Camper Check

List

Make

Campground

Reservations.

Provide

Educational

Verification to

your

CamperForce

Team.

Take inventory

of your fitness

level

Why does Amazon need US??

I N S I D E

T H I S I S S U E

Why

Campers?

1

June Referral

Campaign

Wrap up

2

Before you

arrive...

3

Tips from

Campers

4

Site Updates 6

Site Updates 7

Contact Info

Some FAQ’s

8

Amazon CamperForce Newsletter

J U L Y 2 0 1 3

V O L U M E 2 , I S S U E 6 W O R K H A R D H A V E F U N M A K E H I S T O R Y

WHY CAMPERFORCE?

There are a number of reasons for starting what was once merely a pilot for an Amazon Seasonal

Camper Program. First and foremost, along with exponential growth, came the need for increased

staffing. Each Peak, Amazon Fulfillment Centers essentially double or triple the workforce in each

facility to meet customer demand and deliver the treasured Amazon customer experience. In cer-

tain geographic areas, meeting this staffing need is harder than in others. Currently, temp agencies

provide temporary staffing for these positions during Peak. But in the case of these 3 Legacy Sites in

Coffeyville, Campbellsville, and Fernley, we have exhausted every avenue and everyone who CAN

and WANTS to work for us during that time already does!

After trying creative programs and busing folks from as far as 3-5 hours away, in 2008 we stumbled

upon what is commonly called the “work camper”. Who knew there were travel enthusiasts out

there in their RV’s, Campers, and 5th Wheels who would be willing to see KY, KS, or NV while work-

ing a few weeks or a few months with us to help us meet our goals in being the world’s most Cus-

tomer-centric company??

Since 2008, a pilot season when we started the program in Coffeyville with a handful of campers,

CamperForce has now grown to a branded Amazon program that seeks to employ an estimated

1300+ work campers for the 2013 Peak Season!

Again, WHY CAMPERS?

*CamperForce associates are a unique and diverse workforce!

*Most are NOT looking for a career—just a means to supplement their retirement/income/travel

expenses...

*Some need to work, but most WANT to work...

*In general, most have a great work ethic, want to do a good job, and consider their commitment

to be a promise and desire to keep their commitment to Amazon.

*Work campers form their own community wherever they go and frequently gather for social

events, from the campfire to holiday pot-lucks. Campers build lasting relationships that last longer

than the assignment...

*Campers integrate into our communities, often participating in community events and even con-

tributing via service projects and volunteerism.

CAMPERFORCE IS A WIN-WIN for Amazon, Campers, and

Communities!

P A G E 2

Our Mission:

“To be Earth's most

customer-centric

company where

people can find and

discover anything

they want to buy

online.”

Important Contact Information

CamperForce Benefits

Before you arrive to Work Hard,

Have Fun and Make History…

CamperForce Support System!

One of the great benefits associated with the CamperForce program is the sup-

port system in place for our campers. A great example of this is how our re-

turning CamperForce Associates share their experiences and tips with new

campers to help them along the way. Also, we have Trainers, Ambassadors,

CamperForce Scouts, Process Assistants and Area Managers stand ready and

willing to assist you in every way to be successful and have a good experience.

Coffeyville Campbellsville Fernley

2654 N. Highway 169 1050 S. Columbia Ave. 1600 E. Newlands Drive

Coffeyville, KS 67337 Campbellsville, KY 42718 Fernley, NV 89408

(620) 464-2665 (270) 849-2604 775-575-8006

(206) 922-5813 fax (270) 849-2701 fax (206) 922–5818 fax

Camperforce-KS@amazon.com sdf-camper@amazon.com Rno-camper@amazon.com

A M A Z O N C A M P E R F O R C E

It’s so hard to believe it’s already JULY!!!!

It seems like just yesterday it was January and we were attending the RV

Super Show in Tampa and experiencing Quartzsite! We start recruiting

campers for the next Peak Season as soon as the current season ends!

Time has certainly flown. Before you know it the RV’s will start flooding

in to Campbellsville, Coffeyville and Fernley!

This month’s edition will focus on those things to be aware of before

you arrive. Returning CamperForce associates have submitted their best

tips, their best practices in what it takes to succeed during the Amazon

Peak Experience. Our returning campers have been through Peak, un-

derstand it, and want to help to make it a fulfilling experience for you.

Our hope is that when the “Tail Light Parade” heads out in December,

you’ll look back and say we Worked Hard, Had Fun, and Made History!

