Go Camping as a Volunteer!

Info on:  2009 Leadapalooza!

What better way to dedicate yourself to volunteer service than to volunteer at camp! Check with the directors of each camp to see which events need counselors, health care providers, and camp resource volunteers. For further information on volunteering at Wallowa Lake Camp or Camp Magruder, please click these links, then click the back button to return here:

• volunteer info for Wallowa Lake Camp, specifically

Counselors
Trained Health Care Providers (MD, RN, EMT, LPN, First Aid & CPR)
Kitchen workers
Maintenance workers
Program leaders
Storytellers
Song Leaders
Craft Leaders
Musicians
People who love to share nature with children
People who love children
People who want to make a positive difference in others' lives

… all are needed to make a child or youth's camping experience the best it can be. We hope you will share your special gift with United Methodist Camp and Retreat Ministries.

It takes hundreds of very special people to make this program effective. Thousands of lives are influenced by camping experiences every year. Due to the length of concentrated time, the inspiring surroundings, and the effort expended, camping is a significant Christian education experience shaping the lives of children, youth, and adults.

If you'd like to serve as a volunteer camp counselor, or camp dean or in other capacities, follow the directions outlined below.

TO BECOME A CAMP VOLUNTEER :

• Download a volunteer information form from this page (button is at the top left), and mail or fax it to your preferred camp location(s). Addresses and phone numbers are on the Contact Us page.

• Provide two references (if you are new to our camping program or haven't served in the past three years).

• Attend training and planning sessions offered at the site and with the Dean of your event.

• Commit yourself to the spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical needs of a small group of campers for the length of your camp.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF A CAMP COUNSELOR:

As a counselor, you will be responsible for a group of 4–6 campers. This means being a part of group living, camp chores, informal devotional encounters, and deepening experiences of fellowship. The counselor and campers together turn the events of everyday living into meaningful Christian community.

WHAT IT TAKES TO BE A CAMP COUNSELOR:

United Methodist or Episcopal Connection: Some connection to the United Methodist or Episcopal Church is helpful, but not required. Certainly you must be in tune with our core process of helping people grow intentionally as Christian disciples—reaching out to all people, beginning or deepening relationships with God, sending people forth in mission, doing love and justice ministries.

Talents and Skills: It is helpful if counselors can lead in areas of handicrafts, music, Bible stories, recreation, nature study, and camp crafts; but the primary prerequisite is a willingness to share God's love with children and youth.

Age Requirement: Young, middle-aged, and senior adults are all needed as counselors. Our children and youth need the wisdom that comes with maturity, as well as the enthusiasm of younger adults. Our deans seek to pair counselors with complimentary skills and energy levels.

Counselors for primary, younger and older elementary camps are required to be at least 18 years of age or have completed our Counselor-in-Training (CIT) program. Middle school counselors must be 19 or older, and senior high counselors must be at least 21 years old. A CIT is a person who is receiving training to be a counselor at a week-long summer camp working with children 7–12 years old. To be a CIT you must be at least a Sophomore in high school and be recommended by your pastor or camp dean. For more information about CIT training, contact the Conference Office (info@gocamping.org or 1-800-593-7539 or 503-226-7931X:43 in the Portland area).

TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES:

Each camp provides a May or June weekend of leader training at the camp, where you get acquainted with people and facilities, as well as practice necessary camp skills. In addition, camp staffs will also meet at least once for program planning and training with their dean. Participation is also expected at the pre-camp staff time the Saturday afternoon through Sunday morning before your campers arrive.

CAMP PROVISIONS:

Each camp provides counselors with nourishing food, a place to sleep, and great new friends to work with. Counselors provide their own towels, toiletries, sleeping bags or bedding. The camping program pays for your lodging, food, and a portion of your travel.