Steven Erkman – Behind-the-scenes of camp hosting

Steven Erkman – Behind-the-scenes of camp hosting

Today I am joined by a Workamper who served as a camp host for many years, and wrote a book about his experiences. Many people dream about Workamping, but few get to see what really happens behind the scenes. Today’s guest, Steven Erkman, pulls back the curtain in a fun and entertaining way through his book titled, “Not The Brochure.” Steven and his girlfriend have spent years traveling full time across the United States and Workamping in campgrounds and RV resorts. Along the way, he collected dozens of stories that reveal the humorous, unpredictable and sometimes chaotic side of campground life. In this episode, Steven shares how a series of Facebook posts eventually turned into a book filled with real-life experiences from the front lines of Workamping. You’ll hear stories about demanding guests, unusual campground emergencies, wildlife encounters and the creative problem solving that often comes with the job. If you’ve ever wondered what campground guests don’t see behind the scenes, or if you’re considering becoming a Workamper yourself, this conversation offers a realistic and entertaining glimpse into the lifestyle. Steven’s stories remind us that one of the greatest benefits of Workamping is that no two days are ever the same. Throughout this conversation, Steven shared how years of full time travel and Workamping provided not only a place to stay and work, but also a front row seat to some truly unforgettable experiences. From unexpected guest requests and campground emergencies to wildlife encounters and daily surprises, he discovered that people are often the most unpredictable part of the job. His experiences also highlight the flexibility, creativity and sense of humor that help successful Workampers thrive. Whether he was helping stranded guests, solving campground challenges or simply observing human nature in action, Steven found inspiration for dozens of stories that eventually became his book, “Not The Brochure.” If you’re looking for a lighthearted look at campground life and the realities of Workamping, Steven’s book offers plenty of laughs and more than a few moments that will feel familiar to experienced Workampers. To learn more about Steven, visit stevenerkman.com [http://stevenerkman.com], connect with him on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/steven.erkman] or follow his writing at Substack [https://substack.com/@notthebrochure]. His book, “Not the Brochure,” is available on his website, Amazon and in other bookstores. Today’s episode is sponsored by Workamper News. Much more than just a job-listing website, when you put the tools of this professional service into action, you’ll find out just how easy it can be to turn your Workamping dreams into reality. A Workamper membership opens the door to a one-stop-shop for all-things Workamping. Being the original resource for Workamping, you’ll find the largest number of job listings, be able to connect with a community of Workampers, and view resources compiled by experts who have been enjoying the RV lifestyle for many years. If you’re serious about leading a successful and enjoyable Workamping lifestyle, then membership is for you. Join today at www.workamper.com [http://www.workamper.com]. Embark on new adventures today with the support of Workamper News behind you! That’s all for this week’s show. Next time I will be speaking with a Workamper who is making a repeat appearance on the show after releasing her new book titled, “Unfolding: Seven Years of Life-Changing Solo Adventure, One Year That Broke Me Open.” I’ll have that interview on the next episode of The Workamper Show. If you like these interviews, please consider leaving a review wherever you download the episodes.

Marsha Hart – Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery

Today I am speaking with a woman from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service about volunteering at a fish hatchery in Kentucky. Marsha Hart is from Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery in Jamestown, Ky. The hatchery raises nearly a million trout each year and serves as a popular attraction for campers, anglers, school groups and families. Marsha explains how Workampers help operate the visitor center, assist guests, care for educational animals and support special events throughout the year. She also shares why this volunteer opportunity is ideal for couples, what makes the campsites so appealing and how volunteers become an important part of the hatchery’s mission. More importantly, you’ll learn about the flexible schedule which gives volunteers plenty of time to explore Kentucky, Tennessee and the many attractions surrounding Lake Cumberland. If you enjoy meeting friendly people, sharing your love of the outdoors and helping visitors discover one of Kentucky’s most beautiful destinations, then this episode is for you. While the volunteer positions focus primarily on welcoming visitors and operating the visitor center, Workampers quickly become part of a close-knit community. With spacious full-hookup campsites, beautiful surroundings, abundant wildlife and a schedule that provides many consecutive days off, it’s easy to understand why many volunteers return year after year. We also learned that volunteers play an important role in helping the hatchery fulfill its mission of conservation, education and outdoor recreation. Whether assisting with fishing events, interacting with visitors or helping behind the scenes, Workampers make a meaningful contribution to the experience enjoyed by thousands of guests each year. For those who love nature, enjoy meeting people and want to spend time near Lake Cumberland, this could be an outstanding opportunity. To learn more about volunteering at Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery, visit the agency’s website at www.fws.gov/fish-hatchery/wolf-creek. You can also contact Marsha Hart directly by phone or text at 270-566-3036 or by email at marsha_hart @ fws.gov. That’s all for this week’s show. Next time I will be speaking with a  Workamper who had such an interesting experience as a camp host for many years, that he wrote a book about it. I’ll have that interview on the next episode of The Workamper Show. Thanks for listening and if you like these interviews, please consider leaving a review wherever you download the episodes.