P A G E 3

Our Mission:

“To be Earth's most

customer-centric

company where

people can find and

discover anything

they want to buy

online.”

You Haven’t Applied Yet?

KEEP THOSE REFERRALS COMIN’!!

JUNE REFERRAL CAMPAIGN

WRAP-UP

We want you to know the value we place on this program for a reason—so you

understand that we are learning more and more every season about work camp-

ers and strive hard to meet your needs as you work hard to help us meet our

goals. The VERY BEST avenue for us to recruit more campers like YOU, is

YOU. Your testimonial of the GOOD and even the BAD helps us find folks all

over the country who might be a perfect fit for CamperForce program. YOU

make sure folks know the environment, the physical demands, and the benefits

of being part of CamperForce. THANK YOU and please keep sending folks our

way!

Step One— Contact the Site of your Choice

Step Two—Fill out the Application and Non disclosure Forms

Step Three—The CamperForce team will call you for a phone interview

Next—Start hunting for proof of completion of high school education! We will need that

before you start work. Make your campground reservation. We will guide you through the rest!

A M A Z O N C A M P E R F O R C E N E W S L E T T E R

There were several who won $10 gift cards for providing us new

applicants to the CamperForce Program!

Thank you so much!

The weekly Raffle Winners were: CAROL HAENIG, PAUL

BERRES, JUDY STOLL, and DONNIE STOTTS.

The Overall Winner of a KINDLE FIRE was

DAVID SEEHAVER!

Congratulations to all the winners throughout the Month of June in

our referral campaign!

News From Each Site

P A G E 4 V O L U M E 2 , I S S U E 6

Campbellsville Corner

Coffeyville Chronicle

Hi All,

While we all look forward to the fast approaching Peak season and the arrival of our past and new friends, here at Coffeyville we already

have 54 Campers in the building. Some started as early as April 25th and we started the last group of Off Peak Campers on July 11th. Why

is he telling me this, you may wonder? Though we did not bring in Campers early specifically for the purpose of testing our new systems

we did end up with that result. These Campers and many more now have created online profiles which is critical as it is the number as-

signed to you when you do this that the system uses to auto generate the emails for the background check and drug test. This new pro-

cess means you each have 3 fewer pages to fax, we have 3 fewer to lose and trees everywhere are applauding our efforts. These emails

will require you to click a link and enter information online, then click another button to electronically sign, and the process initiates.

The Campers who have already used this process have found it much easier and more efficient than the old way. Their experiences have

exposed the flaws in the system and we have corrected those so your experience should be even better. Just a couple of notes, every

individual needs their own unique email address, so if you are a couple who share an email you will need to get another one. Make sure

when you get the SECOND email from “Accurate” that you read carefully and enter the ZIP Code from where you are AT at that time.

Accurate will use this ZIP Code to find the testing site closest to you. That’s right we will find the testing site for you and send the code

you will need when you go to get the test. The email will also give you the 3 day window within which you need to get the test done.

These first steps to automating our processes have gone very well and we are looking forward to further improvements next year. One

day soon you may not have to ever fax or email documents to us again.

Enjoy the summer, be safe in your travels, and we will see you soon!

Well Campers, Summer has arrived in Kentucky! Amazon SDF1’s float in the 4th of July Parade took 2nd place, it’s heating up and the campgrounds and Green River Lake are packed and busy! We recently visited with our Campground Owners and they are ramping up and excited for the arrival of our CamperForce folks—so many have made wonderful friends over the past seasons and are looking forward to meeting the new folks! There is some new “local fare” to look forward to and we are gathering information and goodies from local businesses and Kentucky attractions to enhance your stay with us! We provide the Working Hard and Making History—Campers always seem to add to the “Have Fun” part! We are in the process of getting the start dates set and will be making assignments to the earlier dates soon. PLEASE be patient with us as we begin to make those assignments! The next steps in the process are completing the Back-ground check and Drug Screen process. For returners, this will be a little different as it is automated, but you should find that it is very efficient. Either way, please be looking for instruction in the next few weeks concerning both pro-cesses. The Off-Peak folks who have been working in Coffeyville already have used these new processes —- see below in the Coffeyville Chronicle for more information! We are looking forward to camper arrivals! As always, we are still hiring, so send us other campers like YOU whom you feel might be a good fit!

P A G E 5 V O L U M E 2 , I S S U E 6

Hello campers,

Can you believe that over half of the year is already over and that peak is right around the corner? We are excited for

you to join our family in the next few months!

In order to make this peak the best yet and improve your overall experience while in our town; we need your ideas

and suggestions for fun events that we can plan at and outside of work (think karaoke, pot luck, movie night).

