What better way to dedicate yourself to volunteer service than to volunteer at camp! Check with the directors of each camp to see about helping with the physical upkeep needs of each site, and which events need counselors, health care providers, and camp resource volunteers.
Completing the form online is the easiest way for our directors to get your information as quickly as possible! * If you need a paper copy mailed to you, call the Camp & Retreat Ministries volunteer database manager at (503)802-9210 or email the camping office at camping@gocamping.org. Complete this form and send it directly to the site at which you wish to volunteer.
Any volunteer over the age of 18 who could have unsupervised contact with with children, youth, or vulnerable adults must initiate the process for a confidential criminal background check to be completed for Camp & Retreat Ministries of Oregon & Idaho. This check is required every year.
(3) Download, Complete and Send in your Health form directly to the site where you will be volunteering.
(4) Attend training and planning sessions offered at the site and with the leader of your event.
(5) Commit yourself to be present to the ministry of the site. Whether you are working with a small group children or youth, leading an adult retreat, or helping with the physical upkeep of a site, your committed participation is valued.
Looking for volunteer forms, handbooks and resources?
Please visit our Volunteer Resources page.
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.
Mainline denominational Connection:
Some connection to a mainline denomination (for example, 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 directors of the site you are interested in working at.
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.
© 2014 Camp and Retreat Ministries:
A partnership between The Oregon-Idaho Conference of The United Methodist Church
and The Episcopal Diocese of Oregon