ONE PERSON CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE,
GET INVOLVED WITH CAMP SAM!
A VOLUNTEER
Is a person who is a light to others, giving witness in a mixed-up age, doing well and willingly the tasks at hand, being aware of another’s needs and doing something about it.
Dear Friend:
We are delighted you are interested in volunteering your time with Camp
Smile-A-Mile and help bring smiles to children in Alabama with cancer.
Weeklong Camp Dates:
Youth Camp: June 3-9, 2012
This camp is for on or off therapy patients, ages 6-12
Teen Camp: July 8-14, 2012
This camp is for on or off therapy patients, ages 13-high school sophomores
We believe a week of summer camp is the best possible way to fully orient and train a new individual to understand the needs of our campers and their families and to understand the mission of Camp Smile-A-Mile. After a volunteer has completed a week long camp session, they can participate in our weekend camps, one day activities and trips.
If you are a new applicant, please read on to learn more about volunteering with Camp Smile-A-Mile.
If you are chosen to volunteer,wether you are new to our program or a return staff member, there is a required volunteer orientation and training session on Saturday, April 14, 2012 at the campsite facility, Children's Harbor. You will have the option of coming the evening of April 13th.
At Volunteer Training and Orientation, job responsibilities, volunteer expectations, medical procedures, emergency procedures, camp schedules, programs, camp traditions, policies and rules will be explained.
You don't have to be an expert in any activity to volunteer at Camp SAM, however, we are particularly looking for help in some of these areas:
1. Current Certified Lifeguards, ages 19 or older to staff both week long camp sessions. Lifeguards will staff the pool, boating and canoeing areas where volunteers and campers will need to supervised. Lifeguards applying will need to submit a copy of current certification.
2. College students, ages 19 or older majoring in music or relavent major with bold voice and attitudes who can lead and teach confidently impromptu singing during meals, actvities, campfire or when waiting around for activities to begin.
3. Experienced Guitar Player, age 19 or older who will lead singing also during meals, activities, campfire or when waiting around for activities to begin.
4. College students, ages 19 or older majoring in recreational education or relavent major who can lead games, skits and outdoor sports activities.
5. Experienced Archerer, age 19 or older who can instruct on how to properly shoot a bow and arrow and teach safety skills.
6. Experienced Golfer, age 19 or older who can instruct proper techniques in holding and swinging the golf club.
The single most important element in the success of our program is our volunteer staff. Since 1985, our unit heads, cabin, activity and miscellaneous camp volunteers have provided enthusiasm, fun, creativity, energy and generosity to our campers by nurturing lifelong friendships, provided outlets for personal growth and have created wonderful lasting memories.
At Camp SAM, our volunteer counselors learn the meaning of patience and understanding as they experience the role of a mentor. We set extremely high goals for the camp, and it is important that you understand our objectives. If this is the type of influence you wish to have on the lives of young cancer patients, you must make these goals yours and commit to:
Being a volunteer can also be time consuming. Therefore, a volunteer must commit to:
- Submit a completed application with references between January & March 15th
- Complete a Waiver of Release for a background check
- Attend an in-person interview or participate in a phone interview if asked
- Attend a one-day pre-camp volunteer training in April
- Read, understand and abide by the rules, policies and procedures found in the Camp Manual
- Report to camp the day prior to camper arrival (Sunday)
- Attend a full week of summer camp either in June or July; which is held Sunday-Saturday
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
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19 years of age or older
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Applicants must be 21 or older to apply for the weeklong teen camp.
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Desire and ability to work with children outdoors
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Ability to relate to one's peer group
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Ability to be a positive member of a volunteer team
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Ability to accept supervision and guidance
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Enthusiasm, humor, patience, and self-control
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Commitment to attend the entire week of camp
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Provide leadership at the activities and in the cabin
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Work with all camp staff to help meet the needs of the campers
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Show enthusiasm and excitement for camp programs
Please read the camp volunteer position descriptions,volunteer expectations and frequently asked questions, to know whether or not you are eligible to apply as a volunteer.
If you have questions after reviewing the volunteer information, please email Jennifer Amundsen, Program Director at jennifer.amundsen@campsam.org .
