Rules, Guidelines & Boundaries for Farm Guests

  

For prospective visitors coming to Prince Bay Farm...

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Leave zero trace.

My home is in the process of my humbly remodeling it from a fire and abandonment for many years. She is a work in progress and not all areas are fully functioning to 100%. I am happy to share my home, knowledge and history of it and the surrounding area. It’s important for you to understand and respect that I have had a laryngectomy and talking is difficult so if you tend to talk over people please refrain from doing it with me. My family has owned this land since 1799 and it has had many faces. With this being said she is delicate and so comes with instructions on many levels. I am being transparent because of some delicate areas that truly need respect in usage. The common areas should always be left with zero trace of your belongings or accidents. If one does occur, we are all adults and it should be a given, since this is an honor system, that you would inform me immediately. Your mother does not live here and therefore you are on your own to clean the space that you use at all times. Consider my home the equivalent of your great-great-grandmother's house because it is mine! I have had life-changing health issues that has made it extremely important that the rules of the house are kept by all. If you are not use to living with strangers nor understand the need to be here now, nor are unable to disconnect from the outside world during the agreed upon active times, then we will not be a good fit for each other, so please don’t waste either of our times nor your travel money by choosing this farm. I live on a budget thus conservation is key but we have plenty of food within reason. Two hot meals will be cooked for you a day and there is food provided for breakfast and/or lunch. Please remember that it is a choice and you know your own habits, I do not; and I have to trust you on my farm at all times. I am looking for people with a true work ethic that is proven not promised. Let’s both be transparent at all times and enjoy getting our hands in the dirt..***

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BTW, a few things from below in a nutshell:>It can get hot(90+F) here in the summers.  If you can't handle humidity and heat this place is not for you.  During Nov-Dec, we can have days with lows in the high 40s, low 50s, to highs in the low 80s, upper 70s--so bring clothing that you can layer.>For 5 months of the year, every time you work you are going to sweat. So if you don’t like getting sweaty and dirty, this place is not for you. >If you don't watch what you are doing you might stand on a fire ant nest (they're small but hurt like hell). There are mosquitoes, deer flies, and a few other annoying bugs.  There are also occasionally field mice and big palmetto bugs. So, if you don't like bugs this place is not for you. You may see a snake or two while here--majority are harmless but we do have copperheads and a few other no-so-nice ones you could encounter in the forest.>You'll be expected to participate in preparing group meals and cleaning up after yourself. So, if you are expecting room service and to have your meals cooked for you then this place is not for you. (For breakfast--as long as you can make a bowl of cereal, cook an egg, use a toaster, or make a sandwich, then you won’t starve!)>Our farm is a work in progress. We're looking for people who aren't complainers but are willing to help find solutions.  >Accommodation is not five-star (nor three or two or probably even one-star).  It’s a 140-year-old farm house(or a 70-year-old family home), plus rustic cabins, an ancient RV and campsites.  You’ll have a roof over your head, with electricity and possibly WiFi available, with a shared kitchen and bathroom, but, if you are addicted to a beautiful house that’s all well-made and nice, then this place is definitely not for you.>You'll get to meet nice people, work hard, live in a beautiful place, take care of animals, swim at the beach, hike, etc.  But, if you are just coming for a vacation and not expecting to work, which will be hard at times, this place is not for you.>You will share a house with other guests (often 2-4 people at one time) of different ages, cultures, tastes, likes and dislikes.  So, if you can’t set aside your own ego and live harmoniously with others then this place is not for you.  >We're not into the whole "get intoxicated on booze and drugs, party all night" thing. So, if you are a "party animal" is not for you.>If following 'rules' is not something you normally do, feel yourself to be a 'rebel' against societal norms, think the world is keeping you down with all these laws that exist, or you think you can do as you please when you are a guest in someone's home, then why are you putting yourself in a situation where you are going to be expected to be on your best behavior?  You are a complete stranger staying with us, so showing your ass, being disrespectful, acting like a damned fool, or flaunting our rules will be a superb way to see how fast you will be shown the exit and be ejected from the property.>So, while we don't expect you to adopt our lifestyle or agree with us on everything, if you don't have an open mind then this place is not for you.~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~If you are staying with us you are going to be an honorary member of our family for a little while. We are VERY FIRM on what behaviors we will and will not allow. Addicts, "aholics", slackers, fanatics, rudeness, alcohol, cruelty, all around negative behavior, or poor attitudes will NOT be tolerated. We understand occasional slips, but a habitual pattern of dysfunctional and rueful behavior is unacceptable. If we find you exhibit a pattern of deception, such as lying by omission on this questionnaire or in any other way, then you may have your visit cancelled or, once here, may be asked to leave the farm.  Honestly, if you’ve made it this far into our application process you’re probably a really great person who is serious about this opportunity and I doubt this disclaimer is even necessary! 

