It has been my dream for many years to full-time RV, every since I knew such a thing existed. At 60 years old, I still have awhile before retirement but have figured out my finances and I could afford to volunteer if I could get a full hookup site in exchange for work BUT I would have my son with me when on the job. We just want the chance to be in the parks and enjoying nature so the number of hours we had to be on duty could be more than normal to compensate for my son being with me. He is very well-behaved and causes no issues having been homeschooled mostly, we are just very used to one another and he is capable of doing simple tasks. He is 28 years old and at this point, the programs we tried have done more harm to him than good but, of course, as we travel I will be looking at what is available in the areas where we travel so that he will eventually have a place when it is needed.Finally, my question, does this seem workable? Has anyone seen this being done? Any input appreciated and, no, it would not be better for him to be in a program since he has suffered abuse, neglect and exploitation in the programs and life-threatening emergencies caused by ignorance. Yeah, I had to say that because often in every venue I get feedback that he would be better off not being with me and with people "like" himself. Thanks for any input.

brookside wrote:Finally, my question, does this seem workable? Has anyone seen this being done? Thanks for any input.Absolutely,Last summer while camping, the host of the loop we were in were a husband, wife and son with down syndrome.\The boy was always with the man - both doing the host chores and working together around the loop.

Shoot, I'll bet he'd be outstanding for space maintenance and it would be an outstanding way for more socialization. I would look to state parks or municipal parks first. Perhaps before hosting you can take a few trial runs at harvest host sites and elsewhere to see how he handles the new environments/people.

Spent a month working with another host with a mentally disabled 27 year old son. Great young man. Very focused and careful. Everyone at the park loved him.Yes, it was one person covering the real duties - but the son helped, and some things he could do really well, but almost never alone. (Check for TP in the bathrooms was about the most - but he couldn't handle the keys on the locks, so his mom (the host) had to do the actual changing.They mainly work federal or state park campgrounds - she said most of the commercial campgrounds spots she has tried to get - the owners were uncomfortable with the idea of a mentally challenged 'employee'.I have a 54 year old brother with downs - my prayers and best wishes.Go for it. He will be great.

I would also recommend the national forest parks. Many have full hookups for the hosts. Look at volunteer.gov for an extensive list of positions. Depending on his capabilities, he could help with cleaning sites, checking restrooms and I'm sure most guests would love him.

We've been to many RV Parks that the office has 1-2 working and 1-3 sitting around visiting with them. As long as you have the skills and the CG is prepared for it, am sure you'll be able to find something. Also check with the National Park system. They have volunteer jobs that will keep you both outdoors.

Volunteering With My Adult Son With Down Syndrome?

downtheroad
Explorer
Jan 23, 2015
brookside wrote:

Finally, my question, does this seem workable? Has anyone seen this being done?
Thanks for any input.

Absolutely,
Last summer while camping, the host of the loop we were in were a husband, wife and son with down syndrome.\
The boy was always with the man - both doing the host chores and working together around the loop.
DKeppner
Explorer
Jan 23, 2015
Shoot, I'll bet he'd be outstanding for space maintenance and it would be an outstanding way for more socialization. I would look to state parks or municipal parks first. Perhaps before hosting you can take a few trial runs at harvest host sites and elsewhere to see how he handles the new environments/people.
PawPaw_n_Gram
Explorer
Jan 23, 2015
Spent a month working with another host with a mentally disabled 27 year old son. Great young man. Very focused and careful. Everyone at the park loved him.

Yes, it was one person covering the real duties - but the son helped, and some things he could do really well, but almost never alone. (Check for TP in the bathrooms was about the most - but he couldn't handle the keys on the locks, so his mom (the host) had to do the actual changing.

They mainly work federal or state park campgrounds - she said most of the commercial campgrounds spots she has tried to get - the owners were uncomfortable with the idea of a mentally challenged 'employee'.

I have a 54 year old brother with downs - my prayers and best wishes.

Go for it. He will be great.
doxiemom11
Explorer II
Jan 23, 2015
I would also recommend the national forest parks. Many have full hookups for the hosts. Look at volunteer.gov for an extensive list of positions. Depending on his capabilities, he could help with cleaning sites, checking restrooms and I'm sure most guests would love him.
hitchup
Explorer
Jan 23, 2015
We've been to many RV Parks that the office has 1-2 working and 1-3 sitting around visiting with them.

As long as you have the skills and the CG is prepared for it, am sure you'll be able to find something. Also check with the National Park system. They have volunteer jobs that will keep you both outdoors.
stickdog
Explorer
Jan 23, 2015
I agree with the other posters many volunteer positions would work for you and your son.
toedtoes
Explorer III
Jan 23, 2015
I agree. In fact, I think you're one of the few posts asking for advice on "my dream" who I think actually has a great chance for success at it.

You might take your son camping at a hosted campground and ask the host if you and your son could shadow him/her for a day. Then you could see what the tasks involve, how your son reacts to certain tasks, etc. Then, back home, you can find ways for your son to practice those tasks best suited for him. For example, you could start having him switch out the TP in your bathroom at home, or using a pick-up tool to pick up garbage, so it is a familiar habit when you start hosting.
halfwright
Explorer
Jan 23, 2015
We volunteered at a state park with a couple and a teenage girl with Downs. She made the best greeter I have seen. She was always happy and friendly. People enjoyed seeing her in the park. If you were sitting outside, you could depend on her to talk to you and welcome you to the park. Just a wonderful young woman.
x96mnn
Explorer
Jan 23, 2015
It is very possible. At a campground we visit there is a young gentlemen who is responsible for the recycle center. He makes sure all bottles have the caps off, bagged and put in the shed. He also had an unofficial duty which was helping us keep our campfire going every night :). When he was not there, it was not the same.
Kennedy64
Explorer
Jan 23, 2015
I am so sorry that you have had to deal with people thinking its better he is in a program with people "like" him. WOW Really? I couldn't imagine someone saying that to me about one of my children. I would have a hard time not clocking someone!
I hope you find something you and your son will love!!