employer who only needs help a few hours a week.

It is also understandable that when some provide their labor they want to get paid for all hours worked. Correct me if I’m wrong, but doesn’t that situation become a job as opposed to volunteering? There is nothing wrong with either.

It is interesting that almost everyone indicates that they are looking for a job that is “right for them.” It is also interesting that so many have a unique and preferred method of finding a work camping job…. or an employer has his/her own method for finding the ideal employer. Obviously, expanding the job search horizons is the way to go.

I’m inclined to side with those who might be stuck in a bad situation, but would honor their commitment. However, there has to be a point where the honorable thing to do is overcome by employers who really don’t care.

We’ve heard from camp ground owners. But, perhaps it isn’t appropriate for a camp ground owner to consider a free site as part of the compensation - with the exception of the utilities that we use while on it. If I’m on a $50/nite site, I’d suggest that only about $5 of it is utility expenses. Am I wrong in that thinking?

RLm, true enough, the utilities on a given site probably do only cost %5.00 or $10.00 per day. That being said, in my park I could rent that site for $50.00 per day each day in my peak season. I sell out every day. Having a work camper in that site costs me $1500.00 in lost revenue. Also, that daily RV guest will spend much more money in the store than the average work camper, so the costs go up even a little more. Finally, not to awaken the 10,000 lb gorilla, but the IRS specifies that housing should be counted as income at fair market value, not cost. If a work camper was to work anywhere but at the campground, they would have to pay the going rate for a place to stay, so a number somewhere between cost and "the going rate" is probably fair to both parties. Just my opinion. Have a great day.

[Butch]

RLm, true enough, the utilities on a given site probably do only cost %5.00 or $10.00 per day. That being said, in my park I could rent that site for $50.00 per day each day in my peak season. I sell out every day. Having a work camper in that site costs me $1500.00 in lost revenue. Also, that daily RV guest will spend much more money in the store than the average work camper, so the costs go up even a little more. Finally, not to awaken the 10,000 lb gorilla, but the IRS specifies that housing should be counted as income at fair market value, not cost. If a work camper was to work anywhere but at the campground, they would have to pay the going rate for a place to stay, so a number somewhere between cost and "the going rate" is probably fair to both parties. Just my opinion. Have a great day.

Just a question....what is the daily pay rate per hour per work camper, and how many hours per week do you require that person to work at your establishment ?

[RLM]

First of all, it is very good to have a work camping employer weigh in on these issues. Ideally, each side will have an appreciation of the other’s concerns.

I do factor in some of the site expense when looking for a paying job. Key word is some. But, if that amount is going to be a part of the compensation package, then it needs to be fair or I can stay somewhere else and collect more daily pay. There is also an issue of not having to pay FICA taxes, or provide health benefits that are common for regular employees.

I suspect that one of the reasons that work campers are in demand is that it is a financial benefit for the camp ground employer. If that is a true statement, then the work camper is in control of his or her desires.

[westernrvparkowner]

First of all, it is very good to have a work camping employer weigh in on these issues. Ideally, each side will have an appreciation of the other’s concerns.

I do factor in some of the site expense when looking for a paying job. Key word is some. But, if that amount is going to be a part of the compensation package, then it needs to be fair or I can stay somewhere else and collect more daily pay. There is also an issue of not having to pay FICA taxes, or provide health benefits that are common for regular employees.

I suspect that one of the reasons that work campers are in demand is that it is a financial benefit for the camp ground employer. If that is a true statement, then the work camper is in control of his or her desires.

RLM, I do pay FICA tax and unemployment insurance on my work camping employees. If I were to pay "cash under the table" I would be putting both myself and my work camper into jeopardy with our friends at the IRS. It is much easier for me to run my campground from the office than it would be from Government housing at Leavenworth.

[RLM]

RLM, I do pay FICA tax and unemployment insurance on my work camping employees. If I were to pay "cash under the table" I would be putting both myself and my work camper into jeopardy with our friends at the IRS. It is much easier for me to run my campground from the office than it would be from Government housing at Leavenworth.

Being ex-military, I know that you wouldn't qualify for the housing at Leavenworth regardless of the infraction.

I would have considered work campers as contract employees and thereby not subject to FICA and/or any other "government" BS. The term volunteer lends itself to a possible exemption to those requirements. Even Uncle Sam uses that loop hole so as not to pay FICA or withhold taxes from a volunteer's pay. I've been in that situation so can valid it's truth.

There's a cap on annual earnings that effect social security. I consider that when applying for a work camper job where it may come into effect if the employer reports everything. Now I'm not advocating any "under the table" deals, but using contract employees would seem appropriate.

Witholding taxes means a more complicated tax return for a retiree not to mention your own extra bookkeeping.

Workman's comp is a no brainer for someone in business and that cost is one that everyone should consider a part of the compensation.

But your comment is enlightening. If I were to do work camping duties for you, I'd want nothing to do with FICA, tax withholding, etc. A bookeeping benefit to both of us by the way. Are you telling me that isn't possible?