The long awaited 2013 Amazon Approved Campgrounds list for the Fernley site was been published earlier this

month. For those who have worked with us in the past you will notice a slight change to our list of approved campgrounds. To

fulfill our promise of making this peak more of an experience rather than simply peak employment, we are excited to share

that this year we have also partnered with the Grand Sierra Resort and Casino (GSR) in Reno, Nevada. GSR provides the most

amenities of any campground in the area. If you choose GSR, you gain complimentary access to the state of the art health club

and the pool area which includes beach sand. GSR also offers the Grand Adventure Land, Grand Sierra Cinema, Bowling Alley,

Golf Driving Range, Indoor Golf, Miniature Golf, Fun Quest, Spa, Go Carts, Convention Space and Meeting Rooms, Shows,

Group Fitness Classes, and more! For your convenience there are three fine dining restaurants and nine casual dining restau-

rants onsite. We hope you agree that this RV Park offers a lot in way of entertainment and excitement while you are here in

Northern Nevada!

We have received confirmation from the Fernley campgrounds that they are already fully reserved, but are accepting

names for a waiting list. The campgrounds outside of Fernley have plenty of openings. As a reminder, each year we have

many campers who carpool or ride the shared vans. While Amazon does not contract with a shuttle company, we are aware

of several that offer the service for your convenience (you can find their info through an online search). For those who made a

reservation at an approved campground already, even if you have emailed us your campground choice earlier in the year, we

ask that you please email us with the name of the campground now that the official list has been sent out. For those who orig-

inally reserved with a campground that we are not partnering with, please call them to cancel and reserve with a campground

with which we do partner.

Please email us at Rno-camper@amazon.com with any ideas and suggestions for fun events and the name of the

campground where you have made your reservation. We look forward to meeting our new campers and seeing all of our re-

turners!

Fernley News Flash

LIKE our CamperForce Page on FACEBOOK! Facebook.com/amazoncamperforce

IF you are a current or former member of the CamperForce team, you can join our Facebook Group

https://www.facebook.com/amazoncamperforce#!/groups/368219479956621/

P A G E 6

Top tips from Veteran Campers Joyce Cooley - ” The most important tip is a posi-

tive attitude. We do not need to expect everything

to be given to us. We must work for it. “

June Keene - “Smile, Smile, Smile!”

Walt Gunn - “Keep an open mind, don’t be afraid

to ask questions and get involved in your area. Yes

it is work, but it can be fun work too!”

George Nelson - “Go with the flow and don’t com-

plain because this isn’t our profession. It’s just a

seasonal job. Let things roll off of your back and be

open to new opportunities.”

Al Phillips - “Be flexible and open to change.”

Doug McConnaughay - “Remember to smile and

enjoy yourself. It is HARD WORK, but enjoy the ex-

perience!”

Brian Nelson - “Take pride in your work and do your

best—just as in any other job. You make great

friends, so you’ll look forward to going to work every

day! SMILE and enjoy the job. You make the decision

whether you want to enjoy the job or not!

Rich Aaron - “Just enjoy yourself and remember to

have fun!”

Joice Hupp - “Always be helpful, have a kind word for

anyone, and keep a smile on your face. It does won-

ders! You never know what a person is going through

in their personal life. Just be nice!

Dan Derouchey -” The tasks are simple. Just do what

you’re told and don’t over think the process.

Sharon House - “Start walking now!”

Richard Maher - “Prepare for long hours and get in shape

by exercising before arriving at Amazon and know that

time will fly by while you’re there!”

Sandy Bitner - “My experience has been to have 2 pair of

really supportive, comfortable, well broken-in shoes com-

plete with gel insoles. Start the shift in one pair and change

at lunch or halfway through the shift. Your feet will thank

you!”

Debbie Howe - “Begin walking NOW, your body will thank

you for it! Also, start drinking water.”

Carol Petty - “ Epson salt foot baths will do wonders for

tired feet and will help with leg cramps. Peppermint flavor

makes the rig smell nice!”

Jan Schwartz - “Get some great shoes and start walking

now.”

FITNESS-RELATED TIPS

Donna Bonnett -” Do not try working in brand new shoes!

Be sure to break them in beforehand.”

Jill Ferrer - “Make sure you have have enough room in

your shoe’s toe box to avoid blisters.”

Marnie Aaron -“Make sure you have at least 2 pairs of

shoes that are broken in before you start.”

