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Ta Dah! Rendezvous A Success!

24 Oct 2011        By editor

A Step in the Right Direction

The second Rendezvous of 2011 in Heber Springs, Arkansas was quite a success.  We are still marveling what a great group of members we have.  The energy and enthusiasm of both members and presenters will be something to remember for months ahead.  We all had so much fun and can’t wait to post some of the videos and photos in the near future.  Thank you all for your kind comments and suggestions for the next one.

2012 Rendezvous Dates Announced

We hope you will mark your calendars now and plan to attend either of the Workamper Rendezvous events scheduled at the same venue in Heber Springs, Arkansas.  The dates are:

April 17-19, 2012 and October 23-25, 2012

Why Heber Springs Arkansas?   This is the home of Workamper News, Inc. and everyone that has been to the Heber Springs Community Center will tell you what a wonderful venue it is.  Attendees were amazed at how beautiful, functional, and friendly the staff are at the Center.  Not only that, the Mayor dropped by again to invite everyone to enjoy the facilities at no cost while here.  Gym, exercise machines, classes, aquatic center with arthritis pool and more.  The U.S. Army Corps of Engineer campgrounds are top-rated, and Greers Ferry Lake is renowned as one of the top cleanest lakes in the country.   For us to hold the Rendezvous at another location away from our home base would be cost-prohibitive.  Not only does the staff devote many hours to setting up and breaking down, we have a team of wonderful volunteers to help.  Besides that, there are a lot of things for attendees to do if they plan to come and spend some time in our region.

Most people did camp at one of the USACE campgrounds which were just 5-10 minutes away from the venue.  There were others that flew or drove their cars here and stayed in local motels. Everyone seemed very pleased with accommodations.

We had beautiful weather most days, although temperatures dropped and the wind picked up with some rain the very night we planned to utilize the campground shelter and we had to move it indoors.  We can only hope for the future!  What a difference one day can make from another in fall or spring weather!

The October event was the same as the April Rendezvous in 2011, with the exception that Mark Kohler attended in person.  Oh, what a hoot he is, despite talking about taxes and making money!  Nothing boring about Mark; he’s a true comedian!  Very quick-witted besides being a genius when it comes to saving on taxes.

Jaimie Hall Bruzenak was a stand-out in her red cowboy hat and her seminar was standing-room only.  Everyone loved hearing Arline Chandler share about all the people she’s met and wonderful places she and her husband have been.  The slideshow is a travelogue of most people’s Bucket List.  George Montgomery gave very useful information to important tax planning record-keeping, corporate entity selection and the importance of a domicile. Terry and Evada Cooper—the nicest people you’ll ever meet—were very popular with their RV maintenance and RV kitchen tips and tricks.

Everyone said they wished they could either bottle Jody Anderson Duquette’s energy and cuteness and the gals loved Luke.  Attendees that had been Workampers for years soon realized just how much they had under-utilized the Workamper News website, resources and tools until Jody and Luke gave them a guided tour.

It was great for attendees to learn more about the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ history and job or volunteer opportunities from Carolyn Bauer, Manager at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Volunteer Clearinghouse.  They have helped Workampers find positions for over 20 years. One couple reported how thrilled they were to be hired on at beautiful Estes Park in Colorado.

Phillip Schafer, Workamper Liason at Amazon, Inc. spoke about the job opportunities working at several of Amazon’s fulfillment centers.  They hire more than a thousand Workampers for the holiday season! Several workampers were heading straight there to be Santa’s Elves right after the Rendezvous ended.

Kathy Jo Anderson did a wonderful job organizing the event’s activities, making sure everything and every staff member and volunteers were in place.  She is the queen of Behind The Scenes.  Her small stature didn’t hinder her as the Store manager, and all went very well there.  There were a few books we ran out of, but the orders will be filled promptly in the coming week.  Many Sewiepigs went home with attendees, but there are many more still looking for homes to do the jobs they were designed for.

Our Commander in Chief and Director of Possibilities, Steve Anderson, was his jovial self and he served as the Master of Ceremonies as well as an awesome Presenter.  Those that had a chance to meet him now realize his enthusiasm and appreciate his vision for Workampers.

Bill Albright who so patiently answers all your questions when you call the office and part-time Vangie Stone who is an office-assistant dynamo were introduced the first day…then returned to the office to man the phones and get store orders out.

