Volunteer Counselor

Volunteer Counselors provide unpaid support to the camp staff for one or more sessions and receive one week of staff training. Volunteer positions are open for youth camps based on staffing needs after Ranch Hands and Camp Counselors have been hired.  

Specific Responsibilities

• Work to build an inclusive community of unconditional love.
• Foster camaraderie and a safe place for campers.
• Welcome camp counselors and volunteer counselors into the staff community with warmth and support.
• Provide leadership and overnight supervision for a cabin of 6-8 campers daily.
• Offer emotional support and behavior redirection as needed for campers.
• Work cooperatively with camp chaplains to carry out each camp program.
• Enthusiastically participate in all aspects of the BREAD camp program including wake ups, meals, morning programs, cabin time, free time, workshops, evening activities, campfires, compline services, music and games.
• Lead, or co-lead a small group in daily morning conversations, and hold information confidential (unless a source of concern, then report to a supervisor).
• Brainstorm, prepare, lead or co-lead, and cleanup workshops.
• Supervise afternoon free time and pool activities while integrating with campers.
• In teams, brainstorm, prepare, lead and clean up evening activities and campfires.
• Seek to include all campers throughout the program, providing attention equally across the camp community.
• Monitor and uphold safety and health standards as dictated by The Bishop’s Ranch, the Diocese of California, and the American Camp Association.
• Take on supportive tasks as assigned with grace and good humor (may range from cleaning tables, to organizing supplies, office work, clearing trails, etc.)

Requirements

• Entering 12th grade or older
• First Aid/CPR certification (offered during staff training)
• Partial attendance at staff training (June 14-19, 2020)
• National background check and voluntary disclosure statement
• Sign and agree to live according to our Camp Community Covenant
• Complete a Safe Church online training and a Medical Information Form

Physical Requirements
Physical ability to respond appropriately to situations requiring first aid. Must be able to assist campers in an emergency (fire, evacuation, illness, or injury) and possess strength and endurance required to maintain constant supervision of campers.

Some physical requirements of the position could be endurance including prolonged standing, some bending, stooping, walking long distances, hiking, climbing, and stretching; requires eye-hand coordination and manual dexterity to manipulate outdoor equipment and camp activities; requires normal range of hearing and eyesight to record, prepare, and communicate appropriate camper activities/programs and the ability to lift up to 50 lbs; willing to live in a camp setting and work irregular hours with limited or simple equipment and facilities; and with daily exposure to the sun, heat, and animals such as bugs, snakes, etc.

Compensation

• Room and board onsite during the period of service
• First Aid/CPR course and certification included with Staff Training

We plan to hire as many volunteer counselors as we need, once Ranch Hands and Camp Counselors have been hired.