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The following rules apply to both Prince Bay Homestead and Prince Bay Farm--two separate entities working in conjunction with each other.  Visitors to Prince Bay Farm should be aware that many of these guidelines are in place due to the health conditions of the owner thus the need to be so specific in describing allowable behavior.   Most of all, these rules describe boundaries.  Please respect our boundaries, just as you expect your own boundaries to be respected by us during your stay here.  
These are the rules that you agree to follow while visiting the farm...read and email us a message of agreement.  You may find it strange that some of these things even need to be said as most cover behavior which should be common sense.  But most are written here because some were never taught how to be a proper guest when visiting someone's home.  Thus the need to post a detailed list of rules to show what our expectations are for our guests.  If you have questions concerning our farm rules, always ask. The rules are non-negotiable.

•Farm helpers are expected to help each other follow the rules. If someone does something wrong, take it upon yourself to correct that person. Chaos ensues when everyone does as they like and they ignore the basic tenets of society--as we have all seen during the covid pandemic. Living together in close quarters works best when everyone does their part. When one person fails to do their part, the results affect everyone in the house.

1. You are a guest in my home and I expect that you will be respectful of me, my home, my animals, and my belongings. You are living with other people--this may be your first time sharing living space with strangers, so remember that your behavior affects the other people living here.  In a communal living situation, rules are necessary to maintain an orderly environment. You are a guest--you are not a roommate, nor are you a tenant.  This is my home--it is not a hotel, nor an Airbnb, nor your parents' house.  You are not coming to my property to do whatever you feel like doing.  When you visit a stranger's home, certain guidelines are expected of guests--we want our guests to feel welcome, but we want them to respect our boundaries and our things. Chaos will quickly result when rules are not followed.  All farm guests are adults & expected to behave accordingly. •Be considerate of others.  
•Rudeness is unacceptable. •Be mindful of how your behavior impacts the other farm inhabitants.  
•If in doubt, ASK.  
•My farm, my rules.  Keep in mind that I have final say in all matters when problems arise.a. You will keep your sleeping area tidy & clean, your personal things put away at all times, and the bathroom neat & sanitary.  Your sleeping area refers to either of these areas: bedroom, cabin, RV, camping area.  You will not rearrange, redecorate, nor otherwise modify your sleeping space.  Do NOT bring a ton of things with you!  You will probably be sharing sleeping quarters with at least one other person so pack lightly.  Limit what you bring to one(1) suitcase.  Do NOT bring a carload of belongings and expect me to provide you with a place to put it all.  Do not bring multiple suitcases as that may infringe on the space of the person with whom you are sharing space.  Do not pack things with which to decorate your living space(bedrooms are already decorated).  Even if you will be staying long-term(3+ weeks), don’t bring so much stuff that you need extra space to put it.  Keep in mind you may be sharing sleeping quarters when you pack your things for your stay with us.  Absolutely no eating or drinking nor any food storage in sleeping areas.  A designated place in the kitchen(or mini-kitchen) will be provided for you to keep a limited amount of personal food items.b. You will clean up after yourself in common areas.  Common areas are the downstairs areas of the house which all visitors have access(bathroom, kitchen, living room, entry hallway, front porch). Keep your personal belongings in your room or cabin. Never take furnishings from your room to use outside--including on the upstairs porch.  Never move our furniture around to accommodate yourself.   c. You will clean any other areas that you cause to be disorganized or soiled.d. You will be allowed to use common areas until 10PM.  After 10pm, limit your activities to your sleeping quarters & keep noise to a minimum.  •Wear clean clothes when relaxing after activities in common areas of house.  •Dress appropriately at all times.e. You will respect the privacy of the farm owner and not intrude on his personal time[after 10PM(every day) and on Sunday mornings] or space. •Sunday mornings are the one time farm residents can sleep late.  So be respectful and keep all noise down until everyone is awake and up & about.•Do not expect me to change my lifestyle in order to accommodate your habits & whims.  •Rudeness will not be tolerated!  Be considerate of others in all your actions while visiting us.•Music will be kept at low levels if not using earphones/buds--others may not share to your musical tastes.  This includes singing in your space!  If it can be heard outside of your room or approx. ten feet away, then it will probably infringe on others.  Be considerate of the other people staying here.•Never make personal phone calls in the common areas of house.  Either make these calls in your room or outside.  Wear earphones/buds and keep your vocal level moderate when making these calls as we do not want to listen to you & your friends chatting.

f. Never invite anyone onto my property or into my house without getting prior permission from me.  It will be my decision whether or not someone is allowed to visit.

