Whatcha Do With Your Time? How About Teaching?

While Glen and Rose Woods aren't fulltimers yet, they have a giving spirit that so typifies many who do live the fulltime lifestyle. Ardent snowbirds, this couple from Canada calls Mexico home when the ice and snow turns their northland stomping ground too chilly for their liking.

But they don't just spend their winters hanging out in margarita bars--they spend their spare moments teaching English as a second language to both students--and teachers--of the language. They aren't alone: Volunteers make up the staff of this little school in Lo de Marcos, just north of Puerto Vallarta. And the curriculum in this unusual classroom isn't all about English: Others teach computer skills, arts and crafts, and other subjects that the south-of-the-border young people clammor for.

Learn more about the Woods' experience, and reflect: You probably know something that you can pass along to others. The fulltime lifestyle makes it a natural.

"King of Trails" Needs Volunteers

Got some time on your hands? The Continental Divide Trail Alliance can use your help. The Alliance is putting out a call for hundreds of volunteers who might be available for a few days, a week (or maybe more) in helping out with Continental Divide--"The King of Trails"--trail projects across the west.

"We’re looking for people who enjoy activities like digging new trail and moving rocks of various shapes and sizes," said CDTA’s Director of Vounteer Programs, Susan Westhoff. "It’s a great chance to meet new friends, enjoy spectacular scenery, have a one-of-a-kind outdoor adventure and participate in one of the largest conservation projects in the nation’s history."

Well, even if you’re not into earth moving, the Alliance can still use you. Crew chefs are needed to feed all those hungry hoards who’ll need plenty of carbohydrates and proteins after moving all those rocks of various shapes and sizes. This year, nearly 60 projects are planned in five states, Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado, and New Mexico, at elevations ranging from 4,000 feet to 13,000 feet. Many projects don’t require experience, and a lot of the assignments offer campsites for your RV.

Check out the Alliance’s website at www.cdtrail.org/getinvolved for more information and a volunteer application packet.

Graphics courtesy Continental Divide Trail Alliance

Home is Where You Park It--For Free!

Many fulltimers give up home ownership, and turn to the "home is where I park it" philosophy. But where do you park it? Across the country, state parks are crying out for volunteers to greet campers, give directions, and do a "host" of other light assignments. In exchange for their service, most parks provide a free RV spot, often with utility hookups.

Two such states in need of volunteers for the upcoming summer camping season are South Dakota and West Virginia. In South Dakota, volunteers will be needed this May through September; 24 hours a week are required. In West Virginia, electric and water hookups come with a free RV site in 16 state parks.

Our advice? State parks like to fill their positions early--apply now!