Each summer volunteers from all around the United States spend several weeks free of charge at the Tallac Historic Site. These fortunate folks camp under the towering pine trees, swim in Lake Tahoe and hike the many trails. The only catch is -- they also work without pay.

The Tallac Historic Site, which is administered by the U.S. Forest Service, consists of three summer retreats built by millionaires in the early part of the 20th century. This year 22 camper-volunteers, which is a record number, are carrying on the work of restoring the 24 buildings on the property to appear as they did in the 1920s - the heyday of the site.

In addition, the volunteers maintain the extensive gardens and lawns of the estates. They also act as interpreters for the thousands of visitors who come to Tallac each year. They do all this because they believe in the vision of the Tallac Historic Site and they love what they do.

Bill Miller, from Pioneer, Calif., tells visitors about the Quic-Chakidn in the Pope Boathouse. The camper-volunteers ...