It appears that the Government Shutdown is going to continue. As such, we are considering departing our Volunteer Site until such time as operations return to normal, if feasible. Take the time to visit family, etc. Remaining as a Volunteer at a National site cost free, without contributing to the mission, is not something we are comfortable with continuing. We have always paid our way, and will continue to do so. We are in a position, that we do not need a free RV site. Depending upon where we are when normal operations return, depends whether we go to the expense to return. We Volunteer because, it has been fun. The location we are at appears to have sufficient staff and local volunteers that our absence would most likely, not create a hardship once things return to normal.We are unable to perform any Volunteer function while on shutdown. Is any other Volunteers in the same position, if so, what are your thoughts?

We are unable to perform any Volunteer function while on shutdown.This should be your main basis for leaving. There's no need to feel guilty over a free site if circumstances made it that way and not you.

Your sentiments are noble, but misguided. You took the job with all good intentions of performing 100% of it. Now due to a situation that is beyond your control, you have no duties to perform. Not your fault. Stay put. I am a government worker without a job and I don't mind. And I am sure that the vast majority of America will not will not mind; but I wouldn't post here anymore as some will take it as taunting and it could get ugly.

We took a position with a defined period of service.During the shut down we could stay or leave. It was left up to us. We decided to stay as our reservations, for the rest of the year, were already made and confirmed.We cannot do anything "official", but we can keep "on eye on the place." I also see a lot of little projects that will be much easier with no campers. So stay we will and hope for a quick resolution.

I CERTAINLY WOULD NOT feel guilty about staying! The situation you are in is through no fault of your own. At the absolute least, you are owed a place to stay through the balance of your original commitment. Given a choice, I would stay! Being forced to leave is another story.

Thanks for the thought provoking responses.Not noble or misguided. As I get older, fair and just, right and wrong, seems to be almost too simple in a very convoluted and complex world.Just an honest and sincere question.Thanks again. I'll post what we decide. Maybe things will change sooner than expected, and it will be a moot issue.

Volunteer On-Site During Shutdown! | Good Sam Community

20 Replies

TexasH
Explorer
Oct 13, 2013
This week, I heard from friends at Brasstown Bald, a National Forest site in GA. They made all the volunteers leave and padlocked the gate. They had to shut down the water system, and the grass is growing up. This is their peak season with the fall leaf colors. They are losing scads of money from entrance fees for nothing. They even have an honor system for payment if they had just left the road and parking lot open like they do in the off season from November to April. Just another example of decisions by spite instead of by economics or service.
TXiceman
Explorer II
Oct 12, 2013
We are also at a NWR and were told to stay put and enjoy our "vacation". We have a refuge manager (he is also law enforcement) and a second LEO to cover 3 refuges. We were told to do no work on the refuge until the shutdown is over. They do not want us to leave as there will be plenty to do once we reopen.

The fall celebration at the refuge was scheduled for the 19th and was cancelled yesterday. There is a hard week of normal work to get ready for the celebration and at present we are behind on the normal maintenance for the grounds...no way to be ready.

Ken
2gypsies1
Explorer III
Oct 08, 2013
CONUS: Your decision and comments are 'right on'! Also, thanks for seemingly being able to understand this whole fiasco with the national parks. You are doing your part of 'preserving and protecting' our treasures. Many folks don't understand that concept at this time. Thank you for your contribution!
nancyjerry
Explorer
Oct 08, 2013
We are with Corps of Engineers for our 1st time. Working as 'independent contractor' with pay and free site. We're to stay until Oct 14 then site is available for 1 week after that.
We were told with shutdown we would have 24-48 hrs to leave which puts us in a spot to find new place to go.
The next day, they 'found'' some funds and so far, we are ok til Oct 14...
We are on Cape Cod Canal and will do it next year too.
Nancy
RV_CONUS
Explorer
Oct 06, 2013
We had a nice discussion yesterday in a social setting. Government employees are furloughed, and can't work or perform any duties!

We decided to go into a holding pattern, and continue to evaluate the situation. As we can not perform any duties as Volunteers; presence and visibility have some benefit and value as others have indicated.

We have the highest respect and admiration for these young Park Rangers; and their commitment, professionalism and sincerity in protecting and preserving.

GS-4-9 pay grades; well they are not getting rich in a tangible sense.

Our youngest son is older than most of them. We sure do easily adopt them at each new location. Watching these young folks publicly and behind the scenes, makes one proud to be an American. They are as much a treasure as our National Sites.

We have served at enough National Sites now, to realize that they share a common value. Love of Country and preserving and protecting what American's Love.

So, we are going to stay for the time being and evaluate the situation on a day to day basis.

Thanks for all of your thoughts, comments, and advice. Sure will be glad to get back to Volunteering.

OBTW; we never refer to Volunteering as work!

Best Wishes! and, Safe Travels!
Dog_Folks
Explorer
Oct 05, 2013
RV Volunteers CONUS wrote:
Just Simply, thank you.

We hope you and other Americans and Visitors get to enjoy our National Treasures, soon.

Are you going or staying?
mesykes
Explorer
Oct 05, 2013
We are at a NWR in VA. and feel we are providing a service. There is only one LE and us on thousands of acres. All other personnel, including refuge manager are furloughed. They are glad to have us here and we're glad to help.
Gene_Ginny
Explorer
Oct 05, 2013
Dutch_12078 wrote:
It seems to me that you ARE performing a service, just by being there to provide some sense of security for the facilities, Vandals do not like witnesses...
X2
I_am_still_wayn
Explorer
Oct 05, 2013
Dog Folks wrote:
We took a position with a defined period of service.

During the shut down we could stay or leave. It was left up to us.

We decided to stay as our reservations, for the rest of the year, were already made and confirmed.

We cannot do anything "official", but we can keep "on eye on the place." I also see a lot of little projects that will be much easier with no campers.

So stay we will and hope for a quick resolution.

I think this pretty much sums it up. If not asked to leave, then by staying you are continuing to fulfill your commitment, and you are providing another service by just your presence provides an element of security that unoccupied property would other wise not have.
answerswillvary
Explorer
Oct 04, 2013
Moved from RV Parks & Campgrounds to Workamping