Camp Volunteers

County Camp Volunteer Opportunities

There are many roles to fill at WVU 4-H county camps, and we need caring adults to fill them. Click on the links below to see examples of volunteer position descriptions.

Are you ready to apply? Contact your county office for an application.

• Counselors support and work cooperatively with 4-H professionals, volunteers, and camp participants in conducting meaningful educational camping experiences to help youth grow and reach their fullest potential in an environment of positive youth development.

• Every county camp needs a healthcare provider! The Healthcare Manager is responsible for overseeing the health and safety of campers and staff, providing healthcare to both campers and staff during camp. Are you a Registered Nurse (RN), EMT, Paramedic, Physician, LPN, or Wilderness First Responder? This may be the role for you.

• Instructors further the mission of the camp through the development and delivery of specific class activities that are safe, fun, and appropriate to the campers’ ages and abilities. Do you have a skill or interesting topic you can teach? This is a great way to volunteer that need not involve a large time commitment.

• These roles for experienced camping volunteers help to create a comfortable, supportive 4-H camping environment. Responsibilities include assigning cabin staff and campers, reviewing camper special needs, and overseeing cabin safety, cleanliness, and repair.

• These roles for experienced camping volunteers assist Deans with duties as requested. Responsibilities also include serving as a cabin counselor.

The position description will vary for each county camp.

Time Required

• Approximately 60-70 hours before camp that will include: meetings, educational opportunities.
• 100% “on the job duty” while at 4-H camp.

Position Purpose

Support and work cooperatively with 4-H professionals, volunteers, and camp participants in conducting meaningful educational camping experiences to help youth grow and reach their fullest potential in an environment of positive youth development.

Specific Responsibilities

• Serve as a role model for campers.
• Ensure that campers assigned are in a safe, fun, educational environment.
• Be a good cottage counselor by welcoming campers at the door on the first day of arrival, helping campers find bunks and settling in.
• Cabin/cottage counselor with campers: Assist with shower schedules and homesickness, and ensure safety by following ‘Above Suspicion’ policy.
• Take full responsibility for class assignments, tribe organization, program committee work, and other such duties as assigned.
• Observe and promote all rules and regulations established by the WVU Extension Service, the county 4-H agent, and WVU Jackson’s Mill.
• Emphasize safety at all times. Take time to explain how and why to do something safely.
• Observe campers daily for illnesses and injuries that require the camp nurse’s attention. Go with the camper to the nurse’s station and do not leave without the permission of the nurse.
• Be on time for meetings, workshops, programs, meals, and other such responsibilities.
• Make sure all campers are familiar with camp facilities and camp rules through a tour of camp and a review of rules.
• Do not vape nor use tobacco, alcohol, or recreational drugs while participating in the counselor program at camp.
• Make sure all campers understand they must remain on camp grounds at all times, and report any camper that is missing from workshops, programs, tribal meetings, cabins, etc. immediately to the WVU Extension Agent.
• See that all campers are involved in all activities. Make sure no one is excluded.
• Be in the cabin with campers at all times between the hours of “Lights Out” and “Rise and Shine."
• Be quiet at appropriate times and help campers keep quiet.
• Supervise meals and lineups when necessary.
• Seek assistance or advice from the county staff members when needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills and Abilities Needed

• Leadership.
• Understanding of diverse audiences.
• Willingness to promote 4-H camp as an educational opportunity for all eligible youth.
• The ability to work with minimal supervision from professional staff but seek advice or assistance when needed.

Qualifications

• Reached their 18th birthday (to serve on younger camp staff). Must be five years older than the oldest camper they supervise.
• Reached their 22nd birthday (to serve on older camp staff). Individuals aged 21-22 may serve on older camp staff after serving one year on younger camp staff. (County Specific)
• Some experience, either as a former camp counselor at 4-H camp or another camp, or exhibit personal qualities (leadership, responsibility, self-esteem) that demonstrate the individual’s ability to become a camp counselor.

WVU Extension Agrees to

• Provide orientation and training opportunities to assist Volunteer in being successful in their position.
• Provide access to educational materials and resources.
• Provide appropriate recognition of members for their service.
• Collaborate to fulfill the goals of the Volunteer.

