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Habitat for Humanity Hangout (SOLD OUT/Waiting List)

October 18, 2021 - November 1, 2021

Habitat for Humanity Hangout (SOLD OUT/Waiting List) 1

Hobbs Habitat Campground • Hobbs, NM • October 18-November 1, 2021

This Hangout is currently sold out, but 
join the waiting list and we’ll let you know if a spot opens up!

Help create a world where everyone has a decent place to live

During the 14-day Habitat for Humanity Hangout, you will be volunteering with Habitat for Humanity of Hobbs, New Mexico to help construct several homes for deserving families.

Habitat for Humanity International is a global nonprofit housing organization working in local communities across all 50 states in the United States and in more than 70 countries around the world. Habitat’s vision is of a world where everyone has a decent place to live.

Habitat works toward that vision by building strength, stability, and self-reliance in partnership with people and families in need of a decent and affordable home. Habitat homebuyers help build their own homes alongside volunteers and pay an affordable mortgage.

Volunteering at the build sites

Volunteering with Habitat for Humanity is fun, fast-paced, and fulfilling. Although there are many ways to get involved, the main goal of this Hangout is to help get the Habitat homes built. For that reason, we ask that at least one person in each RV plan to work at the build sites on each of the 10 build days during the Hangout.

All skill levels are welcome, even if you’ve never swung a hammer or wielded a paintbrush! You need no prior construction experience, skills or knowledge to help build–just a positive attitude and a willingness to learn. Instruction is provided, and volunteers are never required to do any work they’re uncomfortable doing. 

Habitat will also provide all the tools you need. However, if you do have your own tools, many volunteers choose to bring some or all of the following for their own convenience:

  • Tool belt
  • Hammer
  • Speed square
  • Utility knife
  • Measuring tape

Other volunteer opportunities

Some couples in an RV may have only one person who is able to work at the build sites. In that case, there are several other non-construction opportunities for the other participant to support the group’s work. For example, you can help prepare lunches for the builders and clean up in the kitchen afterward, or you can assist with administrative work related to the build in the Hobbs Habitat office. Again, all you need is a great attitude and a willingness to be flexible!

Hangout schedule

After you arrive at the campground on Monday, October 18, you’ll have the chance to get to know your fellow attendees at a welcome campfire that evening.

Tuesdays through Saturdays are building days. Construction work typically begins at 7:45 am and ends around 3:30 pm (or a bit earlier on Saturdays), with brief mid-afternoon & mid-morning breaks and a one-hour break for lunch (provided) back at the campground. After you return from the build site, you can unwind with the group at happy hour in the campground.

On Sunday and Monday, you’ll get to sleep in, relax and have some well-deserved fun with your fellow Hangout participants! Activities during the weekend will include a visit to the Western Heritage Museum and Lea County Cowboy Hall of Fame (included with your registration fee); optional excursions to nearby Carlsbad Caverns National Park, the Zia Park Casino or the Hobbs CORE recreation center; a visit to a local brewery; and Movie Night in camp. One night, you’ll also enjoy night off from cooking with a catered or restaurant dinner.

Finally, on Sunday, October 31, you’ll enjoy a “spook-tacular” Halloween potluck dinner and party send-off before everyone departs the next day!

Habitat for Humanity Hangout (SOLD OUT/Waiting List) 3

Hangout location

Habitat for Humanity Hangout (SOLD OUT/Waiting List) 4We will be camped in a basic RV campground recently acquired by Hobbs Habitat for Humanity. This campground is located just minutes from the build sites, reducing commuting times and allowing us to easily return to the campground for lunch on build days. 

22 RV hookups are currently being installed in the campground. At least electric (probably 50 amp) and potable water will be available at each of these sites. Sewer installation may also be completed by October, but if not, we will provide two wastewater pump-outs for each rig during the Hangout.

In addition, we’ll have 8 dry-camping sites. Generator usage will be allowed in these sites except during nighttime hours, and two wastewater pump-outs will be available if needed. Potable water is available in the campground.

There is an enclosed building adjacent to the campground with restrooms (but no showers) and a kitchen. Hobbs Habitat is converting this building, a former church, into its new administrative offices and Habitat ReStore shop, and there may be some volunteer construction opportunities here as well.

Is this event right for me?

Habitat for Humanity Hangout (SOLD OUT/Waiting List) 5Everyone is welcome at all Escapees RV Club events. With that said, the Habitat for Humanity Hangout is best suited for adult members who:

  • are willing and able to help with construction at the build sites (at least one person in each RV)
  • are available to volunteer during weekdays

Children age 16 and over who are traveling with you are welcome to participate in the Hangout and work at the build sites. Unfortunately, Hobbs Habitat for Humanity does not permit children under 16 on the build sites for safety reasons, so this event may not be suitable for younger kids.

