In This Issue:
- Over 100 Camp Host Volunteers Wanted
- Mexico Travel Advisory
- Giving Too Much Of Your Time?
1. Over 100 Camp Host Volunteers Wanted
Over 100 Camp Host Volunteer Positions Posted Here Today!
The Camp Host US Newsletter: Free to all
camp hosts who subscribe
Sites are maintained by Camp
Host US Volunteers
We are your Park Hosts, Bill & Barbara. It is our idea that in order to attract large numbers of volunteer
rv'ers eager to explore the inner cities, designated rv campsites
could be built for the volunteers in safe and convenient locations throughout the cities.
The campsites may be placed near museums, zoos, libraries, parks,
hospitals, government buildings, near airports, lakes, bike
paths, stadiums, the list is limited by imagination and demand. Hope this
helps.
If you would like to discuss this concept along with others join our group.
Visit this group
Sign Up Now by clicking on the link at the bottom of this segment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Volunteering with Partner Agencies of Volunteer.Gov/Gov
Q1 How do I become a volunteer for a public sector agency?
A The first step is to apply for a position that interests you. This Web site can help you locate and apply for opportunities online. Once you are selected for a position you and the project supervisor will sign a volunteer service agreement that describes the work, the time commitment and relevant factors such as training, equipment, accommodation, and health and safety.
Q2 If there are several applicants for a volunteer assignment, must the applicant who seems to have the best qualifications on paper be chosen?
A No. The selection of a volunteer is not a formal competitive process. Volunteers are selected based on several considerations such as experience, education, availability, interest, motivation, and personal interview.
Q3 What happens if I am injured while serving on a volunteer assignment?
A Volunteers who are enrolled with Federal agencies are covered under the Federal Employees Compensation Act, which authorizes compensation for work-related injuries. Prospective volunteers for other governmental entities should ascertain answers directly from these public sector organizations as there is so much variance between states and local governments on this important question.
Q4 What if I have an accident and damage private property or injure someone while serving as a volunteer?
A Volunteers are covered under the Federal Tort Claims Act, which protects volunteers and Federal employees from liability for injury or damage to others while they are acting within the scope of their assigned duties. As stated above, prospective volunteers with other governments should ask about liability coverage afforded volunteers.
Q5 Does the work I perform as a volunteer in a Federal agency count toward Federal service if I later become a Federal employee?
A No. Volunteers are not considered Federal employees. Your service is not creditable for leave accrual, retirement, or other benefit purposes should you later accept a Federal appointment. Similarly, serving as a volunteer for other government entities does not convey any benefits or entitlements.
Q6 Can I add my volunteer service to my resume or job applications?
A Yes. The experience, knowledge and skills you gain as a volunteer are applicable to many paid positions in both public and private sectors. Volunteer work often demonstrates to prospective employers your personal initiative, enthusiasm, and dedication.
Q7 Does serving as a volunteer for a Federal agency make it easier for me to obtain a job in the Federal government?
A Federal positions are filled through a competitive process and are based on many job-related factors. Your volunteer assignment may enhance your qualifications for a position, but it does not guarantee your selection.
Q8 Can a volunteer perform services at home?
A Depending on the nature of the volunteer work, certain volunteer services can be performed at home. The volunteer supervisor would determine whether the volunteer work could be adequately accomplished at home, taking into consideration such things as the need to use Government equipment or facilities.
Q9 Are there age limits for volunteers?
A People of all ages may volunteer. Young people, under age 18, can volunteer provided that the work does not pose a threat to their health or safety or violate Federal or State child labor laws or the policies of the agency's volunteer program. A parent or legal guardian must give written consent before a person under 18 years of age may volunteer.
Q10 Are volunteers permitted to perform hazardous duty assignments?
A In some cases, adults aged 18 or over may perform hazardous duties. If volunteers perform such duties, appropriate certifications and training are required. This will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis by individual agencies. Volunteers may not perform active law enforcement activities. Where careful analysis shows an unacceptable risk to the volunteer's health or safety would preclude volunteers working in such activities.
Q11 What is done to protect the health and safety of minors who volunteer for public sector agencies?
A Every effort is made to ensure that minors are protected and safeguarded during their assignments as volunteers and that they are provided adequate instruction and adult supervision. All partnering agencies comply with Federal or State child labor laws and the policies of their individual agencies in assigning minors to volunteer duties. In the interest of safety, volunteers under age 18 may not be assigned duties involving any of the following:
* Underwater diving
* Use of toxic chemicals or other laboratory hazards
* Exposure to radioactive substances or biological hazards
* Riding in small boats, helicopters or any unscheduled aircraft
* Driving Government-owned motorized vehicles
* Operation of power-driven machinery or equipment (e.g. chain saws, power shop tools, rock crushers, drill rigs, specialized equipment or vehicles, etc.)
