Questions about volunteering on staff
What does being a camp counselor look like?
Volunteering as a camp counselor (ages 16 and up) involves being paired with a camper or groups of campers (depending on care needs) for 5 days of the camp session, with two days of staff training preceding. Being a camp counselor involves being a companion and a caretaker. Some of our campers are very independent and mostly need companionship; some have physical limitations which mean that they need help with care tasks like bathing and using the bathroom. We are very careful to listen to our volunteer counselors during staff training, and give them opportunities to let us know, through small groups and in writing, what their fears are and what they feel like they can handle. First year counselors are most often paired with counselors who are very independent; more experienced counselors tend to like the one on one relationships that come with campers who have more intimate needs. We have a robust adult staff that is there to support our counselors throughout the week.
What age do you have to be to be on staff?
Most cabin counselors are ages 16-24. Anyone 24 and up can serve on our support staff. Children younger than 16 are invited to come if accompanied by a guardian on support staff.
Can I come before I am 16?
Here are some ways to be a volunteer before age 16:
When is the deadline to sign up?
It is most helpful to us if you sign up before June 15, but, if we're still in need of volunteers, we accept applications before that.
Can I volunteer for both sessions?
You sure can! We ask that you do go home to rest between the two sessions. We'll send more details about that once you sign up.
Why do I have to pay to come to camp to volunteer?
This is a question we get asked a lot. Here's what we can tell you:
Is there any training before the camp?
Every one ages 19+ will complete an online training, Safeguarding God’s Children, and a background check before camp. The first two of the session are staff training days before campers arrive.
Do I stay in a cabin?
Support staff stay in lodge style housing; we ask that you stay with a roommate unless there are exceptional circumstances. Cabin counselors stay in dorm style, air conditioned cabins with their campers.
What role will I have on if I'm on support staff?
You may have a defined role, like nurse or lifeguard, or you may have a general helping role. Whatever your gifts are, there is a way for you to serve at Special Session.
Can I come for just a part of the session?
Our community is strongest if staff members can be present for the entire session.
How much does it cost?
The cost is $200 for staff members. This helps us cover the cost of using camp, and makes camp more affordable for our campers. Scholarships are readily available.
Will this count for volunteer hours for my school or extracurricular organization?
Yes! Each week of camp is 160 volunteer hours.
What if I have special circumstances or exceptional needs?
Special circumstances and exceptional needs are our specialty. If you want to come to camp, please call Lindsey (205-530-0685) and let’s find a way to make it happen.
How do I sign up?
Click here to register now!
Volunteering as a camp counselor (ages 16 and up) involves being paired with a camper or groups of campers (depending on care needs) for 5 days of the camp session, with two days of staff training preceding. Being a camp counselor involves being a companion and a caretaker. Some of our campers are very independent and mostly need companionship; some have physical limitations which mean that they need help with care tasks like bathing and using the bathroom. We are very careful to listen to our volunteer counselors during staff training, and give them opportunities to let us know, through small groups and in writing, what their fears are and what they feel like they can handle. First year counselors are most often paired with counselors who are very independent; more experienced counselors tend to like the one on one relationships that come with campers who have more intimate needs. We have a robust adult staff that is there to support our counselors throughout the week.
What age do you have to be to be on staff?
Most cabin counselors are ages 16-24. Anyone 24 and up can serve on our support staff. Children younger than 16 are invited to come if accompanied by a guardian on support staff.
Can I come before I am 16?
Here are some ways to be a volunteer before age 16:
- Come with a parent. Our support staff have brought children of all ages, including teenagers. We love to have the extra helping hands, and we like for the session to be family oriented.
- Organize a group to sponsor a Happy Hour. Happy Hour is a daily Special Session activity, which is hosted by outside groups like churches and civic clubs. This is a great way to come to camp to see what it's like!
- Come visit the talent show. The next to last night of each session is the camp talent show, and we love for visitors to come cheer on our campers as they perform.
When is the deadline to sign up?
It is most helpful to us if you sign up before June 15, but, if we're still in need of volunteers, we accept applications before that.
Can I volunteer for both sessions?
You sure can! We ask that you do go home to rest between the two sessions. We'll send more details about that once you sign up.
Why do I have to pay to come to camp to volunteer?
This is a question we get asked a lot. Here's what we can tell you:
- Financial assistance is readily available to all who need it. Everyone who asks for a scholarship gets one, no questions asked.
- Our campers pay to come to camp, and we REALLY believe that our staff gets just as much out of this experience a our campers do. It doesn’t seem fair that the campers would pay and the staff would come for free.
- Our staff is usually better able to pay than our campers are, because living with a disability often means living in poverty. Sharing the costs between staff and campers helps us make camp possible for everyone.
Is there any training before the camp?
Every one ages 19+ will complete an online training, Safeguarding God’s Children, and a background check before camp. The first two of the session are staff training days before campers arrive.
Do I stay in a cabin?
Support staff stay in lodge style housing; we ask that you stay with a roommate unless there are exceptional circumstances. Cabin counselors stay in dorm style, air conditioned cabins with their campers.
What role will I have on if I'm on support staff?
You may have a defined role, like nurse or lifeguard, or you may have a general helping role. Whatever your gifts are, there is a way for you to serve at Special Session.
Can I come for just a part of the session?
Our community is strongest if staff members can be present for the entire session.
How much does it cost?
The cost is $200 for staff members. This helps us cover the cost of using camp, and makes camp more affordable for our campers. Scholarships are readily available.
Will this count for volunteer hours for my school or extracurricular organization?
Yes! Each week of camp is 160 volunteer hours.
What if I have special circumstances or exceptional needs?
Special circumstances and exceptional needs are our specialty. If you want to come to camp, please call Lindsey (205-530-0685) and let’s find a way to make it happen.
How do I sign up?
Click here to register now!