Greensburg County Park: Our First RV Home Base

Our first workamping experience was with Amazon's Camperforce (see previous post).  Amazon provides a list of campgrounds that their associates can choose from.  Before Chad was even officially hired, we heard that one campground was "the place to be." When he got the email stating that he would be hired (pending drug test closer to start date), I immediately called to reserve a site.  The owner was friendly and helpful and YAY, everything was set up.  As the start date approached a conflict appeared with the campground.  There were not enough open sites for all the people promised sites.  We had to find a backup.  I called all over and all the Campbellsville campgrounds were full.  Less than a week before Chad was set to start and he had a job, but we had no place to park.  I went to my go to: the Amazon facebook group.  A campground in Greensburg, KY (about a 15 minute drive from Amazon) was mentioned.  I was a bit leery, because I couldn't find this place on the internet and it wasn't on the approved list of campgrounds, but I was assured that it would be covered so I made the call.  Ronny answered and was happy to have us stay at the new Green County RV Park, located in the American Legion Park.  I really feel like God was looking out for us.  He brought us to the absolute best site for US.  Green County Park

The RV park area is fairly small.  There are currently only five sites here.  There are full hookups, but no bathhouse or on site laundry (they are preparing to expand to 15 sites and a bathhouse and laundry next year.) There is a large playground right behind our site, basketball court right next to it, ball fields, walking path, and lots more.  Almost everyone we've encountered at the park was welcoming and friendly.  Our kids have loved being there.

The best part has been our neighbors.  It was our own little community.  We take turns walking each others dogs.  There is usually someone around to answer rv questions or to help when needed.  Our neighbors bought candy just so our kids could trick or treat on Halloween and gave Christmas presents to the kids.  I already miss them.

I really can't say enough about how perfect this park was for our family.  We're in a new location now for another workamping job and I miss the playground behind our "house" and walks along the trail and the kids playing basketball on the court next to us.  I loved that it was small enough to get to know the neighbors even though everyone was on different shifts.  I know if we go back to Amazon the experience will be different, but I know we'll try to stay at Green County RV Park.

Amazon CamperForce From An Outsider's Perspective

When we decided to make this drastic change to full-time rving, we knew we needed an income.  I am blessed to be able to stay home with the kids and Chad always finds a way to provide us with everything we need.  While researching the full-time lifestyle one of the jobs that came up repeatedly was Amazon CamperForce.

Here's the basics of Amazon CamperForce:

• Employees work for 2-4 months in the Fall/Winter at specific Amazon locations.
• Amazon pays an hourly rate for all hours worked and overtime for any hours over 40 per week.
• Up to 50 hours of work *may* be mandatory, with the option to work up to 60 hours per week.
• Amazon pays for your FHU site at your choice of approved campgrounds.
• Employees receive a bonus of $1 for each hour worked at the end of their commitment, if they work until released by Amazon.

All of that is great and it's a pretty good deal for a "workamping" job, but it's not the only reason we decided to make this our first stop on our adventure hit list.  The selling point of this opportunity was the community and the wealth of knowledge that is here.  The Cambellsville, KY location hired approximately 600 CamperForce to help with their peak season this year.  Even before we arrived, we were learning from previous CamperForce via a Facebook group.  The first day of training, Chad came home and told me about all the people he and met and their stories of being tour guides in Alaska or working at Dollywood or Adventureland.  The job may be a typical warehouse, but the people make it so much more.

Another added benefit to working at Amazon this season was the Job Fair.  I really didn't know anything about a job fair going into this.  I was just excited to hear about other job opportunities from all the people here.  Everyone here has a different background.  Some have to work all year, some come to Amazon just to save up and have enough to travel the rest of the year, some don't even need to work and come for the experience.  A couple weeks ago, Amazon hosted a job fair and it was a great opportunity.  There were a handful of different employers, but they were from all over the country and gave us a lot to think about.

Now that our departure is only days away, I can say that this has been a great opportunity.  Amazon will warn you REPEATEDLY that the days are long and monotonous and you will either walk a LOT or stand a LOT, but regular breaks are provided and they try to have some fun perks (vary by location).  But like, I said, it's the community that really takes this job over the top.  I've only met a dozen or so people and have been so blessed by them.  I truly look forward to meeting them on the road again soon.

(If you would like to try this opportunity, please contact me and Chad (Empl ID: 101620209) would happy to give you a referral.)