Tempa Davis and husband Fred—they are just the best friends Workamper News has!  Each of them volunteered in so many capacities to make the Rendezvous a success, and we truly couldn’t do without them.   During the Rendezvous, Tempa mostly helped out at  the on-site Store, taking and processing orders.   Fred’s primary job during the event was as videographer/interviewer  (my assistant who often worked alone when I was away acting as Girl-Friday and roving reporter).

George Bruzenak (Jaimie’s husband) was our videographer/cameraman.  You will appreciate his hard work when you see all the photos and videos we will be posting on our website.

Other volunteers included Lee Smith, husband of Arline Chandler Smith, who carried out various duties throughout the event and my husband, Grady Smith, who was Guy-Friday. He greeted folks and minded the Sewiepig pen.  He made so many great friends and shared lots of laughs.

Last but not least, a big Thank You goes out to Greg and Debbie Robus, the founders of Workamper News who always jump in to help behind the scenes, in front of the scenes and every which way but loose!

Everyone jumped in with set-up and break-down and everything went very smoothly.   (If there was anything, I didn’t get a hint of it!)

As you can see, it takes just about a village to put on the Rendezvous and we appreciate each and every one of our staff, our volunteers and all the member and dreamer friends we met!

Get a Bulls-Eye With Lifetime Membership

We are getting down to the wire for the LIFETIME GOLD MEMBERSHIP opportunity!   This rare offer ends in ONE WEEK.  Monday, October 31st is the LAST DAY you can sign up as a Lifetime Gold Member and never have to pay dues again.  More importantly, you will be a GOLD member with all the best resources and tools available for your use—forever.

The best way to determine if this opportunity is for you is to look at all it has to offer.  First, let’s look at the price.  If you are a current member, you are paying ANNUALLY $33.00 for a Basic membership; $48.00 for a WorkamperPlus membership; $90 for a Silver membership; or $198.00 for a Gold membership.

The average number of years Workampers remain members is about SEVEN years. Using the WorkamperPlus member as an example, at $48.00 annually, you will save $37.00 in membership dues at today’s rates over a period of four years.  But let’s face it:  the chances that we won’t have to raise the annual rates during the seven year period at least once or twice is slim…therefore, you are saving even more.  Postage keeps going up, up, up, as do printing costs and everything else.

If you became a GOLD member when Club Workamper was first launched, you paid $199.00 to become a member for 12 months.  If you wish to become a LIFETIME member now, you would get credit for what you already spent ($198) towards the Lifetime price.  You would pay $101 for a Lifetime Gold membership.

However, PRICE is far from the best reason to become a LIFETIME GOLD MEMBER!!!!  The tools and resources the GOLD members are afforded are the REAL reasons you should take advantage of this opportunity.

TAKE A PEEK at all the ADVANTAGES Gold Level Members have included FOR FREE at their membership level.  Then, sign up THIS WEEK!!!!

National Assn. of RV Parks & Campgrounds

Did you miss the Webinar on October 13, 2011 that the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (ARVC) presented?  They are offering an educational program on communication, health & safety, technology, guest services, and general industry knowledge, to help open doors for you.  To learn more about their program, you can view the recorded webinar.

Workamper Calendar:

Workamper Campfire – October 25, 2011 - 3:00 p.m. CT

1 p.m. PT/2 p.m. MT/3 p.m. CT/4 p.m. ET

Join other Workampers and Workamper Dreamers who have questions about Workamping and would like to have them discussed around the campfire.  You can submit your question and we will do our best to provide input on your question during the event.  Please submit your question when you register if you can.  We will also take live questions during the Campfire event.

DNC Parks at Yellowstone – Jobinar–October 26, 2011 – 12:00 p.m. CT 

10 a.m. PT/11 a.m. MT/12 p.m. CT/1 p.m. ET

Make life-long friends while enjoying first-hand the amazing wonders of living in Yellowstone National Park.  Positions go from May/June through August/September. Full hookup RV sites and employee meals available.   Find out all about it by participating in this live webinar where you can ask all your questions!  You can also learn details by visiting their Featured Employer Page at Workamper.com.

To register for the jobinar, click HERE.

Join The Discussions On These Hot Topics!

