When Bob Bergeron, a fulltime RVer takes a ride down memory lane he thinks about how work camping has given him the freedom to live the RV life to the fullest. Bob and his wife Kathy have been RV enthusiasts for more than 37 years. Over the past four years, they’ve afforded to make the road their full time home through work camp opportunities. “Work camping allows you to earn some money, meet great people and still have the time to enjoy the RV lifestyle,” Bob says.
More and more RVers realize that achieving the fulltime RV dream life is very possible with a little extra work along the way. “I would have done it sooner if I knew how much I was going to enjoy it,” jokes Kathy. Today there are more jobs for RVers and work campers than there are RVers and work campers willing to work. According to Bob, the right opportunities and rewards are there and waiting.
Bob and Kathy currently spend winters in Florida where Bob works as both a driving coach and walk-through instructor for new owners at Lazydays, and Kathy works at the Lazydays Campground helping on-site and in the office. Even with different work responsibilities, the couple is easily able to secure the same days off. Those are the days that make it all worthwhile. Whether they’re exploring a new town or relaxing by a scenic lake, the Bergerons have found their place in the sun.
This summer, they’ll drive their Holiday Rambler Ambassador to a KOA campground in Old Orchard Beach, Maine. In exchange for each of them working ten hours a week, their site will be free. “Anything over that is an hourly wage,” Bob says. “In addition to the pay, several sites like KOA offer half price tickets to entertainment venues, amusement parks and even year-end bonuses.”
Another dynamic work camping duo, Rod and Janet Wetherell never dreamed their RV life would include working on the road, but after working for a year and a half, they agree that the fun experiences and new friends are worth far more than the money they’ve earned. “You’d never get to know these wonderful people any other way,” Janet says.
Six months after hitting the road, Rod discovered how much some of his friends enjoyed work camping. He explored Workamper.com and subscribed to their updates, which offer information on employers who are hiring. Rod and Janet also have this summer planned, work camping at a KOA outside Grand Rapids, Mich. Rod has his heart set on the southwest for the winter and next summer, they plan to be out west in South Dakota or Colorado. “The more jobs you get, the more experience you get, the easier it is to get work,” Rod says.
Both couples agree that landing the right work camp jobs isn’t always easy, and just like its land-locked counterpart, it’s about finding the right fit for you. It has a lot to do with the employers and how they treat their people. “The key is always in the ignition,” laughs Bob. “If you’re not satisfied with the job, you’re free to move on to
something better.”
Bob points out that the odds of getting hired increase with a thorough resume.
“I speak French,” he says, “so they scooped me up in New England with it being so close to Canada.” To get the jobs you really want, Bob recommends making your work profile as detailed and specific as possible and updating it after each job. He also suggests researching the site and ownership ahead of time. “It’s always good to interview them as much as they interview you,” Bob advises.
No matter where the road takes them, these two couples have made their RV dream life a reality by finding the right balance between work and play. They have a great attitude because they truly love what they’re doing. Then again, what could be better than ending your workday under the stars, beside the warmth of a campfire listening to stories from newfound friends.
Tidbits for better RVing through work camping:
• Make sure you have a detailed resume and picture ready to send out for potential jobs.
• Enlist in a mail service like St. Brendan’s Isle Mail Forward Service.
They send your mail on-line and scan anything you want to read electronically.
• Always interview the campsite as much as they interview you.
Talk to others who may have worked there previously. Talk to people in the town
who might know the owners.
• Securing a contract is the best way to ensure you will be compensated for your work.
• Register at www.koa.com/workatkoa.com and receive daily job postings from
more than 400 KOA locations nationwide. It’s about $35 a year.
• Check out great tips, stories and job postings
at www.work-for-rvers-and-campers.com/.