g. Most areas of the house and farm buildings are off-limits.•Never explore the farm buildings or rummage through my things.  If you need something, ask me if it is available.  Never go on a hunt looking for something you wish to use.  If you are caught going through my things I will presume you are a thief & react accordingly--this is the only warning you will receive.-->This is my home and my belongings are out in the open.  This doesn't mean that you can use anything you see.  Do NOT touch/bother/take things without permission. In plain terms, don't fuck with my shit!!! If you wish to use something, ask--the answer may be 'no'.  Taking something without asking is stealing--no matter how you try to spin it!•Ask yourself, “do you want me to go through your belongings?”--if ”No”, then stay out of my things.  If you don't care that I go through your things, still stay out of mine!•All borrowed items must be returned to the place they came from.•If you're in doubt that something is okay, ASK first. Better safe than sorry.

h. You are an adult and will be expected to behave as one. 

• Have a fricking sense of humor!!  
• Be prepared for bad "Dad" jokes!  And I love the irreverent humor like is found in many of Netflix animated programming geared for an adult audience. Some of it is funny af. If you can watch these programs and laugh, then we'll have a blast!
• If you are a person who is easily offended/triggered, the farm is not the place for you.  
• If you cannot take a joke or kidding around, the farm is not the place for you.  
• If you are a miserable person and love spreading negativity, the farm is not the place for you.   
• If you are an argumentative person who feels every subject is up for debate, the farm is not the place for you. 

i. Smoking is forbidden in bedrooms, bunkhouses, outbuildings/barns or around flammable objects. Never burn incense, sage, or other smoldering items in bedrooms. Absolutely NO blunt smoking in house.

j. If you aren't sure something is okay to do or acceptable behavior, then ask. I will be glad to clarify it for you. I am not your parent, but will act as one if your behavior warrants it.
k. The farmhouse is 140 years old and, like the elderly, it needs to be treated gently. Treat her as you would your grandmother. Be easy on the fixtures--never slam doors or windows. Never walk heavy-footed/stomp through the house, especially upstairs. Some of the furniture & furnishings are family heirlooms so treat them kindly.

l. The farm is the home to many unique species of plants and animals. Respect the farm's biodiversity by only taking photographs.•Never disturb or handle the native wildlife, and never disturb or pick the native plants. •Never take anything from the forest without my permission.•Our flowers are for everyone(including the bees/insects), so do not pick them, let everyone enjoy them by leaving them be.•Due to occasional open burning restrictions, no campfires without my permission!  The farm has 105 acres of woodland and we do not want to see it destroyed because someone wants to have a campfire!  

m. Off-farm activities: Beach, lake or river trips may be offered by host--you pay for your meals if we go off-farm for a trip or if we dine out.  If we dine out, no meal will be prepared at home(so if you forgo dining with the group, do not expect to me to feed you once we return to the farm).  During the pandemic, trips to laundromat will be made on a weekday afternoon at my discretion.  See covid-19 statement below.

n. If, after you depart the farm for your next adventure, you discover that you left something here, do not expect us to drop everything to get that item back to you. It is your responsibility to notify us within a few days that you left it & wish its return(after a week, consider it gone). If you want it returned, then you need to pay for the postage & handling up front--it will be sent out at my convenience.o. If you bring your child with you, then you are expected to have your child follow the farm rules.  You are completely responsible for your child's behavior and/or misbehavior.  It is your responsibility to keep your child from acting in ways which endanger them while on the farm.  You cannot delegate the care of your child to other farm guests as you will still be held responsible for what happens even if under someone else's care/supervision.  A repeated pattern of leaving your child unsupervised at any time you are here will be dealt with in an appropriate manner.
2. Awake and out of bed at 8:00 AM each workday morning, eat breakfast, take care of morning hygiene, and be ready for day's activities(shoes on, bug spray/sunscreen applied, water bottles filled, etc.) before 9:00 AM. Begin activities at/or before 9:00 AM sharp(this means out the door and ready to work!). If the 9 AM start time is ignored and you are late without a good excuse being sick or dead, you will be given one reminder of our starting time.  Read the starting times again so you cannot say you haven't seen them--out of bed at 8AM, Start the day's activities no later than 9AM. This is not a vacation camp.a. You will be active on the farm for 30 (thirty) hours per week(Mon-Sat) for each week of your stay. Normal farm working hours are 9 AM-12 PM & 1-3 PM. These times are a general guideline, they are not set in stone.  Circumstances may mean we need to put in some extra time in order to get a task completed that day.  Meal prep, cleaning and daily routine are in addition to the 5 hours. b. If we have bad weather that precludes us from working, then we may take the day off.  If this occurs, we may extend the working hours of the following days in order to make up the time off.c. You will be expected to follow instructions and pay close attention to detail in all tasks.  All must have a base level of English language proficiency--this means being able to understand spoken English well enough to understand minimal directions. Don't be afraid to ask questions if you're not sure about a task. Failure to follow directions means time wasted as the task must be repeated to complete it correctly. Take pride in your work--do it right the first time. When you complete a task, find me for the next assignment. If you repeatedly fail to follow directions, then you will be asked to leave.d. If you use the outdoor water faucet, turn it completely off when finished.  The outdoor faucet is where water bottles will be filled.  Clean and return all tools to the proper storage space when you finish a task--put them back where they came from. Return gloves inside when done. Return everything you use back to the place you got it!

