The Standby Sams program is a network of volunteers who provide emergency information and referrals to fellow Good Sam members traveling through their local area. There are more than 1,600 Standby Sam volunteers throughout the United States and Canada.

Standby Sams have helped hundreds of Good Sam members over the years by providing contact information for local campgrounds, mechanics, medical assistance – even a good restaurant! If you’re interested in volunteering as a Standby Sam, click on the link below. We are currently accepting applications for our 2009-2010 directory.

Under the direction of each state/provincial director, members volunteer to take on tasks such as planting new gardens, maintaining existing landscape, building overhead shelters, cleaning up debris, welcoming visitors, manning information booths, and completing light maintenance tasks. Each park defines its own volunteer assignments and these will differ from park to park.

The annual National Cleanup Day will be held September 6-7, 2008. This year, Cleanup Day will be held later in the year since so many roads, parks, schools and other public recreation areas need help after the crush of summertime visitors. We have free trash bags for everyone participating, which we will ship to you upon request.

One of the greatest benefits of Good Sam membership comes from the wonderful people you meet at club functions. Over the years, thousands of members have formed their own chapters to host outings, campouts and volunteer activities. Local chapters report to state or provincial directors who have volunteered their time to be the contact point for events in their state or province.

More than 1,700 local Good Sam chapters host a variety of fun activities, and many volunteer for worthwhile community projects. Find out more about chapters in your area by contacting your state or provincial director at the link below, or call (877) 496-6426. Visit the Event Locator link, below, for information about Good Sam-sponsored state and provincial Samborees.

Retired or have the summer off? Enjoy camping in the nation’s parks and helping others? Consider joining the more than 15,000 Good Sam members who have volunteered as campground hosts. Some of the participating parks include Denali National Park and Preserve in Alaska, Sequoia National Park in California, Mesa Verde in Colorado, Daniel Boone National Forest in Kentucky, and Allegheny National Forest in North Carolina and Pennsylvania.

We ask for a 60-day commitment, and host arrangements vary from site to site. Volunteers receive a free campsite that includes RV parking with hookups. Hosts play a vital role in keeping parks open. Responsibilities can include registering guests, welcoming campers and assisting rangers.

Interested in volunteering? We are accepting applications for Campground Hosting in 2009. Call (800) 234-3450 or click on the link below.

Nearly 10,000 volunteer Good Sam Chapter members have helped clean up more than 500 miles of highways in the United States and Canada through the Adopt-A-Highway program. If you are interested in volunteering for this worthy cause, contact your state or provincial director at the link below.

Good Sam’s new charity, Hole in the Wall Camps, helps give seriously ill children a fun and safe summer camp experience. Founded in 1988 by the late actor and philanthropist, Paul Newman, the camps provide a positive, life-changing experience for everyone involved.

There are 10 camps in the United States and Europe, with more in the works. No child is charged for attending a Hole in the Wall Camp, and costs run approximately $2,500 per camper per week. The camps have given more than 135,000 children the opportunity to connect with nature, experience success, build self-esteem but most importantly have fun!