New to it all

[Crossroadscampi]

Hi, my husband of 19 years and I have been thinking long and hard about the workamper idea. We have 2 dogs, both under 10 lbs, they r rat terriers. We also have our 16 year old son who is autistic and has Tourette's syndrome. Our son has been begging us to move into our camper and travel. So we are just trying to figure it all out. We have a 2013 Crossroads Z1 travel trailer. Really looking for something with site and salary or at least able for one of us to get a part time outside of campground. My son is doing virtual online with Connections Academy.

[JackInAZ]

We are beginning our first experience with workcamping in a chain of RV resorts in Arizona. They require just 12 hours per week from each of us and a commitment to April 15, when AZ temps are unfortunately triple-digit. In exchange, we are given free lot rent and all utilities (roughly about 800/month value). And since they pay for the utilities, we can bear the triple digits in April with air conditioners blasting away nonstop.

Another consideration in your decision is that the benefits you receive are taxable and this resort issues a W2 to include with your federal/state income tax. Nothing is free it seems.

[Crossroadscampi]

Thank you so much.

[2012Coleman]

Crossroadscamping wrote:
Some adults may have done lousy jobs, but not all. I believe in honesty in any application and job searching process. Not only that I have a reputable CG that is willing to give a reference for us and our son. As soon as they have an opening we are next in line for hosting. Would you say an elderly couple with pets would have to much "baggage"? Or is it because we are a family that want to do this? I always believe in that to each their own opinion. And yes I agree certain family's may be in situations that this type of position wouldn't work. Things are different for each. I respect your opinion. However, I'm going to be honest in my applications and interviews. I will keep everyone posted on our progress.

Good for you! Your positive personality and respect for opinions of others, most likely has had a positive impact on your son. In your case, I can see that the "Adults" are doing a fine job.

Good luck at Yogi Bear - it's great to have taken chances and been successful! 🙂

[Crossroadscampi]

Thanks. We are all excited

[nycsteve]

Best of luck in your position. You'll do fine.

[Crossroadscampi]

We are happy to say we have signed a job offer with a Yogi Bear Campground for the 2016 Season. We had to choose between that and another position. We were up front about our son and the were happy to include him. I love the family oriented campgrounds. I would also recommend to newcomers to join the Koa Kampers team, for only $35 a year you have access to their job database. Thanks for all the advice. We will stay in touch and read more about how to make our experience a success.

[Crossroadscampi]

Thank you for the inspiring post. Like I have stated before we researched and knew we wanted to do after kids graduated and moved on their own. But after a few recent trips we see such positive improvements with our son. So now we are redoing our search and readjusting our search now.

[Irover]

I know for fact that most especially in the South show a lot of respect for their elders. I moved to Florida in 1993; noticed it then. I then started work camping in 1999; worked in NY state; then in Maryland; Virginia; Mississippi where I really noticed respect; Iowa; Ky and now retired in Tn where I hear most folks call everyone; Sir; Mam; or just a friendly hello. Did i forget; Sweety and Sweetheart. I believe you will all will do just fine.
I say search; search and research making sure this is the life you want. I seen many couples doing this and some with kids; pets are kids too.

[Crossroadscampi]

Some adults may have done lousy jobs, but not all. I believe in honesty in any application and job searching process. Not only that I have a reputable CG that is willing to give a reference for us and our son. As soon as they have an opening we are next in line for hosting. Would you say an elderly couple with pets would have to much "baggage"? Or is it because we are a family that want to do this? I always believe in that to each their own opinion. And yes I agree certain family's may be in situations that this type of position wouldn't work. Things are different for each. I respect your opinion. However, I'm going to be honest in my applications and interviews. I will keep everyone posted on our progress.

[DianneOK]

I say....give it a try, but be completely honest with the prospective employers. Let them make the decision.

[darsben]

Crossroadscamping wrote:
Thanks for insight, but our situation is different. He socializes great with other campers, especially new people. We have talked therapists and doctors. It is great idea for him. He has mild Tourette's. We go camping a lot and visit one in particular. While camping no one, even new people notice his conditions. Our original plan was after he graduated and moved out on his own. He wants to travel with us. Once again we are taking in consideration advice from his health care providers. Our children have always come first. And to be able to work on diverse conditions and learn life, we as adults need to teach acceptance to our children no matter wha our disabilities, race, religion, gender, or sexual preference in order to survive with peace in our society. My son is the type to give shirt off his back if he saw you needed it more. He opens doors to elders, helps in whatever way he can. Has upmost respect to opposite sex and same as well to elders. Always willing to help. Gentle heart for animals. I am glad things worked for your daughter. But also consider what works for one does not work for all. My children are my number one priority as is their well being.

You say "we as adults need to teach acceptance to our children no matter wha our disabilities, race, religion, gender, or sexual preference in order to survive with peace in our society"
So far adults have done a lousy job.
Again I state " you have to much baggage. The CG is trying to do business not be a social reform place. The attributes you share about your son are great BUT a prospective employer does not know this so why take chance ? A quality CG has people lined up for work a terrible place might employ you.

[Crossroadscampi]

I agree. That is what I have seen.

[NoVa_RT]

Really looking for something with site and salary or at least able for one of us to get a part time outside of campground.

That may be the biggest hurdle. I don't claim any expertise, but it seems like most of the positions are looking for part-time volunteer labor in exchange for a free campsite, usually with a commitment of at least a month, if not the entire season. Salary may be harder to find. The workamping time may also limit your ability to work outside the campground, too.

[Crossroadscampi]

Thanks for insight, but our situation is different. He socializes great with other campers, especially new people. We have talked therapists and doctors. It is great idea for him. He has mild Tourette's. We go camping a lot and visit one in particular. While camping no one, even new people notice his conditions. Our original plan was after he graduated and moved out on his own. He wants to travel with us. Once again we are taking in consideration advice from his health care providers. Our children have always come first. And to be able to work on diverse conditions and learn life, we as adults need to teach acceptance to our children no matter wha our disabilities, race, religion, gender, or sexual preference in order to survive with peace in our society. My son is the type to give shirt off his back if he saw you needed it more. He opens doors to elders, helps in whatever way he can. Has upmost respect to opposite sex and same as well to elders. Always willing to help. Gentle heart for animals. I am glad things worked for your daughter. But also consider what works for one does not work for all. My children are my number one priority as is their well being.