Jose Ferrer - “Wear good quality, thin, moisture absor-

bent socks.”

Kellie Gunn - “Find some comfortable shoes and

clothes….this is not a suit and tie affair.”

Brian Nelson -“I took the perspective that I was getting

PAID TO EXERCISE as a picker. When you have long dis-

tances between picks, power walk. You’ll burn more cal-

ories and be more productive at the same time.

P A G E 7

Health-Related Tips Jill Ferrer -“Eat breakfast before you start work (or lunch/

dinner if you’re on nights) so you start your shift with suffi-

cient energy—then eat healthy at lunch and breaks.

Bob Filiau - “If you work evening shift commit to it. During

Work Hardening & Process School training, stay up later and

later each night until you reach your normal end of shift. This

makes sure the transition to full 10 hour days is a little easier.

Make sure you get a good 7-8 hours of sleep.”

Claudia Ward- “I found that I needed to really prepare meals

for the whole day and not depend on the microwaves for

heating food (too time consuming) nor eat out of the vending

machines. If I planned well rounded, nutritious meals and

snacks for breaks (very important) I had more energy to get

through the day.

Sharon Scofield - “Your hands may receive minor cuts, or

chafe from box handling. Amazon provides gloves to protect

your hands . Buy GOOD hand lotion and massage thorough-

ly. For minor cuts, I bought liquid bandages and reapplied

before I went back to work. This helps the cut from reopen-

ing as band aids do not always stay on.”

Claudia Ward - “If in the Shipping department, wear long

sleeves. The cardboard can really irritate your arms. Also,

use the gloves that are handed out.”

Jerry Bradbury “ABH—Always Be Hydrating. This true eve-

rywhere, but in Fernley since it is in very low humidity de-

sert country it is easy to become dehydrated.”

Bill Fix - ” Try a “Hiker’s” belt which uses a clip and pull strap. No metal to set off the Security

Checkpoint. Check the camping supplies section at Wal-Mart.” (Editor Note: Also available at

Amazon.com!)

Jerry Bradbury -“Wear plastic suspenders”

Chuck Mattson - “Amazon sells Thomas Bates Hiker belts with nylon webbing and nonmetal-

lic hardware, package of two (khaki and black), adjustable for most waist sizes. I found the

quality good and buckle does not slip. “

Claudia Ward - “Carpool whenever possible and time your arrival at the end of the previous

shift. Because there may not be any parking spots available. Don’t arrive too late either!”

Laura Mulford - “One of the things that brings me back is being able to say ‘Oh Yeah? I did

it again!’ ”

Barbara McDaniel - “Do Christmas shopping prior to arriving at Amazon. The time flies by so

quickly! Suddenly it’s Christmas!”

Miscellaneous...

1. Are your documents up to date?

Most of you will be familiar with the E-verify process for Immigration status. To verify your identity and eligibility to work in the

U.S. we will need documents such as your Driver’s License, Social Security Card, or current Passport. We cannot use them if

they’re expired… so check the dates!

2. Do you have “updated” body parts?

Metal in your body from surgical procedures has a tendency to set off the security system and delays you and others in getting

through Security. HR can supply you with a Medical Exception Card to present to Security as long as you provide documentation

(signed, letterhead, etc.) from your medical professional detailing the information.

3. Reduce the amount of metal you’re bringing in the Fulfillment Center

The number one concern we hear from our Associates is the amount of time it takes to get through Security to the Break Room.

Reduce the amount of metal (coins, belt buckles, jewelry, etc.) you carry!

4. Remember to have fun!

Those that are returning to Amazon will tell you that sometimes frustrations mount as we work hard to meet and exceed our

customers’ expectations. Remember: It’s a job, not a career! Your time with us is short, usually 10-12 weeks. Focus on the task

rather than what “they” should do is a great way to avoid stress.

Remember the reason you’re here this season!

Keep your focus on the reward!

For some of you it’s the opportunity to work with friends, for others it’s to help

with expenses, for others it’s the adventure of something new.

Whatever the reason, keep smiling!

Top Tips From Your CamperForce Team

Okay, I’ve been hired….. WHAT’s NEXT??

Now is the time to watch your email inbox!!

Watch for communications regarding the next steps in the process… First the BACKGROUND CHECK PROCESS

and then the DRUG SCREEN PROCESS.

**Note that these communications are auto-generated through our hiring system and will possibly wind up in your SPAM or

JUNK folders! Our vendor for both of these processes is a company called ACCURATE. Should you receive communication

from this company, don’t delete it!! It contains very timely and valuable information!

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