Workamping 101

For any who don't know, we have decided to work at an RV park this winter season. There is no pay involved but for 12.5 hours each per week we get free rent and electricity. There are a few other benefits but we aren't sure yet just what they will be.

Tuesday was day 1. We spent the day with the park owners learning the various duties that we are responsible for when we work. We always work as a couple so each of us needs to know how to do everything. The day started with visiting the shower house in the park and being shown what cleaning is needed each day. Diane understood all of this and me, not so much. Afterwards we went to the office where most of our time will be spent. There are a number of functions that take place when you make a reservation, arrive at the park, pay your monthly bill and check out. Apparently every park has a different way of doing this and where we are working it is a manual procedure. In other words, no computer and/or software systems to learn. I also spent some time with Eric, the owner, learning about pool maintenance, spa treatment and the boiler that heats them both.

THE BOARD IS THE BIBLE

Rule # 1 .Everything that involves a campsite is on THE BOARD. There are very specific ways to enter the info and a myriad number of ways to incorrectly enter the info! The difficulty comes in because everyone that works here including the owners have their own way of doing things. They suggested we work with the other two workamping couples and the owners and decide what works best for us. The freedom to do things our own way does not extend to THE BOARD. I'm sure that future blogs will include a story or two where we have failed to remember Rule #1.

We enjoyed the indoctrination of day one and feel that we have a tenuous grip on the most important procedures but only time will tell. The day ended with three couples arriving within 30 minutes. We muddled through and got them on their spots. I helped fix the WiFi system and didn't crash the golf cart into anything. It all went so well so far that we celebrated with a trip to the local Chinese Buffet. This was the second trip there and we had decided that we  would go only once a month. Now we can't go back until December.