3. Provide your own personal care/toiletry items(soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrush, Kleenex, detergent, etc.), towel.Each person shall provide their own bedding(sleeping bag, or sheets, pillowcases, blanket, pillow).  If we provide these items there will be a laundry charge for their use.***Never use heavily scented body wash, cologne, perfume, etc.--this is a farm, not a nightclub.  This applies to anyone riding in our vehicles as well***

4. Please limit use of cell phones, text, or emails during work hours.  It is distracting and breaks down the flow of activities.•We do have an open Wi-Fi and you are welcome to use it after work hours are done.•If your use of your electronic devices becomes a problem during activity hours, then you will be required to leave all electronics in your room.  a. Downloading files while using any of our internet services is strictly forbidden and you will not download any files through our system.•Be mindful of others in household when using streaming services.•If your Wi-Fi usage impedes on my internet speed then streaming will be forbidden for a period of time.b. Cell phone usage is limited while completing tasks, except in case of emergency. Listening to music is fine but not chatting or texting.•Do not bring your phone to the dinner table.  Do not have a conversation on your phone while at the dinner table.  Do not watch videos/TV/podcasts while dining with everyone!•If listening to music with earbuds, keep one ear open so you can hear what is happening around you or if someone is talking to you.•If there is a series of podcasts that you must listen to, then stay home so you don’t miss them--I need you focused on the tasks at hand, not off in the world of your podcast. This has been an issue for a while, so no podcasts during the work hours.•Absolutely no phone calls during work hours!!!  No exceptions!!!•If making a personal phone call, do so in your room or outside, & not in the common areas.  Do not expect privacy if you are chatting with someone while in a common area of the house. •If in common areas and you want to listen to music, podcasts, videos or other things on your cell phone, then use earphones/earbuds.  c. Unplug all chargers, laptops, or other electronic devices from outlets when not in use.

5. One or two hot meals(dinner, lunch) will be cooked for you each day and there is food provided for breakfast and lunch.  Meals are eaten as a group.  If we prepare a large dinner meal, expect to have leftovers the following day.  We expect everyone to get plenty to eat--within reason & within limits.  Keep in mind that we do not operate an all-you-can-eat buffet here on the farm(we will be happy to take you to a restaurant where you can do that).  If you expect to eat all you can possibly pile on your plate, you need to stay home.  You will be shown the food items that available to guests.  Breakfast items will be shown to you.  Never eat dinner leftovers for breakfast.•Between-meal snacks, soda and junk food are not provided. •Sunday meals will consist of cleaning out the week’s leftovers or things you purchase to prepare yourself.•I am on a tight budget, all meals are planned ahead, thus food is not help-yourself.  All supplies in main kitchen and refrigerator are off-limits unless otherwise stated.  If something is not on the table or stove at mealtimes, do not ask for it.  Never rummage through the kitchen to see what food supplies are there.  You are welcome to keep a very limited amount of things(2-4 small items) in the refrigerator--I cook meals for three to twelve people and need most of the space available.  If the things you place in the fridge take up too much space in, then some of your items will be removed.  It is your responsibility to ask us how much space is available for your use prior to making food purchases for yourself.•No food or drink(including water) is allowed in bedrooms--no exceptions.  A designated place in the kitchen(or mini-kitchen) will be provided for you to keep any personal food items.•If you have special diet restrictions(either by choice or by necessity), then it is your responsibility to find out what is being prepared prior to mealtimes in case the meal contains things you cannot eat. If you skip a meal or decide that you don’t like what is cooked, then you are responsible to feed yourself--you will not be given food to make in lieu of what has been prepared for you. We cannot possibly cater to all tastes and some people may not be used to our way of preparing food--this is why your experience is part of a cultural exchange.  Kitchen duty is expected of everyone when it is their turn, even if you are not eating that particular meal(or are preparing your own meal due to your special diet rather than eating with the group).•Meal preparation & clean-up is done on a rotational basis, everybody takes a turn. We will allow those wishing to learn how to cook to participate in meal prep more often. Never leave dirty dishes in the sink--wash them.  All dishes from each meal(breakfast, lunch, dinner) shall be washed after each meal.  •When washing dishes, remember that others will be eating from the things you clean, & in return they will clean the items you eat from--so do an outstanding job when washing the dishes.  If you do a poor job when washing, then you will be rewashing them until you do it correctly.  Ensure dishes are completely dried before putting them away.•If you cook something for breakfast, you are responsible for cleaning up any mess you make.  If you cannot cook, then ask someone(who can cook) for assistance.  If your cooking skills are so poor that you fill the house with smoke or volatile fumes, then your cooking privileges will be revoked! •Never rearrange things in my fridge to shove in your own items without asking me first.  You are allowed a very limited number of items in the fridge.Again, if you have questions, just ask.

