Volunteer hosts- feeding at the public trough?

The headline reads, "Campground Hosts: Volunteers spend summers on government's dime" at the Camp Verde Bugle. Citing a long-time volunteer in the Prescott National Forest, the article implies that Dave Underwood is getting a smoking deal for free! The article says, "For volunteering to keep an eye on things and make sure everyone is comfortable, Underwood is provided an RV spot, complete with running water, electricity, propane and sewage disposal -- all free -- from the first of May to the end of October."

What the article doesn't say is the value the government gets in exchange for their site. Plus not all sites have such amenities. Many lack electricity and propane may not be included either. If the government had to pay an employee to do the same tasks, it would far exceed the value of the site. At even $10 an hour for 40 hours (and many hosts are effectively on call 24/7), they would pay $400/week or $1730/month plus ante up extra for benefits. Is that site worth $1730 a month? Hardly. You could live in a resort with a pool, hot tub and bocce ball for less than that. (See"What is a campsite worth?" to see how value can be figured.)

According to an AARP study, 80 percent of Americans 45 years or older volunteer in some capacity. They volunteer 8.2 billion hours a year, which is worth more than $147 billion. That's money the government and organizations do not pay out yet value they receive.

To imply that RV volunteers are taking advantage of taxpayers by getting a free site is misleading, to say the least. Sure, a site is nice and allows RVers to stay in an area they want to be in. But they are giving back way more than what they are paid. Most volunteer positions for the federal government require a minimum of 32 hours to receive a site. Many volunteers put in much more time than that. Volunteers reduce the paid workforce by handling many tasks that would have to be handled by a paid employee or go undone. Plus, these hosts are deterrents to major damage and trashing the area that would take place without an official presence. They put out campfires left smoldering or enforce the no campfire rules when fires are dangerous. I could go on. The government - and taxpayers - are getting a deal.

Does this strike you wrong too? Or do you have a different take? Leave a comment and let us know where you stand. Jaimie Hall Bruzenak

Comments

[Tim]

I was a volunteer in the Prescott National Forest for three years working as a host for two years at Lynx Lake Campground and a custodian at nearby Hilltop Campground for one year. in exchange for a campsite without any hookups we got to work seven days a week 15 hours per day burning our own fuel in our own truck while making rounds, cleaning bathrooms, cleaning fire-pits, raking sites, and being on call 24/7.

Tell "The Bugle" to blow!

[Jaimie Hall Bruzenak]

"Tell "The Bugle" to blow!" - Right on!

Jaimie

[Karen]

As someone who has been a camp host volunteer in both state and federal campgrounds, I can say that the value the government receives in the exchange far exceeds the value of the campsite and other perks provided.

How can you put a dollar amount on PR? or on the amount of vandalism prevented? or on the countless other things a volunteer does? Taxpayers who may be complaining about the cost of providing a campsite and other perks to a volunteer clearly don't have a clue about how much money a volunteer can save them.

[Walt]

The article, at least, was a bit more positive than the headline would lead one to believe. I think the headline was written by someone trying to create excitement where there is none. Either that, or they are hoping to make it big with a national publication like the National Enquirer.

Walt

[Mike Goad]

Another aspect is that if a private campground were to offer the same kind of "deal," it would probably be against the law as the "volunteer" would likely be seen as an grossly underpaid employee by the government.

I agree that campground hosting benefits the government and the public. Volunteering in most instances is public service with little or no compensation. The "free" campsite is a very small gratuity for the benefits of having responsible people in residence at the campgrounds.

[Jaimie Hall Bruzenak]

I agree, Karen, that the value is way beyond what a site is worth. Maybe, as Walt pointed out, the idea was to get national publicity. It attracted my attention!

Yes, Mike, it a campsite is a small gratuity for the many benefits the agency and taxpayers receive.

Jaimie

[Randy & Pam]

Whomever wrote the article is either ill-informed or ignorant. Dave Underwood is highly underpaid regardless of what he is getting. He provides a service that is invaluable and worth all the 'benefits' he gets plus more.

If the author got paid what Dave is getting paid, the author would not think it was a very good deal, I guarantee it. Dave is on 24 x 7 even if he is supposed to be 'off'.

[Jaimie Hall Bruzenak]

That is so true of camphosts, Randy and Pam. You could get a knock at any time.

Jaimie

[Pamela Wright]

Since the Bugle seems to think that this is such a "cushy" job, maybe they should volunteer for a week or so just to walk a mile in those comfortable shoes that the volunteer host is wearing.

[Jaimie Hall Bruzenak]

Pamela, I agree this fellow has no clue.

Jaimie