I have read (from a powered aircraft point of view) that the circuit is a busy time for the pilot(s), I don't know if it is the same for gliding but I can certainly understand why it is a training priority.
I'd be very happy to get involved with ground operations, it sounds like a great opportunity to meet other like-minded people and learn from the experiences of others. Also, as Chris Adam has said I think it would really give me a good idea of the amount of work that goes into getting a glider into the air.