Want to try something different on vacation? Why not applying to be a Lighthouse Keeper?
Some of the most beautiful and peaceful places in the world are lighthouses. You can even purchase your own if you want. Most of them are on the endangered species list. Some of them are in need of bad repair. If you would be interested in checking into this venture though, here is where you can find some information about buying one. Check out the General Services Administration. The GSA is the federal governments real estate broker. Their web site is http://propertydisposal.gsa.gov/property/ .
However, the main purpose of this article is about working part time as a Lighthouse Keeper. There are lighthouses located all over the coastline of the US as well as countless ones on the Great Lakes in the Mid West. Many are looking for volunteers. Don’t expect to be paid for your work either. I am sure that there might be one or two that would pay you something. However, most require a fee for your services. Why? Because you are getting an opportunity to stay in an elite and historical building.
While you stay at a Lighthouse as a volunteer keeper, you will have certain jobs to perform. These jobs can vary from cutting grass to painting and cleaning. A lot of times the money that you pay goes for the up keep and restoration of the lighthouse itself. Yet, there are others that are going to pocket the money. If this bothers you, then make sure you do your research ahead of time.
Many Lighthouses provide a Keepers house usually at the lighthouse itself or on the property close by. You usually have to provide your own bedding and food. However, this differ with each location. You also have to be in pretty good shape. There is a lot of stair climbing with being a keeper. It is good to have a comfortable pair of shoes.
Some Keepers have to greet visitors and explain the history of the Lighthouse as well as give tours. You need to be energetic and able to talk freely with these visitors.
Some stays can be up to two weeks. Others or as short as a weekend. Usually you arrive a day before you start and are given the grand tour of what is expected. Jobs and tasks are assigned to you along with phone numbers in case of an emergency. During this time of orientation, you are told what your duties are and when to perform them.
The fees for a weekend alone usually start at about $200. The fees can go as high as $2000 a week plus chores. As I said before this doesn’t include food. Usually 4 to 6 Keepers are used over a period of time. However smaller lighthouses may only require two people. You have to check out each lighthouse, because they all differ. The main reason for two or three couples is to give you free time from your duties. Free time to enjoy the view, take pictures, visit a nearby community, or just spend some quality time with your better half.
There are some lighthouses that do accept children and some that don’t. Lighthouses don’t offer a lot for children. They are basically there for couples. Although there is work involved in being a Keeper, this is getaway time for adults.
There are a few web sites that offer good volunteer information. One of them is www.lighthousefoundation.org . This web site provides everything from membership to other links.
So if you and your spouse are fit and want to get away and try something different on vacation, why not think about being a Lighthouse Keeper. If you decide to give it a try, you need to find a place and make reservations ahead of time as they fill up pretty fast. Being a Lighthouse Keeper can be enjoyable and provide lasting lifetime memories.
