Volunteer


Go Camping as a Volunteer

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.

The Oregon-Idaho camping ministry has been built on volunteer service. We all have been given gifts to share for the Body of Christ. What can you do?

Interested in Becoming a Volunteer at Camp?

Read on to learn more about volunteering at camp.

Want to apply?

Become a Volunteer »

Already a Volunteer?

Looking for volunteer forms, handbooks and resources?

Please visit our Volunteer Resources page.

Looking for Service Opportunities?

Visit our Service Opportunities page to learn how groups can serve, volunteering at our sites.


Becoming a Camp Volunteer:

Because our camps strive to be safe sanctuaries for children and vulnerable adults, all volunteers must complete the steps outlined below:

  • 1. Click here to fill out a Volunteer Staff Application

    Be prepared to set up a user name and password if you have not done that already. Keep track of your user name and password!
    If you must use a paper form, please click here. and mail it in to your site director.

  • 2. Click here to run your confidential background check »

    Volunteers 18 and over must register for their own confidential background check ( $3.95.) (Volunteers will need to run a background check every three years. Those who ran a background check in 2011 do not need to register for this year's background check but all others do.) The results will be viewed only by authorized Camp & Retreat Ministry staff. Please have a credit card ready. The password you'll need is: 123GoCamping!

    Click here to view the pdf "Background Check Information: 2012"

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

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


    • We need:

    • Counselors
    • Trained Health Care Providers
    • Kitchen workers
    • Maintenance workers
    • Program leaders
    • Storytellers
    • Song Leaders
    • Craft Leaders
    • Musicians

    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 (.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or 503-802-9213 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.

    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.