At the Workamper News Forums Site–

  • Where are you headed for your “Winter Jobs?” Add yours at the Workampers Forum (Member-only);
  • If you are researching employers, start at the Workamper Experiences Forum (Member-only);
  • Post your images at the Workamper Images Forum and check out the ones already there!
  • Tell us about your experience at “Another Season Comes to a Close” at the General Workamping Forum;
  • Will you be able to be “Home for the holidays”? How do you feel about it? Share yours at the Full-timing Forum;
  • Solos- let’s hear from you at the Solo Workamping Forum;
  • Check out the latest projects at the DIY, Mods & Upgrades Forum.  You can upload photos too!
  • “Ants, ants, ants everywhere!!! Need your help!” Join in at the Workamper Interests and Hobbies Forum.

Log in (or register at) Workamper Forums

Category: Editor, Other, WKN Forums, WKN Info & Updates  Tags: , , , ,  Comments off

We Have the A’s for Your Q’s

26 Sep 2011        By editor

Doing Our Best to Give You Answers

A big issue for RVers, of course, is living in and maintaining an RV—whether a motorhome, Fifth Wheel or travel trailer.

At the first Workamper Rendezvous, nearly half of the attendees were not yet active Workampers.  They were exploring the Workamping lifestyle by attending the expert seminars, talking to experienced Workampers and Employers in attendance.  Many of them had a natural fear of the unknown about whether they were capable of jumping into the RVing lifestyle.

Having the ability to listen and interact with experts like Terry and Evada Cooper, experienced Workampers at the Roundtables or social events scheduled, and getting answers to SO many questions proved to be a fantastic experience.  It is hoped that more people take advantage of the great seminars on October 18-20, 2011, as well as the Bonus Day seminars the experts offer.

Terry has often been called “America’s RV Expert,” but Workampers know him as “Terry Cooper – the RV Professor.”  Terry is a Master-Certified RV technician, a licensed insurance claims adjustor, a recently retired college instructor, and is the Chairman of the Education Committee of the Texas RV Association.  He and his wife Evada own Mobile RV Academy – a technical training school for RV technicians and RV consumers.

Terry and Evada travel all over the country attending RV shows, rallies and visiting dealerships teaching the RV consumer how to enjoy the RV experience. Now, an opportunity to learn from both of them will be presented to YOU in very comfortable surroundings at Heber Springs Arkansas’ state-of-the-art Community Center.

”The Texas RV Professor” knows just about everything there is to know about RV maintenance and repair. A presentation by Terry is always interesting and very informative. His intention is to answer all those RV tech questions that ordinarily come up to RVers and to help them perform routine maintenance on their RV and keep it out of the expensive RV service departments which now charge over $100 typically per hour for labor. Evada, or “Lady E” will give a presentation on the RV kitchen, where her expertise lies.  Talk about “must haves” for your RV kitchen and how to stay organized. She will have her book, the “RV Centennial Cookbook”  on hand for you to purchase and she will be glad to autograph it!

“Times are tough and I can certainly appreciate finding ways to cut costs of living,” says Cooper.  Most RVers want to stay mobile and away from problems preventing them from enjoying their camping or RV living experiences, which frequently takes them far away from anywhere close to a service center. “Knowing how to solve most problems…or more importantly, prevent them in the first place– is my goal for those that take my courses.”

Terry will be presenting his own eight hour RV Maintenance Seminar on October 21, 2011 (you can attend whether or not you are an attendee at the Workamper Rendezvous on the 18th-20th).  Hand-outs will be given as well as a Certificate of Completion for the tech course.  To Read More Click Here.

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Amazon Jobinar This Week

Amazon is looking for several hundred Workampers starting October – December 2011! Listen to this Jobinar session to learn more about Amazon’s holiday season and delivering gifts to our customers, in a fast paced and friendly work environment! This is a unique Jobinar where you will have the chance to hear from past Workampers! You could help in any warehouse task, such as Receiving, Stowing and Shipping items. We offer complimentary sites with full hook-ups! Feel free to also email us at seasonal-camper@amazon.com

September 28, 2011:  10 a.m. PT/11 a.m. MT/12 p.m. CT/1 p.m. ET

Register for the Amazon Jobinar to attend live or to receive a link to the recording by email.

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WEBINARS and JOBINARS in October! 

October 4, 2011:   5 p.m. PT / 6 p.m.  MT / 7 p.m. CT/ 8 p.m. ET

Mark Kohler’s Introduction to Small Business Tax & Legal Symposium:

Learn from Mark how you can ultimately reduce your greatest expense – TAXES. This webinar will introduce you to his great personality, easy to understand teaching methods, and help you decide if you want to attend the Symposium on October 21, 2011 and/or take advantage of his other resources.  Register to attend by clicking here.