For events designed specifically for working-age RVers, with most activities in the evenings and on weekends, try an Xscapers Convergence. Or for more of an all-inclusive, guided-tour experience, you may prefer one of our Head-Out Programs (HOPs).

COVID-19 precautions (updated August 18, 2021)

Because the safety of our members and staff is our number one priority, proof of either full COVID-19 vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test will be required to attend this event.

Escapees recommends that members be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before attending any club event. (“Fully vaccinated” means that at least two weeks have passed since receiving the second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines or the single-dose Johnson & Johnson or Astra-Zeneca vaccines). Participants who are not fully vaccinated must obtain a COVID-19 test not more than 72 hours (three days) before entering this event.

    • At event check-in, you will be asked to present either a valid CDC vaccination card showing that you are fully vaccinated OR the written results of a negative COVID-19 test performed within the past 72 hours.
    • If you don’t have a test, have lost your vaccination card, or are outside of the 72-hour window, locations of the nearest testing facilities will be provided to you. You will be required to self-isolate until a negative test can be provided.
    • Participants who test positive are not allowed to remain on site, and will receive a full refund of their registration fee.
Situations in which you may not attend this event

You may not attend this event if any of the following are true for you or anyone in your party, unless you have met CDC criteria for discontinuing self-isolation:

    • Within 14 days before attending the event you have tested positive, or been exposed to someone who has tested positive, for COVID-19, or
    • Within 48 hours before attending the event, you have experienced symptoms of COVID-19 (e.g., a fever of 100 or higher, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, chills, repeated shaking muscle pain/achiness, headache, sore throat, loss of taste or smell, nasal congestion, runny nose, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, or any other symptoms associated with COVID-19 identified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), whether or not you are vaccinated, unless you have obtained a negative COVID-19 test since the onset of your symptoms and within 72 hours before entering this event.
FAQs about the vaccine/testing requirement

While PCR tests are preferred because they are the most accurate, antigen tests (also referred to as rapid tests) will be accepted.

Yes, children who are not fully vaccinated will need a negative COVID-19 test result to attend.

If you are not fully vaccinated, you can get tested at any facility that offers COVID-19 testing. The websites of most state or county public health departments can help you find testing locations. Many retail pharmacies also offer testing. Your event hosts will have a list of testing locations in the area of the event.

If you test positive for COVID-19 before the event, you are unfortunately no longer eligible to attend. To receive a full refund of your registration fee, email a copy of your positive test result to us at hangouts@escapees.com.

If you test positive for COVID-19 during the event, you may not remain on-site at the event. 

If you’ve had COVID-19 within 14 days before attending the event (meaning you are still within the 14-day isolation window), you are unfortunately not eligible to attend. To receive a full refund of your registration fee, email a dated copy of your positive test result to us at hangouts@escapees.com.

If you’ve lost your CDC vaccine card, you will need to obtain a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours before arriving at the event.

Masks recommended indoors

In accordance with current guidance from the CDC, Escapees strongly recommends that all attendees, vaccinated or not, wear a mask when participating in activities or socializing with other participants indoors. Attendees are also expected to comply with all masking requirements issued by any governmental entity or private business.

Other precautions

The COVID-19 health and safety precautions that will be in effect during the Hangout will depend on the state of the pandemic, local and state health regulations, and recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and other medical professionals at the time. These precautions may include measures such as requiring wearing of masks in certain situations, requiring social distancing, avoiding indoor group activities, limiting carpooling, and/or limiting activities that include sharing of food. In addition to the above, you may be required to agree in writing that you will help provide a safe environment for everyone by complying with our health and safety rules, and to release Escapees from liability should you become ill during or after the event. 

Please also be aware that the availability and content of some planned activities may change depending on local and state health regulations and the business’ own COVID-19 mitigation policies.

Frequently asked questions

Yes! Even if you’ve never swung a hammer or wielded a paintbrush, all you need is a positive attitude and a willingness to learn.

Yes, there are several other non-construction volunteer opportunities by which you can support the group’s work. (We do ask, however, that at least one person in each RV participate in the build.)

On build days, you’ll usually be away for 4-5 hours at a time, returning to the campground for lunch. This is a good time to take pets for a walk between shifts.

Yes, if you can’t stay the entire time, you can depart early. However, we cannot prorate your registration fee. We do ask that everyone arrive on the same date (October 18).