6. There will be no firearms or weapons brought on to our property.

7. Our alcohol policy is as follows: Alcohol usage has been a continual problem here on the farm. Due to the lack of moderation by previous farm helpers, no alcohol use is allowed unless farm owner offers it to you.  Do not bring any type of alcohol to the farm!  Do not ask to drink.  If you cannot survive without alcohol, then the farm may not be the place for you.  I have zero tolerance for underage drinking, excessive drinking, or belligerent inebriated folks.  If you provide alcohol to a minor(under 21) on my property, police will be called and you will be ejected immediately.  NC offers harsh penalties for any person providing alcohol to minors.  If there is a problem with alcohol usage, then you will be asked to leave.

8. All Visitors must carry some form of Medical Insurance on yourself for the length of your stay with us. (If you currently do not have any medical insurance, may we suggest: www.worldnomads.com or www.volunteercard.com)a. A Release of Liability will be signed by visitors(US and non-US) upon arrival to property.

9. No farming activities on Sunday(other than light house cleaning)--if you go off-farm on Sunday, you will still be required to help with house cleaning. Sunday is the one day the farm helpers & myself can sleep in. Until everyone has awakened on a Sunday, be considerate of anyone still asleep--if in the main house then keep noise at a minimum & do not disturb the others. Absolutely no exceptions!

10. Prefer no pets due to our poultry roaming the yard, but willing to consider each circumstance individually. The farm is home to a slew of farm cats as well as lots of poultry, and they deserve the right to live in peace. We also have two livestock guardian dogs, Max & Dale.  They will attack any animal they see as a threat to the farm critters.  So dogs who like to chase furry and/or feathered critters need to stay away.  Allowing any dogs or other pets unto the farm is solely my call. If you have a pet you plan to take on your adventures, you should mention it on your profile rather waiting until you are in contact with a host to announce that fact. Better yet, leave it with family until your travels are over as some farms may not be the ideal situation for your furry pal. We have had WWOOFers show up with dogs without asking if it was okay to bring them, which is not cool. We have agreed to host folks with a furry pal only to have them presume that the dog would be able to stay in the main house, which is not the case. If you are allowed to bring your canine friend, then plan to stay in a cabin or to camp. If your dog kills any farm animal, you will compensate us for the dead animal and then be asked to leave.  Smaller breed dogs are okay.  Only tiny breed dogs who are house trained are allowed in main house(Nick's). If your dog decides to chase the farm critters, then you would need to keep the dog restrained/tethered at all times.  

11. All visitors thru WWOOF, HelpX or Workaway will be given feedback on-line at the volunteer site. If you are unable to fulfill your commitment to stay and fail to notify me at least 4 weeks prior to your arrival date, it will result in you being given a ‘no show’ as feedback or review on the volunteer site(WWOOF-USA, HelpX, Worldpackers, Volunteer Base, etc.) of which you are a member!

12. Upon Acceptance for a stay at Prince Bay Farm, when you arrive you will provide me with copies of the following documents. Insurance Card, One Form of Photo Identification, plus one more Form of Identification. These will be checked against the original documents you carry. (If you currently do not have any medical insurance, may I suggest: www.worldnomads.com.)