Stéphane Picard – Night sky experiences

In today’s episode, I’m visiting with the founder of Cliff Valley Astronomy and Canada’s only astro-tourism consultant. Stéphane Picard is helping travelers rediscover something many of us have lost in modern life, which is a true connection to the night sky. If you’ve ever parked your RV far from city lights and looked up in amazement at the stars overhead, you’re going to love this conversation. Stéphane explains why dark sky tourism is growing so quickly and how RVers are uniquely positioned to enjoy it. We also talk about how modern technology has made astronomy far more accessible than it used to be. You no longer need a massive observatory or a degree in astrophysics to experience the planets, galaxies and nebulae that once seemed out of reach. Finally, Stéphane shares why New Brunswick is becoming a dream destination for outdoor lovers, nature enthusiasts and travelers looking for unforgettable nighttime experiences. One thing I found especially interesting was how RVers are perfectly positioned to enjoy this growing trend. Whether you’re camping in a remote forest, parked near a national park or attending an RV rally, there are incredible opportunities to experience the stars away from city lights. I also appreciated Stéphane’s reminder that astronomy does not have to be intimidating or expensive anymore. Modern smart telescopes and local astronomy groups are making stargazing easier and more interactive for families and travelers alike. And if New Brunswick was not already on your bucket list, Stéphane certainly gave us plenty of reasons to add it. Between the Bay of Fundy, rich culture, outdoor adventures and spectacular night skies, it sounds like an incredible destination for Workampers and RVers. To learn more about Cliff Valley Astronomy, visit cliffvalleyastronomy.com [http://cliffvalleyastronomy.com]. You can also learn more about dark sky travel opportunities in New Brunswick at darkskydestinations.ca [http://darkskydestinations.ca]. Both organizations are also active on Facebook and Instagram. Today’s episode is sponsored by Workamper News. Much more than just a job-listing website, when you put the tools of this professional service into action, you’ll find out just how easy it can be to turn your Workamping dreams into reality. A Workamper membership opens the door to a one-stop-shop for all-things Workamping. Being the original resource for Workamping, you’ll find the largest number of job listings, be able to connect with a community of Workampers, and view resources compiled by experts who have been enjoying the RV lifestyle for many years. If you’re serious about leading a successful and enjoyable Workamping lifestyle, then membership is for you. Join today at www.workamper.com [http://www.workamper.com]. Embark on new adventures today with the support of Workamper News behind you! That’s all for this week’s show. Next time, I will be interviewing an employer about some interesting Workamping opportunities about a fish hatchery in Kentucky. Thank you for listening!

Jim Bartleman – A new life following a bad accident

Today I am speaking with an RVer who redesigned his entire life after a brutal fall required him to learn to  walk, write, speak and even swallow all over again. But, it opened the door for him to become a Workamper for a family-owned RV dealership working as a service advisor. Jim Bartleman thought he had life figured out. He was working as a service advisor in the automotive industry, planning for the future and preparing to eventually hit the road in an RV. But, everything changed in an instant after a devastating accident left him in a medically-induced coma and forced him to relearn how to walk, talk, read and swallow. Instead of giving up, Jim used that life-changing experience as motivation to completely redesign his life around what mattered most to him. Today, he and his girlfriend, Caryl Kinney, live fulltime in a Class C motorhome, Workamping at campgrounds in Texas during the winter and working seasonally at a New York RV dealership during the summer. In this episode, Jim shares how he turned a frightening setback into a new beginning. He also talks about why more RV dealers should hire Workampers and how the RV lifestyle has allowed him to reconnect with family, travel the country and focus on experiences instead of accumulating possessions. Jim shares his experiences dry camping under massive desert skies and learning French at a campground filled with Canadian snowbirds. Jimmy Bartleman and a donkey, George, he met at a Hipcamp farm. [https://workampershow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Jimmy-Bartleman-and-donkey-George-from-Hipcamp-farm-300x225.jpg] Jimmy Bartleman and a donkey, George, he met at a Hipcamp farm. Based on his experiences, Jim explains why people should stop waiting until retirement to start living the life they want. Whether he is working seasonally at an RV dealership or serving as a camp host in Texas, Jim found a way to combine his passion for helping people with a lifestyle built around travel, flexibility and meaningful experiences. Along the way, he discovered the value of Workamping and the freedom that comes with full-time RV living as well as the importance of making memories while you still can. Jim also shared practical advice for new RVers and explained why smaller RVs can offer more flexibility. He talked about the growing number of younger people embracing the Workamping lifestyle long before retirement age. If you would like to follow Jim’s adventures or connect with him directly, you can find him on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/sweet_henry.adventures_/] or on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/jim.bartleman]. Most Workampers, like Jim, have interesting stories to tell about their travels and experiences. If you would you like to be featured in an upcoming episode of The Workamper Show, I encourage you to schedule an interview with me at workampershow.com [http://workampershow.com]. We’d love to hear about your Workamping experiences, how you got started RVing, and what you love and dislike about the RVing lifestyle. You can help others explore all the different ways to live this great lifestyle by sharing your story. If you are an employer of Workampers, we invite you to be on the podcast, too. Share all of the details of your Workamping jobs in a future episode. It only costs a little bit of your time. Schedule an interview with me today by going to workampershow.com [http://workampershow.com]. You’ll find the schedule buttons at the bottom of the home page. That’s all for this week’s show. I’ll have another fun interview on the next episode of The Workamper Show. If you like these interviews, please consider leaving a review wherever you download the episodes. Thanks for listening.

