Underage Volunteers in HOA Snack Bar

Greetings,

I am a director in a resident-owned campground in New Hampshire. I am also tasked with the volunteer operation of the campground snack bar. We serve packaged snacks only (ice cream, chips, candy, etc) and no cooking is involved.

We are continually understaffed, as it is operated solely by volunteers. Recently I was approached by the lady who operates the Teen Center in the campground. She wanted to know if some of her “kids”, ages 15 – 18, could volunteer to work at the snack bar. Accordingly, I generated the following email to the other eight directors, exploring the question:


“I am seeking advice regarding underage volunteers at the snack bar.

I have several volunteers who are between the ages of 15 to 18. Does anyone know if there are liability issues? I'd like to hear from the campground council and/or the campground insurer (via the accountant) about this, unless someone has researched this topic and has the answer.

I wouldn't want kids working there if there were legal or insurance implications.

I would like to know prior to Friday at 4:00 PM when the snack bar opens for Movie Night.”


So far I have received a few curt opinions but nothing substantial. I should add that the campground council only speaks to the president, and the campground CPA only speaks to the treasurer or the president. Both President and treasurer are *extremely* reluctant to ask for professional advice from the experts. And of course neither council nor CPA will speak to me.

This leaves me left to decide the correct way to handle the situation. I could really use the help running the snack bar, but not if there are insurance or legal complications regarding the use of underage volunteers.

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

BobbyB

BobbyB -- Check out the following link: http://www.labor.state.nh.us/INS-Guide-FederalChildLaborInformation.pdf

It states minors under the age of 16 employed in the State of New Hampshire must acquire a New Hampshire Youth Employment Certificate, within 3 business days of the first day of employment, from the Superintendent of Schools/Guidance Department/Principal’s Office in the city or town where they attend school. No youth 16 or 17 years of age shall be employed by an employer unless the employer maintains on file a signed written document from the youth’s parent or legal guardian permitting the youth’s employment.

I volunteer for Habitat for Humanity. We allow volunteers on site at age 14. However, they aren't allowed on the roof or any areas of extreme danger. Any child under the age of 14 are NOT allowed on the work site itself until the house is built and in the final stages of construction.

As long as they are VOLUNTEERS employment rules may not apply. As far as insurance, that's just a general liability anywhere you go on the property. That's why you have it. Habitat we sign a waiver before we are allowed to work. It acknowledges the area we are going to be working in is dangerous and we agree to have our own health insurance. That's about as legal as we get.

I don't see a problem with the kids volunteering. We have volunteers at our baseball (Minor league) games from the high schools all the time. They often use the oportunity to raise money for their own sporting events.

When I was president of my homeowner's association, I even had my own "Kid's board". That I could really know what the kids wanted and they had "innoncent eyes".

Bobby,
My opinion is based on the fact you stated that these teens belong to an organized group at the campground. I see nothing at all wrong in letting them volunteer, in fact they have already volunteered to join the teen group. Bet your sales go up.
As far as your Board not cooperating, sounds like John has the best plan. In fact, if it were me running the concession I would wait till a good movie was scheduled, put out some special posters to promote the movie, and then shut the movie down and tell people to talk to the board, you are going out of town for a few days, then forget and take the keys with you.