* Use of firearms, explosives or incendiaries
* Exposure to any unusual or unacceptable health or safety risk
Q12 Can students receive academic credit for their volunteer work?
A It is the decision of the educational institution whether or not to give credit for students' volunteer work. Supervisors of volunteers are usually willing to provide the necessary job descriptions and assessments of the student's work. Students are personally responsible for making the arrangements with the educational institution and their supervisor.
Q13 May the relative of a Federal employee serve as a volunteer in the employee's agency?
A Yes. Immediate family members and other relatives of Federal employees may serve as volunteers in the same agency. Certain restrictions apply within each agency.
Q14 Can a Federal employee serve as a volunteer for a Federal volunteer program?
A Yes. However, if the Federal employee volunteers for his or her hiring agency, the services must not be the same type of duties for which the employee is paid. It is very important that the volunteer services are substantially different from official duties.
Q15 May volunteers enter private property, when necessary, to conduct their assignments?
A Federal employees and volunteers must comply with all Federal, State and Tribal laws, including trespass and privacy laws. Volunteers are not to enter private property unless authorized by their supervisor. Supervisors are responsible for obtaining appropriate permission to enter private property.
Q16 Are a volunteer's services tax-deductible?
A Volunteers are advised to contact their tax accountant or consult Internal Revenue Service publication 526 for information and guidance.
Q17 Can non-U.S. citizens, residing outside the U.S., volunteer with a Federal agency?
A Citizens of countries other than the U.S., who reside outside the U.S. are not eligible to participate in Federal volunteer programs. The government is neither a religious nor a nonprofit service organization. Accordingly, Federal agencies are precluded from registering foreign nationals as volunteers. For additional information, contact the Department of Justice's Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS).
Q18 Can non-U.S. citizens, residing within the U.S., volunteer with a Federal agency?
A Individuals who are not U.S. citizens, but who reside in the U.S., may volunteer (1) if they are a lawful permanent residents; or (2) if they are non-immigrant aliens with F-1 visa status, who are bona fide students residing in the U.S. solely to pursue a course of study at a recognized, approved institution of education.
Q19 Will the Federal agency pay my travel and living expenses if I volunteer in an area that is distant from my home?
A As a general rule, volunteers are responsible for their own living expenses and travel to and from the location of the volunteer assignment. If funds or accommodations are available, they may be provided. Documentation of any reimbursement or arrangement for accommodations will be specified on the volunteer agreement.
Q20 If I am selected for a volunteer position that requires me to wear a uniform, do I have to pay for the uniform?
A No. Volunteers who are required to wear a uniform as part of their assignment are provided the uniform at no cost.
Q21 What step should a prospective volunteer consider before seeking a volunteer position?
A Step 1 - Identify your personal goals.
Knowing your personal goals will help you choose a volunteer position that's right for you. Ask yourself, "Why do I want to volunteer? What are my goals? Do I want to make a difference in my career, my social life, my community, or something else? What do I hope to gain? To give? To learn?"
Step 2 - Assess your skills and interests.
What are you good at? What do you enjoy? What skills would you like to improve? If you have volunteered in the past, you can think about the things you liked the most and least about your experience. Be specific. Do you like working indoors or outdoors? Independently or with others? Would you choose to work in a behind-the -scenes position, such as a clerical assistant in the office of a partner agency, or in a position that provides direct service, such as a campground host or veterans' health volunteer?
Step 3 - Determine your time commitment.
Be realistic. After completing the above steps, you may feel anxious to get started. Before you do, try making a chart of the number of hours you spend on daily activities--job, family, friends, hobbies, chores, etc.--and see how much time is left. Then decide how many of these hours you are willing to donate to a volunteer position.
Q22 What are my rights and responsibilities as a volunteer?
A Rights:
* Clear, Appropriate Assignment
* Fulfilling Work
* Orientation and Training
* Informed Involvement with Agency
* Supervision and Support
* Development of Individual Potential
* Recognition of Service
* Respect
* Time put to Best Use
* Safe, Healthy Working Conditions
* Right to terminate a volunteer agreement
Responsibilities:
* Be Honest about Goals, Skills, Limitations and Motivations
* Fulfill Your Commitment
* Maintain Confidentiality
* Cooperate With Staff
* Be Flexible and keep an Open Mind
* Stay Informed
* Participate in Training
* Ask for Help or Clarification
* Understand Your Role as a Volunteer
Q22A What are the rights and responsibilities of the agency?
