WWOOFer's accomodation

As a WWOOFer in New Zealand (albeit a more mature one!) I really liked the places where I lived separately and had the ability to cater for myself (especially at breakfast time!) and be 'invited' to join the hosts for supper, or lunch. As a host I have gradually developed a system where the WWOOFers have their own catering facilities (I provide the food, breakfast things and for other meals either home-cooked frozen meals or 'supper kits', with instructions and all ingredients) we eat lunch together on days we're all busy together and supper together when I invite them (which is every few days, or if there's a gathering, at least once or twice a week) - or sometimes when they invite me! - I've had some great international cuisine cooked for me! They mainly live in caravans, although this winter this has been too cold so I've had WWOOFers in the house until recently. I think its worked well for all concerned really, everyone needs their own 'space' at times. A good topic for discussion though - and it would be good to hear from more WWOOFers too!

Here, I provide the food and wwoofers prepare their own breakfast and lunch. I prepare the evening meal which we eat together. Wwoofers can have a turn to make a meal if they wish. I have compiled a ' wwoof recipe book' from wwoofers who stayed here. I have found however that some wwoofers may try and take over the kitchen, but it's 'my' home and 'my' kitchen, and it can be quite disconcerting feeling like it's not your house! Wwoofers stay in hazel benders outdoors but use the house or they can bring their own tents. I have learned to have 'house-full' and 'carry-on'. As I understand it part of the ethos of wwoofing is to be part of the culture, which to me includes home life. We are not hostels or B&B's and standard home rules apply! If wwoofers don't want to be part of 'home life' here then...they have to go! Hope that helps!

Hi again
many thanks for your replies! They have been very helpful. We have decided now to accomodate Wwoofers outside of our house for the summer. Wwoofers will sleep in tents that we provide for them or they can bring themselves if they have. We have created a seperate entrance to the spare room in our house where we have set up cooking and eating facilities with acces to the back kitchen and bathroom so Wwoofers can be more independent in preparing their own meals etc.
We will have a shared meal in the middle of the day though and with the weather getting warmer we'll probably meet outside sometimes for evening meals or breakfast. But - considering both your advices and set ups - our aim was to create seperate spaces for Wwoofers and us, so everyone can decide when to be social and when to have some private time.
thanks again for the helpul comments. Wwoofers comments or opinions are also welcomed. happy days