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.

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 May 16 and 17, 2009. This year, Cleanup Day is scheduled prior to Memorial Day weekend as so many roads, parks, schools and other public recreation areas need help before the crush of summertime visitors.

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 1,600 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.

After nearly 20 years of assisting our state and national parks with wonderful Good Sam Volunteers, we have streamlined the process by working with our friends at Take Pride in America. Take Pride in America is a division of the Interior Department and works with all government agencies throughout our country to identify volunteer opportunities and place volunteers. It also allows you, as a volunteer, to log your volunteer hours to earn recognition from the President and the Department of Interior.

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!