A Rights:
* Screen or Redirect Volunteers
* Request References
* Require Volunteers to Attend Training
* Expect Volunteers to be Responsible
* Reassign Volunteers
* Receive Notice of Leaving
* Terminate a volunteer agreement
Responsibilities:
* Interview candidates for Best Placement
* Provide a Written Position Description
* Treat Volunteers as Valuable Team-Members
* Inform of special events for the workforce
* Provide Supervision
* Seek and Respect Volunteer Contributions
* Conduct an Exit Interview
Q23 What is Volunteer.Gov/Gov?
A Volunteer.Gov/Gov is a one-stop recruitment internet-based website that revolutionizes the matching of volunteer interests and abilities with available opportunities in the public sector nationwide.
Q24 How does Volunteer.Gov/Gov work?
A Individuals will be able to search for volunteer opportunities by the following criteria: volunteer activity, location of opportunity, effective date of the opportunity, the sponsoring partner and by keyword search.
Q25 Where are the volunteer positions located?
A Volunteer positions are available nationwide with several Federal, State and local agencies.
Q26 What types of volunteer opportunities are available through the Web site?
A The Web site offers thousands of volunteer opportunities related initially to natural resources and Veteran's health.
Q27 What other volunteer opportunities will be available in the future?
A In the future, the Web site has the potential to incorporate volunteer opportunities for other service areas across government, such as science, healthcare, and social services.
Q28 What happens once the volunteer identifies a potential opportunity?
A The potential volunteer can click on any opportunity on the list to view a detailed description, which will also include a method for application. Once the application is completed, the agency coordinator will be notified of the potential volunteer.
Q29 What happens once a volunteer opportunity is filled?
A Volunteer.Gov/Gov coordinators are responsible for posting and removing their filled positions. The database will enforce expiration dates set by the coordinator or will be preset by a system default.
Q30 How will the Web site handle information learned about you from your visit?
Volunteer.Gov/Gov will collect and store only the following information: the name of the domain from which you access the Internet (for example, thebarrys.org if you are connecting from Camp Host US); the date and time you accessed the site; and the internet address of the Web site from which you link directly to the site. Volunteer.Gov DOES NOT store any personal identifiers.
Q31 How will the volunteer opportunities be input in to the Web site?
A Each agency or bureau will have a volunteer coordinator or authorized representative who will have access to the opportunity portion of the web site via a password protected interface. The coordinator or representative will then enter the information that will later be provided to potential volunteers.
Q32
A All partners with existing systems will have their current information merged into the new Volunteer.Gov/Gov database
Q33
A Submit a comment off the tool bar and request additional information.
Technical Questions
Q34 What is the kind of system software was used to link dynamic data to the database?
A The software is ColdFusion Application Server V 5.0.
Q35 What database is being used in Volunteer.Gov/Gov?
A Volunteer.Gov/Gov uses Microsoft SQL Server V 7.0.
Q36 What web platform is Volunteer.Gov/Gov using?
A Volunteer.Gov/Gov is using Microsoft NT V 4.0 as the web platform.
Q37 What are the input methods for the data?
A There are three different methods being used to input data. These include: Internet web forms, Automated query robots for existing databases and XML.
Q38 What is the source of data delivery?
A The source of data delivery is via the web/internet, all V 4+ Internet Explorer and Netscape browsers, PDAs running Microsoft CE, and cellular devices using WAP (text only)
Q39 What type of security or privacy protects Volunteer.Gov/Gov?
A Volunteer.Gov/Gov uses an encrypted database, 128 bit SSL, and is firewall protected. In addition, the site uses intrusion detection monitoring.
Q40 What type of data backup or recovery system is in place?
A Volunteer.Gov/Gov will have daily data backups along with twice monthly offsite data backups. In addition, a second redundant server will reside at a separate location.
Click Link Below: Some Camp Host Vacancies Fill Quickly!
Link: http://volunteer.gov/Gov/
Join the Portal
The Federal Interagency Team on Volunteerism (FITV) is privileged to serve as a host for America’s Natural and Cultural Volunteer Recruitment Portal and to provide public sector natural and cultural resource agencies an opportunity to use this site as a means to recruit and place volunteers in their programs. The service is free to public natural and cultural resource agencies. Participating agencies are required to pledge to create meaningful volunteer project work that will facilitate recruitment and retention of volunteers and will abide by all laws and regulations that govern volunteer participation for your agency/organizational unit.
2. Mexico Travel Advisory
Mexico
October 24, 2007
This Public Announcement updates information for U.S. citizens on security situations in Mexico that may affect their activities while in that country. This supersedes the previous Public Announcement for Mexico dated April 19, 2007. This Public Announcement expires on April 15, 2008.