October 12 or October 26, 2011:   10 a.m. PT/11 a.m. MT/12 p.m. CT/1 p.m. ET

DNC Parks & Resorts at Yellowstone Jobinar:

Participate live in this presentation that Delaware North Companies Parks & Resorts at Yellowstone will be giving.   Find out about the amazing wonders of living in Yellowstone National Park. Positions go from May/June through August/September.  Full hookup RV sites and employee meals available. For details, please visit their Featured Employer Page at Workamper.com or click here to register for their upcoming Jobinars.

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Did You Miss Out?

We record all of our webinars so folks who cannot attend live can still access the great information that is covered.

1. To hear the recorded version of the webinar presented last week (Why You Should Attend the Rendezvous) visit the Webinars page at Workamper.com or Click Here.   Several past Rendezvous attendees joined Steve Anderson, and a great overview was given.

2. Questions discussed during the Workamper Campfire webinar for September:

  • We are unsure as to our exact availability date, but we don’t want to remove our resume. What should we do?
  • If I am a distributor of a product, say coffees, is there any license, permit and etiquette information you would recommend if I am working out of an RV site?
  • How has medical marijuana affected drug testing by employers in this industry?
  • Have you noticed much of a decline in available jobs or salary since the economy has been bad?
  • I’m getting ready to retire in March 2012 and am a bit apprehensive. Do you have any words of support?
  • I have a talent that may benefit a campground. I would imagine that would put me in a contracted position. Since I would be a single Workamper could I contract my talent as well as work for the employer?  How would that work?
  • Is there a place I can go to learn to drive an RV before I purchase one?

To watch the recording, visit the Webinars page at Workamper.com or Click Here.

It is always more beneficial to hear the Webinars live. But isn’t it fantastic that we record them for your convenience?  Participate live if you can, so you can ask your own questions, or comment on others.

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Gold Members: Don’t Forget!

September 29, 2011- ASK THE EXPERT EVENT! 5 p.m PT/6 p.m. MT/7 p.m. CT/8 p.m. ET

This online webinar will provide you with the opportunity to ask any and all questions you may have about how to market yourself to prospective employers. Join Steve Anderson, WKN President and creator of Workamper Marketing 101, during this special webinar event and get your questions answered!

Visit the Ask the Experts page at ClubWorkamper.com to register today!

Then, on October 6th at 1 p.m. PT/2 p.m. MT/3 p.m. CT/4 p.m. ET

Mark your calendar for this upcoming  ROUNDTABLE — a private session for Gold members to experience and learn how other Gold members are improving their Workamping lifestyle, get to know each other, and ask questions.

Visit the Gold RoundTable page at ClubWorkamper.com to get registered today!

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Join the Discussions on these Hot Topics!

At the Workamper News Forums Site

  • “Gun shots!” How close do you want to be? Join in the discussion at the Workampers Forum (Member-only).
  • If you are researching employers, start at the Workamper Experiences Forum (Member-only).
  • Post your images at the Workamper Images Forum and check out the ones already there!
  • “Is working for an owner/operator good as a first assignment?” Weigh in at the General Workamping Forum.
  • “WiFI crashing.” Have you run into this problem at an RV park? Share your experience at the Full-timing Forum.
  • Any solos headed to the “Rendezvous”? Let us know at the Solo Workamping Forum.
  • Check out the latest projects at the DIY, Mods & Upgrades Forum. You can upload photos too!
  • “Poll: What RV lifestyle magazines do you subscribe to?” Check off yours at the Workamper Interests and Hobbies Forum.

Log in (or register at) Workamper Forums

Category: Editor, Other, RV Lifestyle, RV Professor, WKN Forums, WKN Store  Tags: , , , , ,  Comments off

R&R: Retirement & The RVer

11 Jul 2011        By editor

R&R: Retirement & the RVer

Workamping is one option to full retirement.  You combine part-time work and less spending by living the Workamper lifestyle, while providing a means for greater health and satisfaction.

Many Workamping jobs do require you to be in good physical health, but not all. Generally speaking,  the  lawn and landscaping jobs, housekeeping and other outdoor hospitality industry jobs  require the workamper to be in good physical shape.  In fact, it’s been said that workampers at any of Amazon’s three fulfillment centers tend to lose weight!   (Weight-loss, good pay, free RV site, short-season. . .sounds like a plan!)   However, the majority of Workamping jobs are part time, giving workers plenty of time for rest and relaxation.  Workampers who sit at a reservations desk or guard house all day may have to motivate themselves to get enough exercise.  If nothing else, let your motivation be that you can continue living the lifestyle you love.