The purpose of this Hangout is to accomplish significant volunteer work for Habitat. So if work responsibilities will keep you occupied more than just infrequently, this Hangout may not be right for you. You may wish instead to check out Xscapers Convergences, which feature activity schedules optimized for working RVers.

Children age 16 and over who are traveling with you are welcome to participate in the Hangout and work at the build sites. Unfortunately, Hobbs Habitat for Humanity does not permit children under 16 on the build sites for safety reasons, so this event may not be suitable for younger kids. The registration fee for children traveling with you is the same as for adult participants.

This isn’t the place to wear your Sunday best! You’ll want to wear older clothes that you won’t mind getting dirty or torn. Jeans or other long pants are best to protect your legs. Shoes should be sturdy and have closed toes and rubber soles. Avoid jewelry and loose-fitting clothing or other items that could contribute to an accident. Sunscreen and a hat are recommended in warm weather. Hard hats will be provided if they are required.




Registration includes:

  • 14 nights RV camping*
  • Up to two mid-event wastewater pump-outs (for dry campers and in hookup sites if no sewer available)
  • 8 lunches in camp (Tuesdays through Fridays)
  • Admission to Western Heritage Museum/Cowboy Hall of Fame
  • Catered or restaurant dinner
  • Halloween party
  • Habitat for Humanity volunteer t-shirt
  • Social activities
  • GTHO departure day breakfast
  • Hangout hosts

*Your registration fee includes a donation to Hobbs Habitat for Humanity in consideration for use of its campground and electricity.

All activities listed for this event are subject to change.

Hangout price

You must be an Escapees RV Club member to attend this event. If you are not currently a member, you will be able to add a new membership during the registration process.

By attending this event, you are agreeing to the following: 

  • As an attendee, you assume all risk and danger relating to your personal property, RV and attendance at the Hangout, whether occurring prior to, during or after the event. In the event of loss or theft, no claim will be made upon Escapees, its volunteers, employees or agents.
  • Volunteers may be directing and assisting you in your parking areas. However, it is the driver of the vehicle who is ultimately responsible for avoiding obstacles or dangerous situations, and is solely responsible for any damage to one’s property or the property of others.
  • As an attendee at this event, you are granting your permission to be filmed, videotaped, audiotaped, or photographed, and granting to Escapees RV Club the full use of any such recordings or images without compensation. 
  • By registering, you will also receive occasional email notifications of future Hangouts; however, you can opt-out of these notifications at any time.
  • If COVID-19 protocols are still required at the time of the Hangout, you will help provide a safe environment for everyone by complying with our health and safety rules. If requested, you will sign a written agreement releasing Escapees from liability should you become ill during or after the event.

Please note: Building construction can be dangerous. Although Habitat for Humanity takes reasonable measures to create a safe work environment, you are ultimately responsible for your own safety. As a volunteer, you are not covered by Workers’ Compensation insurance, and you will be required to sign a waiver of liability for Hobbs Habitat for Humanity as a prerequisite to working on a build site.

How to register

There are two ways to register and pay: by phone or online.

  • To register online (recommended), click the button below and follow the instructions on your screen.
  • To register by phone, call Escapees Member Services at ‭(936) 755-1060 between 7 am and 3 pm Central time, Monday through Friday.

Registration opens Wednesday, June 9, 2021
at 10:00 a.m. Central Daylight Time.

We’re sorry, but this Hangout is currently sold out. If you’d still like to attend, please join the waiting list. We’ll notify you if a spot opens up.

After you register

Watch for an email from registration@escapees.com for a confirmation of your registration. If you don’t receive it, call (936) 327-8873‬ and ask for Hangouts Registration to be sure that your registration was processed correctly.

Important: as soon as you register, please join the Escapees Habitat for Humanity Hangout group on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/groups/HabitatHangout/). We will use this group to communicate with Hangout attendees before and during the event. You will also receive one or more emails before the Hangout with more information as needed.

Cancellations

If you cancel on or before September 17, 2021, you will receive a refund of your Hangout registration fee minus a $50 cancellation fee. 

There will be no refunds for cancellations received after September 17, 2021.

Waiting list

If this Hangout is sold out when you try to register, please join the waiting list by completing the form below. There are usually several cancellations before a Hangout…so if a spot opens up and you’re the next one on the waiting list, you’ll get another shot at registration! (Note: please don’t join the waiting list unless and until the Hangout sells out. Entries received before that time will be ignored.)

This waiting list is no longer available because the event has already occurred.

Details

Start:
October 18, 2021
End:
November 1, 2021
Event Category:
Event Tags:
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Website:
escapees.com/hangouts

Venue

Hobbs Habitat Campground
Hobbs, NM United States

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