Narcotics-Related Violence - U.S. citizens residing and traveling in Mexico should exercise caution when in unfamiliar areas and be aware of their surroundings at all times. Violence by criminal elements affects many parts of the country, urban and rural, including border areas. In the last twelve months there have been execution-style murders of Mexican officials in Tamaulipas, Michoacan, Baja California, Guerrero (particularly Acapulco), Nuevo Leon (especially in and around Monterrey), and other states. Though there is no evidence that U.S. citizens are specifically targeted, Mexican and foreign bystanders have been injured or killed in some violent attacks demonstrating the heightened risk in public places. In its effort to combat violence, the Government of Mexico has deployed military troops in various parts of the country. U.S. citizens are advised to cooperate with official checkpoints when traveling on Mexican highways.
In recent years, dozens of U.S. citizens have been kidnapped in Mexico and many cases remain unresolved. Moreover, new cases of disappearances and kidnap-for-ransom continue to be reported. No one can be considered immune from kidnapping on the basis of occupation, nationality, or other factors. Criminals have been known to follow and harass U.S. citizens traveling in their vehicles, particularly in border areas including Nuevo Laredo, Matamoros, and Tijuana. U.S. citizens who believe they are being followed should notify Mexican officials as soon as possible. U.S. citizens should make every attempt to travel on main roads during daylight hours, particularly the toll ("cuota") roads, which are generally more secure. It is preferable for U.S. citizens to stay in well-known tourist destinations and tourist areas of the cities with more adequate security, and provide an itinerary to a friend or family member not traveling with them. U.S. citizens should avoid traveling alone as a means to better ensure their safety. Refrain from displaying expensive-looking jewelry, large amounts of money, or other valuable items.
Oaxaca City - U.S. citizens traveling to Oaxaca City should be aware that from May to November 2006, protests in Oaxaca City became increasingly violent resulting in at least nine deaths. On October 27, 2006, a U.S. citizen was shot and killed in Oaxaca City as a result of the violence and disorder caused by ongoing civil unrest in the city. Although recent demonstrations have not been violent, many of the issues that were the basis for the protests remain unresolved. U.S. Citizens planning to travel to Oaxaca City should check on current conditions before beginning their travel.
Demonstrations - Demonstrations occur frequently throughout Mexico and are usually peaceful. However, even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence unexpectedly. During violent demonstrations or law enforcement operations, U.S. citizens are reminded to remain in their homes or hotels, avoid large crowds, and avoid the downtown and surrounding areas. Since the timing and routes of scheduled marches and demonstrations are always subject to change, U.S. citizens should monitor local media sources for new developments and exercise extreme caution while within the vicinity of any protests. The State Department reminds U.S. citizens to avoid participating in demonstrations and other activities that might be deemed political by Mexican authorities. The Mexican Constitution prohibits political activities by foreigners, and such actions may result in detention and/or deportation.
For more detailed information on staying safe in Mexico, please see the Mexico Consular Information Sheet at: travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_970.html. For the latest security information, U.S. citizens traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's Internet web site at travel.state.gov where the current Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, Travel Warnings and Public Announcements can be found.
MEDEX Global Group, Inc. is a recognized leader in emergency travel assistance and international medical insurance. Providing quality services to millions of members and hundreds of global organizations, MEDEX provides peace of mind to travelers and those who care about them.
Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States, or, for callers from Mexico, a regular toll line at 001-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). American citizens traveling or residing overseas are encouraged to register with the appropriate U.S. Embassy or Consulate on the State Department's travel registration website at travelregistration.state.gov/.
For any emergencies involving U.S. citizens in Mexico, please contact the closest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. The U.S. Embassy is located in Mexico City at Paseo de la Reforma 305, Colonia Cuauhtemoc, telephone from the United States: 011-52-55-5080-2000; telephone within Mexico City: 5080-2000; telephone long distance within Mexico 01-55-5080-2000. You may also contact the Embassy by e-mail at: ccs@usembassy.net.mx. The Embassy's Internet address is www.usembassy-mexico.gov/.
Consulates:
Ciudad Juarez: Avenida Lopez Mateos 924-N, telephone (52)(656) 611-3000.
Guadalajara: Progreso 175, telephone (52)(333) 268-2100.
Hermosillo: Avenida Monterrey 141, telephone (52)(662) 289-3500.
Matamoros: Avenida Primera 2002, telephone (52)(868) 812-4402.
Merida: Calle 60 No. 338 K, telephone (52)(999) 942-5700
Monterrey: Avenida Constitucion 411 Poniente, telephone (52)(818) 345-2120.