Are you postponing retirement to allow for a greater likelihood of living longer?  There are few today that can retire at the same age their parents did.  The more years you can keep earning money and the less consuming as a retiree, even an additional year or two, you can have greater retirement income overall.  If you can delay receiving Social Security benefits, your monthly payouts increase for each year you delay claiming up until age 70.  “Working an additional year, we found, raises retirement income by 9 percent overall and by 16 percent for low-wage workers” says a senior research associate at the Urban Institute.

When you are deciding where to retire, you will want to look at factors such as cost of living, tax burden, unemployment, crime rate, life expectancy, and of course, climate.  When you are living in your RV, the factors you consider may differ from those who live in a sticks and bricks home. Full-timers often put climate, location and employment at the top of their lists.

The Workamper News Store has numerous books to help you in your retirement planning.  Use the “search” tool and type in “retire” to see all that is recommended.

Ten of the most commonly-aired retiredment issues were posted by Philip Moeler, at U.S.News Money on April 27, 2011.  Below, they are paraphrased and commented on–

Boomers turning age 65 are unprepared for retirement. We haven’t saved enough, done a good job of investing, don’t know how to project costs for the future.  

  • Americans don’t understand finances and investments, which is what is needed so we CAN prepare for retirement.  There are so many internet sites with the intention to educate you–or sell you something. Educate yourself but be cautious as to what you buy into.  I highly recommend Mark Kohler’s books which can be purchased through the Workamper News store.  The best resource you can have in your corner is a trustworthy CPA and a knowledgeable Attorney.  Mark Kohler is both!
  • When to begin taking Social Security payments?  If taken at age 62, payments are only 75% of what they would be at age 66 (age of current retirees).  Delaying benefits at age 66 will raise them by 8 percent a year until age 70, after which the benefits will not increase with age.
  • Retirees must plan for inflation.  Inflation means that the buying power of fixed incomes will erode over time, which means the real return on investments will decline (after inflation is factored in).
  • Medicare cuts are something to fear.    Don’t forget to vote!
  • Look closely at fund management fees.   Are the fees retirement funds charge  worthwhile on long-term investment returns?
  • While we are living longer, we are fearful we will outlive our money. (You can say that again!   Plus, Workampers fear they’ll outlive their RV).
  • Low interest rates are something fixed-income seniors find depressing, yet have to live with.  It is important to keep an emergency  account to readily dip into  . . . but the problem is the cash set aside won’t even keep up with inflation! Financial experts differ as to  how many months of living costs you should set aside.  Suzie Orman says eight months.  I’m sure it all depends on your circumstances but a safety net will make you feel more secure.

A Gift Worth Repeating!

The first-ever Workamper Rendezvous was a gift worth repeating! The staff at Workamper News enjoyed connecting with so many fantastic people, the speakers and employers and heard so many great comments from the attendees, that we’re doing it all over again to enable YOU to attend and reap the benefits.

An encore performance of the first one, featuring the same seminar presenters and activities, is scheduled for October 18-20, 2011 with a Bonus Day on October 21st.  Only this time, it’s going to be better, between a few fabulous additions and we’re pretty certain the weather will be MUCH better.

Fifty percent of the attendees at the first Workamper Rendezvous were Dreamers who determined by the end of the Rendezvous that they believed even more in their dream of living the lifestyle.  Both experienced Workamper and Dreamer attendees declared their desire for a Reunion and that too is planned for April 2012.  The fall Workamper Rendezvous is a chance for those who couldn’t make the April 2011 date to experience what almost 200 participants did.  October in the Ozark foothills should be a perfect time. We know we’ll give it our 110 percent!

Won’t you sign up today by going to http://www.workamper.com/rendezvous ??  We are even offering a two or three payment option for a limited time AND an EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT price of $99/per person (regularly $148)!!  SIGN UP NOW!

Looking for more info about the Rendezvous and how it can be beneficial to you?  Attend the Rendezvous Symposium webinar on Tuesday, July 19th at 3 p.m. CT/4 p.m. ET.  Everyone is welcome to attend! You can register your spot for the webinar by clicking here.