13. a. When it comes to power, gas, and water, please be mindful that these utilities are expensive!!!•Every time you leave your room, turn off the lights/fans.  If you fail to do so, then I will enter your room to do it for you!•Never use blow dryers, nor other electric styling aids.  Electric blankets are forbidden!•Only a laptop, tablet or cellphone may be plugged in to our power system.  No electric powered items may be pulled into our system.  Unplug these items and charger cords when not in room.•Never do laundry in bathroom!•Make sure that water faucets are completely off--no drips.•During cold weather & the heater is in use, NEVER open any windows or the upstairs doors!!!(First instance will result in a warning, second occurrence will result in a monetary fine & possible expulsion from farm!) •NEVER flush any feminine hygiene products down the toilet nor put them in the recycling bin.•Never waste household supplies (cleaners, detergent, tissue, etc.).•Learn to conserve the resources that we consume every day--it helps us out financially and helps the planet.b. Every time you come into the house, remove your shoes. If your shoes are muddy, remove them outside. We do not want mud or critter poo in the house!c. Never apply bug spray or other aerosol products indoors.  You will need some type of bug spray for use when outside(except in winter or cool weather).  Some of our vampiric friends include:  mosquitoes, deer flies, chiggers, ticks.  If you go in the forest and walk through high grass or through underbrush, the chances are high that you will get chiggers, and maybe a tick.  We do not have deer ticks here.d. Everyone should wash up after work, especially in the warm months. If you are especially dirty, wash up outside rather than tracking dirt through the house.•No showers after 8pm.  NO exceptions!•Keep your shower to a few minutes--only one shower per day and only end of workday.•When there are many guests, be considerate of the time you spend in the bathroom--5-10 minutes in morning & 15 minutes for evening shower is adequate.•Dry off in the shower--NEVER get out of shower wet--no one wants to walk on a wet rug/floor.•After showers, make sure no water is on the floor (don’t want anyone to slip and fall!).  This means use your own towel to wipe it up. •Clean tub drain basket after each time you use the shower/tub.  Replace drain basket after cleaning.•Put away your personal hygiene items in the provided storage bins in bathroom closet--never leave your things out when you have finished in the bathroom. Items left out will be confiscated.  Personal towels will not be left in bathroom.  •Refrain from splashing water everywhere when using bathroom sink.->Always dry the surface of sink and adjacent areas after each use.•All water will be wiped up before exiting bathroom.•Never wash your hands in the kitchen sink!•Never waste toilet tissue.e. Use of common areas restricted during work hours. Use of common areas is a privilege, not a right.f. Never sit on upholstered furniture if you are sweaty, dirty or smelly. Failure to do so will result in loss of house privileges for purposes other than meals and shower time.•Never flop/fall/jump onto furniture--do so and you will learn to enjoy sitting on the floor.g. Guests are responsible for any items damaged due to misuse, neglect, or intentional destruction.  You break it, you buy it!  I reserve the right to seek any legal remedies(civil and/or criminal) due to visitor's behavior.h. Never have any mail/packages sent to my address--my mail carrier will not deliver it. This is non-debatable.  If you must receive mail while visiting us, you can only have it sent to: your name, General Delivery, Tabor City, NC 28463.  If any mail that is not mine comes to my address, it will be returned to the sender--no exceptions! i. Never play your music so loud that it intrudes on mine or the other farm visitors’ peace--a considerate person will use earphones.  Same applies to phone calls--no one wants to hear one side of your conversation nor your conversation on speakerphone.  So only make phone calls while in your room or while outside.  Earbuds/headphones are fine if you want to enjoy your tunes. Never play it so loud that it interferes with my enjoyment of life.  I am hypersensitive to low frequencies, so keep bass extra-low.j. If you have any problems at all, please come see me. We want there to be peace and harmony in the house between all of us. We try to resolve issues before they become problems and communication is huge to us. Thanksk. We appreciate any input on better ways to do things here on the farm. We are still learning too. Ultimately though, we will have to make the final decision on what is best for our home, animals, and land.l. Unless you are told "This is a gift for you", NEVER remove any object from the farm property. If you do, you are committing theft, and proper legal measures will be taken. Lending you a book to read, or lending you something to use while here, never should be considered a gift--the loaned item shall be returned to me when you are finished using it or prior to you departing the farm.m. Off-farm activities: If a group activity/outing--dining, beach, shopping, etc.--is planned, then all helpers come along--no exceptions. House will be locked until we return. I often take trips, for medical reasons, to Charleston, SC, and may(or may not) invite some individuals to come along. These trips are 2.5 hours each way & we’re there 2-3 hours maximum. During the covid pandemic, off-farm excursions are severely curtailed as stated below.n. Never wander off without letting us know. If you decide to venture off the farm, let us know where you are going & when to expect you back. This is common courtesy & helps us when we are planning meals & other ventures.o. If another farm guest says something is okay or tells you to do something, you should verify it with me before doing it. This has become a problem on the farm--someone will ask about something, only hear what they want to hear, then disseminate the wrong info to other farm guests.  Always ask me for the low-down what is allowed on the farm.p.  For everyone's safety, owner will lock outside doors at 10PM.  Be inside before that happens or enjoy a night under the stars!

14. RVs/vehicle camping: No hook-ups available for power so do not ask to plug-in--you will be told NO!  If you plug in, we will unplug you as that is not an option here.  Water tanks may be filled with permission & within limits decided upon by host.  There is a waste water dump site nearby.  Also, just because you have your own living quarters while on my property, it does NOT mean you can do as you like. All rules apply to all persons while on my property. You will park only in designated areas that we will show you.  You will keep that area clean & tidy.  RV/vehicles must be removed from property at end of your stay.