RB and Trish Lipker – Workamping as a family

This week, I will be speaking with a couple who traded in a traditional lifestyle in Tennessee for life on the road and never looked back. RB and Trish Lipker have been Workamping across the country since 2023. They have accepted jobs in Florida, Pennsylvania, Texas, Nebraska and now Northern California. For nearly two years, they have been working at Costanoa, which is an RV park and resort along the California coast. RB and Trish share how they got started in Workamping after discovering the lifestyle online during COVID. They explain why they decided not to wait until retirement to travel, and how their daughter and son-in-law eventually joined them on the road. They also talk candidly about the joys and challenges of full-time RV living, including blowouts, lost wheels, damaged air conditioners and learning expensive lessons about RV repairs. You’ll also hear why building relationships with fellow Workampers and campground guests has become one of the most rewarding parts of the lifestyle. Whether they were exploring Gettysburg, visiting Washington, D.C., or simply sitting around a campfire sharing stories, the Lipkers discovered that Workamping is about much more than free campsites and flexible jobs. It’s more about community, adventure and making the most of their time. RB and Trish also offer practical advice for anyone considering Workamping. That includes why it’s important to live within your means, the need to be prepared for repairs, and to avoid waiting for the “perfect” time to hit the road. One of the things I enjoyed most about this conversation was hearing how they adapted the lifestyle to fit their family instead of trying to force their family into someone else’s version of Workamping. Their daughter uses her art education background to run campground activities while their son-in-law works in food service and catering. Meanwhile, RB and Trish have handled everything from campground management and maintenance to reservations and security. The Lipkers noted that Workamping can work for many different kinds of people. That includes younger folks who are entering the RV lifestyle in larger numbers, people working remote jobs and employers which are more open to accommodate people with unique skills and circumstances. I also appreciated their honesty about the realities of RV living. Things will break and repairs will be required. But, each challenge becomes a learning experience that makes you more capable and more confident down the road. Most of all, RB and Trish encouraged listeners not to wait too long to pursue the things they want to experience in life. Their story is a reminder that Workamping is not just about working to fund your travels. It’s also about creating memories, building friendships and embracing opportunities while you still can. If you’d like to connect with RB or Trish Lipker, you can find them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/patricia.lipker [http://www.facebook.com/patricia.lipker] or www.facebook.com/robert.lipker [http://www.facebook.com/robert.lipker]. They’re happy to answer questions about Workamping or talk with campgrounds interested in hiring experienced Workampers. Today’s episode is brought to you by Workamper News. Since 1987, they’ve been helping businesses of all types find and recruit Workampers. Workampers serve in a variety of positions around the country to help further the mission of great businesses. When you become an employer member at Workamper.com, you’ll have access to resources and support to help you develop and implement your Workamper recruiting strategy. In today’s market, it is more challenging than ever to keep a flow of applicants coming in. Workamper News recommends advertising your current and future Workamper job openings frequently throughout the year, as well as scheduling some time to regularly search the Workamper Resume Database because new Workampers are joining daily. Workampers like to plan many months ahead, so NOW is the time to take action to begin developing your Workamper team. Learn more and download our quick-start guide for employers at www.workamper.com/employer [http://www.workamper.com/employer]. That’s all for this week’s show. Next time, I will be speaking with an RVer who entered the lifestyle after experiencing a horrendous fall that altered every aspect of his life. I’ll have that interview on the next episode of The Workamper Show. Thank you for listening!