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Join the Discussions on these Hot Topics!

. . . at the Workamper Forums -

  • What “GPS units” do you recommend? Weigh in at the Workampers Forum (Member-only).
  • If you are researching employers, start at the Workamper Experiences Forum (Member-only).
  • Post your images at the Workamper Images Forum and check out the ones already there!
  • Find out the skinny about a “Worker’s Comp Question” Check it out at the General Workamping Forum.
  • How do you figure out which “cell phone” works where you are going? Add your experience at the Full-timing Forum.
  • Let’s hear from solo workers at the Solo Workamping Forum.
  • Check out the latest projects at the DIY, Mods & Upgrades Forum. You can upload photos too!
  • You might get a laugh at “Ridiculous!” Join in at the Workamper Interests and Hobbies Forum.

Announcing:  Discounts at the Workamper News Bookstore!

RV’ers Guide to Dump Stations—Sixth Ed.—This guide makes it easy to find public dump stations across the U.S.A.  More than 2000 locations include truck stops and travel centers, city and county parks, rest areas, gas stations and more, listed by exit or mile number off Interstate highways or alphabetically by city or town.  From Roundabout Publications.  Price before discount:  $11.95.

Tales From the Road—  Laugh and learn about RV adventures in this second book of RV travels by Anita Henehan.  Besides the fun stories, learn about awesome and educational places to visit; recommended campgrounds with contact info; suggested activities, sights and resources.  What you really need—and what you don’t!!  Price before discount:  $14.00

That’s all for now, Folks!  Come back next week, same time, same place!

Category: Editor, Other, WKN Forums, WKN Info & Updates, WKN Store  Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,  Comments off

Murder Mystery and Water Balloon Wars?

13 Jun 2011        By editor

Murder Mystery and Water Balloon Wars?

Have you noticed that more and more campgrounds, whether government or private, are offering new types of camping experiences?  There are more organized activities, themed weekends, and entertainment, for those who aren’t fishermen, hikers, bird watchers or simply nature lovers.

Arts and crafts classes to competitive events, outdoor movies and campfire sing-alongs, murder mystery dinners and nighttime scavenger hunts entertain the guests.

Paul Bambei of the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds reports “Many parks also aim to tickle their guests’ funny bone with wacky competitions that range from diaper changing races for Dads on Father’s Day to chocolate pudding wrestling matches and even water balloon wars.  Growing numbers of campgrounds are also targeting their campers’ taste buds with outdoor cooking competitions involving everything from barbecued ribs, chicken and steak to clam chowder, gumbo and jambalaya.”

Other activities listed are:  face-painting; capture the flag; tug of war; campsite decorating contests; scary stories; build-a-birdhouse class; camper Olympics; sand-castle building contests; water wars with super soakers; and, last but not least, at Shelby Mansfield KOA in Shelby, Ohio:  “Kids Get Even Weekend” July 20-Aug.1, in which kids get a chance to arrest their parents and have a KOA Kourt decide their punishment such as soaking their parents with water or giving them a whipped cream pie in the face.”   What I’m wondering: Do parents get a reciprocal event?

It’s just another sign of American culture mirroring neighborhoods today, as kids no longer are seen playing hide and go seek, hopscotch and jump rope.  Very few children ride their bikes to the neighborhood park, or play pick-up baseball or catch. Most children, if anything at all, participate solely in organized classes, teams, and sports.  Considering that most Workampers are of a former generation who were allowed to play at leisure, it seems a bit sad. But at least the events get everyone outdoors while providing means for exercise and socializing.

In order to extend guests’ stays for longer periods of time, as well as broaden their base, campground operators do what they can to stay in business. It’s a mixed blessing for those that seek only quiet and nature-based activities but the activities do provide a lot of positive energy and will lure more people to get outdoors and step away for a time from technology!

You might also notice in more and more campgrounds, you don’t even have to have your own tent or camper!  Park model cabins, yurts, Airstream travel trailers or even furnished tipis, converted train cars and custom-built tree houses are becoming prevalent.

What does this mean for Workampers?   You might want to stay in good shape to keep up!  If you enjoy working with children, there will be more opportunities to do so.  If activity planning or recreation  is something you would love to do, then make that apparent on your resume and Situation Wanted ads.  Be sure to be enthusiastic and to mention any experience you have working with children.  If it’s adult activities you are interested in, many campgrounds offer arts and crafts classes and have woodworking shops.  Ping pong, dances, games, cards, pickelball, tennis, fishing, canoeing, kayaking and paddle boats, miniature golf, and more are often offered and activity directors are necessary.

