Welcome to the Coast to Coast WWOOF organization. We are delighted that you would like to be part of the WWOOF Canada farm host volunteer network. There are over three thousand volunteers per year who come from within Canada and from 40 other countries who look forward to an experience on a Canadian farm, homestead, residential or urban property. And there are now close to 1000 WWOOF Hosts.

We would like to offer some basic guidelines. The write-up that you have submitted will be part of the WWOOF Canada directory (first 60 words ONLY - or WWOOF Host list as it is commonly referred to) AND ONLINE NOW AT WWW.WWOOF.CA It is geographically placed in the book. Over the course of the next year, the volunteer (WWOOFer) might be attracted by your write-up and give you a telephone call or send you an email. When this occurs is of course, totally unknown. Experience says that March to November, are the times most hosts receive inquiries, mostly via email. It may be someone from Japan, England, Germany or a fellow Canadian who will ask you if they may come and help you. Speak slowly and clearly, if you sense a foreign person, is on the other end of the telephone. Feel free to ask them questions, if it's an email inquiry. Example: Yes, we are open to having help. May I ask why you would like to come here? Tell me, briefly, something about yourself. So, you as a host are free to conduct a mini-interview to get a sense of the volunteer. You are free to decide, and never under any obligation to accept someone, if it is not suitable at that time.
And . . please check to see if your WWOOFer is properly registered with WWOOF Canada. Ask for their ID number when they contact you via email. (if not please contact us - it has happened in the past . . )

When you say yes, tell them where you can pick them up (nearest Greyhound Bus Station, etc) Most WWOOFers will need specific instructions to get to your place. When you meet and arrive back at your place, take a few minutes and give them a mini-tour of your place. Share your family rhythms - breakfast time, lunch and dinner; the quirks of your household (so that you don’t get upset when they do something which has become an ingrained family tradition) Example: after 9:30 .no one is to be in the kitchen or lights out by 10 or having lights out during the day to save energy)

With the tasks / chores and projects you need help with, be clear in your explanations and expectations and be supportive in your requests. Steer them into simpler jobs at the beginning, so that they have a sense of success. Assess their capabilities as time goes on and direct them to equivalent assignments. Communication is the key to a successful WWOOF experience. And expressing appreciation to your WWOOFer is vital. It gives them a sense of contributing to your vision at your place. Remember, some volunteers were attracted to you place because you grow herbs, or have horses, or an orchard, or are involved in something that caught their attention in your write-up. (See also: The Ideal Host on this site)

How long can I expect a WWOOFer to help us?. The international standard has become 4-6 hours per day, 5 - 5 1/2 days per week. If you require a fuller - longer helping day, please ask your volunteer! Most, you will find, will not object, if the manner in which you ask, is supportive of their involvement. If the hay needs bringing in before nightfall, then its clear all hands are needed. If produce needs to be harvested for tomorrow’s farmers market, then the job needs to be done. Some WWOOFers will stay a week or 2, some longer - discuss this with them a few days after they have arrived and after you have had a chance to experience their contribution.

In return for their help, you are to provide them with accommodation and three meals (and snacks) a day. Accommodations ? Most hosts provide a spare bedroom, some a separate cabin, some their RV or a trailer/camper, some can only offer tenting sites. Please try your best to provide them with clean, comfortable accommodations. Meals? - Don' t be shy in asking for their help in meal preparations (washing the lettuce, setting the table, washing the dishes). And please try to provide wholesome nutritious (organic) meals. Encourage your volunteer to also prepare a meal, the Asians when feeling a sense of support, will want to introduce you to their cuisine. Wonderful !!

Many hosts have a WWOOF Guest Book. Any scrapbook will do. Get them to enter their name, membership ID number and address in it (in case of unforeseen circumstances) . WWOOFers have written poems, drawn pictures, and written comments. This is an event (them making their entry in the book) best done a day or so before they leave your place. This guest book can then also become an introductory step into your home for your next WWOOFer.

Health & Travel insurance is the responsibility of the volunteer. Discuss this with them. And last but not least, you will soon meet a broad spectrum of people. They, just as you and I, carry a broad spectrum of qualities. Find out their attributes, become a good host. Being a good host - is communicated magically throughout the whole WWOOFing scene. Acknowledge that it is a huge step for them to enter your home . (as it is for you to share your home) WWOOFing has become a cultural exchange, not just a straight helping exchange. Enjoy your experience as a WWOOF host.

Thank you for being a WWOOF host - thousands around the world are and have benefited greatly in more ways than one.

All the best - Becky Young, Gary & Kelby Eichenauer Co-ordinators of WWOOF Canada