What role does a volunteer play at camp?

Volunteers play a wide variety of different roles at camp.  These roles will often depend on the needs of the camp session since each camp session is unique. 

Volunteers are sure to get a lot of ‘hands on experience’ with campers since their main tasks will involve providing extra help with campers such as giving extra support in a buddy group, providing extra support for a lake trip or just hanging out with a camper that might need more attention.

Volunteers will also spend some time helping out ‘behind the scenes.’  For example, volunteers may be asks to help set-up/set-down all camp activities with the programmers, take photos of camp for the coordinators, help set-up/set-down for special events, dress up and play a character for the campers ect.

It is important to communicate what you would like to get out of camp to the coordinators so that we can meet your needs as well.

What kind of training does a volunteer go through?

Volunteers go through a few different kinds of training.  First, all volunteers are requested to attend pre-camp orientation in May that takes place in Vancouver, Victoria or Kelowna.  This training is a great way to learn more about camp, learn techniques in behaviour support in order to better prepare yourself for scenarios at camp and to receive your Volunteer Handbook.  Alternatively, volunteers can attend an on-site orientation on June 20-21 at their home camp location.  Second, volunteers will be given an orientation on the first morning of camp.  Finally, volunteers will continue to learn throughout the week with feedback from the coordinators.

When should volunteers arrive at camp?

Volunteers should arrive the night before camp starts in order to get settled in and meet other staff members.

What is the room and board situation at camp?

As a volunteer, all your meals and delicious snacks (which are always available in the staff lounge) are covered.  There is also wireless internet at all the camps and at least one staff computer that everyone is allowed to use.  There is cell phone reception and a payphone.  There are laundry machines in case you need to wash clothes (though you might find you don’t have time to do laundry because you are too busy having fun!) 

What are the sleeping arrangements?

They vary for each camp, but make sure to bring your own sleeping bag, sheet and pillow.

a)      Squamish – Has both a boys and girls dorm.  Staff sleep upstairs in large rooms with typically 2-3 staff per room.  Extra beds and cupboards are available in these rooms for volunteers.

b)      Shawnigan- Volunteers will share staff dorms – anywhere from 4 to 8 people in a room, always divided by gender.  You can also opt to sleep outside under the stars in the designated sleeping area.

c)      Winfield- Volunteers will sleep in staff rooms – usually there are between 2 and 3 people per room.

Where do I keep my medication?

ALL medication is kept by the nurse in the Nurses Nest.  At the start of the week you must hand in your medication to the nurse with instructions on when you take it.  The health care team will then deliver your medication to you (i.e. at meals) or you can make arrangements to get it at the Nurses Nest.  If you are lucky, you might get some candy with your medication ;).

Are volunteers expected to be involved in bathing and toileting of
campers?

No, personal care is only carried out by staff.  Furthermore, volunteers are never permitted to be in a room alone with a camper.

Do volunteers require a criminal record check?

Yes, volunteers are responsible for a valid criminal record check.  You can either get one through your local police office OR use an organization called “backcheck” that costs $25.  Backcheck is a very fast service (only takes one day to process).  Your camp coordinators can help set BackCheck up if that is the route you decide to take.

How long are the days?

The day starts at 7:30 am in the dorms and goes until bed-time which varies between 8:30-10 pm.  Though the days may seem long, staff often find that the weeks simply fly by in the blink of an eye.  Furthermore, each staff get an hour break each day.