15. Photos and/or videos of volunteers at work and play are taken for the farm's social media outlets.  By agreeing to a stay at Prince Bay Farm you are agreeing to be photographed and to have these images be shared on the farm's social media pages.  Now, don't show up and tell me you don't like you photo taken. It will happen if you come here. By agreeing to these rules, you will be photographed or videoed while here, and the results will be posted online as I see fit.
16. >>>***I am an omnivore. A majority of the food we eat comes directly from the farm, so there are tons of good veggies to eat(for vegetarian/vegan diets). Folks with food allergies/special diets(veggie, vegan, lactose intolerant, paleo, all-organic/all-natural, etc.) must provide/purchase and prepare their own food. If someone with dietary restrictions wants to come here, that is fine with us but we will not alter our eating habits to suit someone else, nor buy special foods for you.  If you have a special diet, it is up to you to ask what is being made at mealtimes so you can plan accordingly.  Failure to do so is not the host’s problem if something is made that you cannot eat.  Facilities will be provided for you to prepare your own food if you have a special diet.  If you prefer all-natural foods, all-organic, etc., be sure to bring plenty with you--but don’t expect to take over my fridge/storage areas to accommodate your food items. If it’s not on the table, don’t ask for it.  I'm on a tight budget and buy my groceries at a normal supermarket, but all farm produce is organic. •Soda, between-meal snacks, and junk food are not provided. See item #5 above***

17. What the rules/guidelines boil down to is this:  Please respect our boundaries, just as you expect your own boundaries to be respected by us during your stay here.  We have absolutely zero desire to clean up after you or babysit your life like you're a toddler. You're an adult, act like one. Clean up your crap. Manage your life. Pull your weight. Be mindful/considerate of others! Quit bitching about the way I run things on my property--you chose to come here so be a decent human, respect our boundaries, & follow the rules. I reserve the right to invoke & add addition rules if asinine behavior warrants it. We don’t want to clean up after you nor remind you constantly of the rules--it's wasting OUR time that we would rather spend on other things. Never expect me to bend a rule for you just because you ask nicely. Never put me on the spot by asking for something in front of others--I have no problem saying 'no' nor hurting your feelings in front of others. Violating a rule while smiling at me will not excuse that fact--neither will blatantly ignoring the rules. If your behavior continually has a negative impact on myself or the other guests, then you will be asked to leave. If you find farm life isn’t what you expected, leave! Don’t make yourself or me miserable by sticking around half-assing things because you are not assertive enough to make a decision. Don't show up here and decide to tell me that this or that rule won't apply to you--you don't make that decision. You come here, you follow these rules.
18. If you break these rules repeatedly and always have an excuse for your behavior, then prepare to leave.

19. You agree that you will have sufficient funds, mobility and options for alternative housing to ensure that you are able to leave the farm without issue if asked to do so for some currently unforeseen reason(e.g. accident, serious illness, violating rules/guidelines, etc.).
20. If you get here and I find out you have omitted important information about yourself from the questionnaire/application you filled out, that will be grounds to expel you from the property. This is stated at the beginning of the questionnaire. Dishonesty is not a way to build trust with me. I reserve the right you have you sign a written statement stating the reason you were told to leave. Do NOT conceal moderate to severe mental health issues from me!!! This is not a place for you to heal your wounded soul nor to project your paranoia/psychoses/delusions. I don't have the time nor energy to deal with people who are extremely damaged mentally. It is my choice if I want to deal with that type of drama. I do not appreciate it being forced upon me through dishonesty. Especially if you refuse meds or treatment!!! 
21. Repeated failure to follow the rules will result in immediate termination of stay.  This is a contract between you and the owners of the farm, if you to anything that could put the others at risk, you will be evicted on the spot with no prior notice. 

********READ CAREFULLY************COVID-19 is a concern for all.  If you have decided that you will not be vaccinated, so be it.  If you begin to show signs of having covid, or test positive for covid, you must leave immediately as we are not set up to provide medical care to covid sufferers.