Currently, Workamper News only offers one book of “How-Tos for Activity Directors,” which is Keep the Good Times Rollin’ by Juanita (Neetsy) Barker.   I’m sure you can find others online or at your favorite bookstore.

How do you know if a campground offers the activities mentioned above?  When you look at Workamper News Employers’ websites, look for “Activities” or “Event” calendars.   Consumers can find private campgrounds in their area by checking www.GoCampingAmerica.com. The site includes links to RV parks and campgrounds, which provide their own “activities” or event calendars to help you figure out which parks have activities your family will enjoy.

Get Educated for Less $$!

Workamper University provides great instructors to help you make your Workamping and RVing lifestyle easier.  Take advantage of these special offers today!

Take 50% off your purchase of George’s Workamper Tax Pro Secrets course at Workamper University.

Tax consulting assistance is usually expensive, though worthwhile.  Now, for just $74.00, three sessions of one hour in length for viewing at your convenience on your computer, using Windows Media Video, you can learn how to use the tax laws to your advantage. Play within the IRS rules and send less money to the IRS by learning how to take the maximum deductions and expenses while living the RV lifestyle.  Learn about the best domicile options, tax deductions and your home base. CLICK HERE to find out more and sign up.

Workamping 101: How to get your first Workamping Job, a webinar home-study course taught by RV Lifestyle Expert Jaimie Hall Bruzenak is now offered for 50% off!

BONUSES–One issue Workamper Plus Green membership ifyou’re not a current Workamper News member; 50% off your copy of Jaimie’s excellent book, Support Your RV Lifestyle!  An Insider’s Guide to Working on the Road with companion CD.

Go HERE for more information and to purchase.

Attention Ladies! Get empowered with the new, monthly subscription service of RV Maintenance for Ladies Program. A total of eleven CDs will be mailed to you and your credit card charged monthly for each CD with free shipping included.  Conquer your fears of maintaining your RVyourself! Further information is available by going HERE.

Workamper Marketing 101 taught by Steve Anderson, is now available for sale at $49.00 by going HERE.  Develop your Personal Marketing Strategy and learn how to implement it.  If you are serious about workamping and causing Employers to roll out the red carpet to you, then take this course at a greatly reduced price for a limited time.

At The Workamper News Forums Site

Join the discussions on these hot topics!

  • “One Night Stays: Campground versus Parking Lot”? Weigh in at the Workampers (Member-only) Forum.
  • If you are researching employers, start at the Workamper Employer Forum.
  • Post your images at the Workamper Images Forum and check out the ones already there!
  • “Laid-off” and “Hello and Unsure.” Add your encouragement at the General Workamping Forum
  • “Looking for people who share our interest in ‘Greendocking.’”   What’s that? Find out at the Full-Timing Forum.
  • Let’s hear from solo workers at the Solo Workamping Forum.
  • Check out the latest projects at the DIY, Mods & Upgrades Forum. You can upload photos too!
  • “Anyone got a NOOK or other e-reader?” Take a look in the Workamper Interests and Hobbies Forum.

Log in (or register at) Workamper Forums

It’s HOT outside! Have you noticed?

You are probably feeling more fatigued this summer, with temperatures reaching record-breaking highs. Some suggestions to keep from heat-related illnesses are below:

  • wear loose fitting clothing of a light color;
  • fill a spray bottle with water and put it in the refrigerator to take outdoors with you to spray your face periodically
  • drink plenty of cold water or sports drinks which contain electrolytes 
  • avoid caffeine and alcohol as they promote dehydration
  • take tepid showers rather than hot ones
  • store your lotions and cosmetic toners in the fridge for a refreshing treat
  • cook outdoors and eat plenty of fruits and salads
  • smaller meals are best
  • protect yourself from mosquito, ticks, chigger, ant and flying insects

Keep in mind that the elderly, small children and pets are more susceptible to the heat.

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Click HERE to visit Workamper News’ facebook page.

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This is a great additional resource to keep up with what is happening in the world of Workamping and to spread the wrod about our great organization.  We can’t do it without you!  Thanks!!

Category: Editor, Jaimie - RV Lifestyle Expert, Other, RV Professor, WKN Forums, WKN Info & Updates  Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , ,  Comments off