Nogales: Calle San Jose, Nogales, Sonora, telephone (52)(631) 311-8150.
Nuevo Laredo: Calle Allende 3330, Col. Jardin, telephone (52)(867) 714-0512.
Tijuana: Tapachula 96, telephone (52)(664) 622-7400.
3. Giving Too Much Of Your Time?
How Many Hours Is an RV Site Worth?
Multiply the number of hours you are required to work per month times your
hourly pay rate. If husband and wife are each required to work one 8 hour
day, one day per week, that equals 68 hours of labor per month. 8 hours x 2
people x 4.3 weeks per month = 68 hours. If you are willing to work for the
Federal minimum wage of $5.15 an hour, the gross is $350.20 per month. If
you value your time at $10.00/hour, then you would be paying gross wages of
$680.00/month for the site.
That gives you a starting figure. Then, consider the value of other perks
and figure them into the equation. Only you can decide what the exchange
package is worth to you.
Link: None
In every land, hardness is in the north of it, softness in the south,
industry in the east, and fire and inspiration in the west.
Take Pride in America and Voluntourism
Also known as a volunteer vacation, Voluntourism is the concept of combining destination travel with volunteer service for a more interactive and enriching experience for both the traveler and the receiving community. Take Pride in America offers resources for the public lands Voluntourist, including the most comprehensive online portal of public lands Voluntourism opportunities, assistance in planning volunteer vacations, Voluntourism grants through a partnership with Travelocity, open participation in the Toyota-sponsored Voluntour Across America, and national recognition for outstanding Voluntourists. See the links below to find out more.
Take Pride
camphost.blogspot.com ~ Camp Host US
encourages volunteerism and supports the Take Pride in America
program, which recognizes outstanding volunteers.
General Rules for use of Federal Recreation Lands
Camping
If you are staying at a campground, you must camp only in those places specifically provided or marked.
All vehicles, RVs, and trailers must be parked on your campsite or driveway. Driving or parking off road is not permitted.
Quiet hours are between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. Please be considerate of others.
Camping longer than 14 consecutive days is generally not allowed. At Corps of Engineers campsites only, camping at one or more campsites at any one water resource project (lake) for a period longer than 14 days during any 30-consecutive day period is prohibited.
The number of camping units per campsite varies and is set locally.
Sanitation
Help prevent pollution by keeping garbage, litter, and foreign substances out of lakes, streams, and other waters.
All garbage and litter must either be deposited in containers provided, or taken with you when you leave.
Campfires
Obey any restrictions on fires. Fires may be limited or prohibited at certain times.
Within campgrounds and other recreation areas, fires may only be built in fire rings, stoves, grills, or fireplaces provided for that purpose.
Be sure your fire is completely extinguished before leaving. Do not leave your fire unattended. You are responsible for keeping fires under control.
Vehicle Operation
Drivers must obey all traffic signs and operate their vehicles in accordance with posted regulations, and applicable Federal, State and local laws.
Vehicles must be parked in designated areas only.
Use of vehicles within campgrounds and other recreation areas is limited to entering or leaving those areas.
Pets and Animals
Pets must be restrained or on a leash at all times while in developed recreation areas.
Pets (except guide dogs) are not allowed in swimming areas or sanitary facilities.
Saddle or pack animals are only allowed where authorized by posted instructions.
Fireworks
Use of fireworks or other explosives within campgrounds and other recreation areas is prohibited.
Public Property
Preserve and protect your National Forests, National Parks, and Corps of Engineers Lake areas. Leave natural areas the way you find them.
Do not carve, chop, cut and damage any live trees.
General Notice
All visitors and users of Federal Recreation Lands are subject to Federal Regulations. The points of conduct listed here are included and enforceable through Federal Regulations.
USDA Forest Service
CFR Title 36, Part 261 - Prohibitions, are applicable to the National Forests. Copies of Title 36 are on file at all Forest Supervisor and District Ranger offices.
USDOI National Park Service
CFR Title 36, Chapter 1 - National Park Service, Department Of The Interior. Copies of Title 36 are on file at all National Park offices.
US Army Corps of Engineers
CFR Title 36, Part 327 - Rules and Regulations Governing Public Use of Corps of Engineers Water Resource Development Projects, contains additional information and requirements. Copies of Title 36 are posted on most bulletin boards and are available from Rangers, Park Attendants, and Lake offices.
Specific Regulations for Federal Agencies
Bureau of Reclamation
Rules and Regulations Governing Camping at New Melones Lake
Bureau of Land Management
CFR Title 43, Chapter II, Part 2933 - Rules and Regulations Governing Recreation Use Permits
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