***For people without their own means of transportation: to get to the farm-->nearest airport-Myrtle Beach, SC(1 hour drive); nearest bus station--Whiteville, NC(20 minute drive) or Myrtle Beach; Amtrak-Florence, SC(1.5 hour drive).   As a host of twelve years on multiple volunteer websites, all the websites stipulate that volunteers must get to their host's location by their own means.  We do offer to pick up and drop off our volunteers as a courtesy with a fee, but it is not a requirement for us to do so.  Thus if you do not have transportation and must rely on we the host, to get you from the nearest arrival/departure location of public mass transportation, please heed the following stipulations:You acknowledge that it is up to you to get to & from the farm by your own means.  It is NOT my responsibility to transport you on arrival & departure. I can arrange for your pick up and travel to the farm ONLY from public mass transportation hubs in Myrtle Beach, Whiteville or Dillon, unless other arrangements have been agreed to beforehand. You will be considerate & schedule your arrival between 9am & 5pm. Same applies to your departure time. I do not want to drive to airport at 10pm! If you need to be picked up & dropped off from these places by us the host, a fee will be charged.  This covers our time, gas, and maintenance for our vehicles. Expect to pay approximately half of what Uber or a taxi would charge for this same trip.  When arranging your stay, ask how much the fee for transportation will be.  Payment will be made via PayPal, Venmo, or Zelle for arrival & departure will be made once your stay is confirmed. These fees are nonrefundable if stay is cancelled with less than a months notice.Myrtle Beach is an extremely popular tourist destination with tremendous crowds and heavy traffic congestion.  This being said, there will be absolutely no airport trips for pickups or drop offs on weekends during the tourist season(15 Apr-30 Sept)!!!  If you insist on leaving on a weekend and need a ride to airport, then expect to pay $100 in addition all other fees--no exceptions(this fee will be paid before departure from my town). Sometimes people have unrealistic expectations of farm life & decide that they wish to leave without fulfilling their commitment. If this happens, do not expect us to drop everything in order to drive you to the bus/train station or airport.  Uber & Lyft are NOT available in my small town.  We need at least a seven day notice if you decide to depart before the agreed upon departure date. Poor planning on your part does not constitute an emergency on our part in this regard. If you decide to depart before the agreed departure date, without the seven day notice, then an additional fee (commensurate with the inconvenience to us) will be charged in addition to the gas fee.  Uber/Lyft does not come to my town for pickups(in 12 years, no one has managed to get a taxi to come here either).  If you need to depart due to an emergency, then it is your responsibility to arrange your transportation from the farm. Or be willing to pay us for the trouble. We are not anyone's personal taxi service.***

We also operate as a host on Hipcamp which offers space on the farm to campers for a daily fee.  If a person coming here as a volunteer does not work out, then they will be considered a paying guest at the going rates we decide to charge to someone staying to our property. This includes people who decide not to work while here. If you fail to complete your work commitment for any reason, you may be charged for any lessons and classes taken while here, including one-on-one time with hosts. Our volunteers will gain the equivalent of a course in permaculture design while on the farm in exchange for their labor.
Thank you so much for coming to visit us. We appreciate it more than you will ever know. When you leave here, you leave a piece of you with us from all that you put into this farm. We hope you will feel at home and return when you can.

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Disclaimer: In 2016, I dealt with cancer plus the loss of a son, and then in 2018 a total laryngectomy and a pectoral flap repair of a fistula.  The years 2021-2, brought oropharyngeal cancer and three more surgeries, chemo & radiation treatments.  These experiences taught me an important lesson: life is too short to deal with other’s bullshit(toxic people or situations that impede in my well-being or enjoyment of life). That said, I won’t tolerate someone being inconsiderate of myself or the other people while on this property. I realize folks can make mistakes, but a pattern of ignoring our boundaries, or anti-social behavior will not tolerated. Violating a rule while smiling at me will not excuse that fact. Neither will blatantly ignoring our boundaries. Our goal is for us both to have a mutually beneficial experience. If your behavior is more of a detriment than a benefit to the farm’s energy, then your stay will be terminated and you will depart the property immediately. NO EXCEPTIONS!!!

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We get many requests from visitors each month and due to limited space, we can only accommodate a few...all requests are first come, first serve...when we accept someone for a stint on the farm, another is turned down...

Thus, every time we have a no-show or folks who fail to honor their commitment, it means that:

1) Someone else was denied the time slot and opportunity to experience the farm;

2) Projects have to be postponed;

3) Perishable food purchased to fed the volunteers may go to waste;

Remember, we can't snap our fingers and magically replace a volunteer at short notice...So, prospective visitors, we count on you to follow through when you agree to help here...if you are unable to fulfill your commitment to stay and fail to notify me at least 4 weeks prior to your arrival date, it will result in you being given a ‘no show’ as feedback or review on the volunteer site(WWOOF-USA, HelpX, Worldpackers, Volunteer Base) of which you are a member!*****

If you agree to these rules & have never been in contact with me about coming to my farm, why? There is an application process in order to see if you are a good fit and any farm volunteer must complete this. We will do a background check and google you before accepting you, a complete stranger, into our life and onto our property. Not everyone meets our standards & many are turned away. So, agreeing to the rules prior to contacting me or following the normal steps will make me question your motives. Thanks