Well, a surprising number of replies!
I have been following this, reading and re-reading the posts so as to understand where folks are coming from. I know there will always be conflicting points of view and there has been some interesting replies but I'm baffled by some of the replies and to be honest, the almost hostile negativity.
Folks seem to forget, we live in a barter system, this exchange of work for accommodation and food is barter, and, as has been pointed out, a few times, 25 hours work (of this type) would not provide you with enough money to house and feed you for a week up here. Some basic calculations have been posted on here, possibly other folks greater personal income or expectations skews their views?
For some, perhaps, it would sit better if it was called 'work exchange' or something like that rather than 'volunteering', although you can pay to volunteer for other business's and charities?
Referring to it as 'slave labour' I find quite sad.
Surprising that some folks have now made assertions and assumptions about a small business that they know nothing at all about other than, possibly, had a look at on the internet. Pretty poor by my standards on BCUK which is a public forum!
I would be very, very, very surprised if they were operating outside of employment regulations and having had people there from all around the globe they will know what their responsibilities are. I do not know the owners, they are an established business, I have only heard good things and have no reason to believe they are anything other than totally legit.
Charities have been mentioned, have you seen what some of the CEO's of Registered Charities are paid? A lot of them are personally in a very good financial position and probably don't need the money anyway, alright they may not be able to sustain their present lifestyle so easily.
Volunteers, I know folks who have, some, not all, have been worked to the bone and lived in poor accomadation with payed employees of the charity directing them and using emotional blackmail to keep them there and at it.
Charities are a money making enterprises, ethically better? Not so sure when you find out how much of the income actually gets through to where it should be spent and goes on direct aid! I've seen an old tramp trying to buy a jumper with only a couple of quid in charity shop (won't mention which one), he was a quid short and they refused!
The only reason I posted the opportunity in the first place was due to the experience I had when I first started in the outdoor pursuits world, hence stating that it would suit a youngster or some one with no responsibilities.
Ok, it was some time ago but when I started I received £35 a week plus board and accommodation in a mobile home. I worked 5.5 days a week, 7.30a.m. - 8.30p.m., sometimes later, yes we had breaks. We received some sport specific training and there were only a few qualifications to be gained back then as they weren't legally required. It wasn't well paid but I had a great time, fab environment, good people to meet, the owners were ace and the training we received in pastoral care, etc; was excellent. In short it was an fantastic springboard opportunity and a superb foundation.
I have thought carefully before making the following statement, remembering that it's only for a short period.
I know if I was, or when I was, younger I'd be well up for this, a bit of work learning and acquiring skills as I go and furthering my personal development, no worry about food and accommodation and I could spend the rest of my time in an area with Freedom Of Access, bushcrafting, climbing, walking, canoeing, etc: What an experience, the stuff that memories are made from, you only have one life!
I will certainly think twice about posting anything similar on here.