The position description will vary for each county camp.

Time Required

50-80 hours including time in training and camp.

Position Purpose

The Health Care Manager is responsible for overseeing the health and safety of campers and staff. Provides health care to both campers and staff during camping event.

Specific Responsibilities

• Provide health care to meet the individual needs of camp staff and campers.
• Collaborate with other medical staff to meet medical needs.
• Follow health care policies/procedures as described in the Healthcare Manual and treatment procedures.
• Organize, maintain, and utilize adequate resources for serving the health and medical needs of the campers and staff.
• Set up the camp Health Center.
• Inventory and order all necessary medical supplies and equipment.
• Maintain accurate and detailed medical records according to state and American Camp Association Standards.
• Oversee First Aid procedures and supplies.
• Prepare and distribute first aid kits throughout camp including camp vehicles, kitchen, offices, waterfront, activity areas, and for out-of-camp trips.
• Ensure a staff orientation session is delivered on medical services.
• Ensure camp staff and campers know their role related to health care and first aid.
• Screen all campers and staff who are arriving and departing camp.
• Supervise sanitary conditions throughout camp.
• Observe daily cleanliness in the food service facility and other areas throughout camp.
• Report any health problems or symptoms of illness to the Camp Director.
• Oversee the collection, distribution, and proper storage of all prescription medications.
• Supervise health assistant and/or first aid position.
• Develop a resource file and obtain information and/or literature concerning health in the camp community.
• Be knowledgeable of outside health resources.
• Provide emergency care as needed.
• Communicate with Camp Director concerning health care and needs.
• Manage health care transportation as needed.
• Serve as a mandated reporter, following WVU guidelines on reporting and complete Report Abuse form.

Skills and Abilities Needed

• Demonstrated skills, knowledge, and ability to provide health care in a rural camp setting.
• Ability to provide healthcare in a non-traditional setting.
• Understanding of diverse audiences.
• Excellent communication skills.

Qualifications

• Registered nurse (RN) with a license as required by individual County and State law or EMT, Paramedic, Physician, LPN, Wilderness First Responder. (The individual can only practice at the level of their certification.)
• CPR Certified; Current First aid certification and experience in first aid and emergency management.
• Driver’s license and clear annual DMV check.
• Experience in both children and adult illness/injury care.
• Camp and/or activity locations in rural or wilderness areas greater than 30 minutes away from emergency services are urged to have the Wilderness First Aid or Wilderness First Responder training.

WVU Extension Agrees to

• Provide orientation and training opportunities to assist Volunteer in being successful in their position.
• Provide access to educational materials and resources.
• Provide appropriate recognition of members for their service.
• Collaborate to fulfill the goals of the Volunteer.

The position description will vary for each county camp.

Time Required

Varies depending on assignment. Volunteers can be fully vetted and spend the week or they can sign up to teach one class.

Position Purpose

To further the mission of the camp through the development and delivery of ________ class activities that are safe, fun, and appropriate to the campers’ ages and abilities. To serve as an instructor for youth assigned to camp class as assigned.

Specific Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver a _______________ program that is appropriate for the age and ability of the campers.
• Evaluate the abilities of campers and staff.
• Evaluate the success of the program.
• Ensure that camp staff and campers know and follow safety and educational procedures.
• Assist in the management and care of the physical facilities utilized during the training.
• Ensure that all materials and supplies necessary to teach the class are in place and in good repair before the class instruction begins.

Skills and Abilities Needed

• Possess the skills and abilities to teach or train utilizing the best strategies for the ages of the youth present.
• Ability to work with a diverse audience to deliver instructional programs.
• Ability to observe camper behavior, assess its appropriateness, enforce appropriate safety regulations and emergency procedures and apply appropriate behavior-management techniques.

Qualifications

• Must be well versed and trained in the particular educational subject matter of instruction.

WVU Extension Agrees to

• Provide orientation and training opportunities to assist Volunteer in being successful in their position
• Provide access to educational materials and resources
• Provide appropriate recognition of members for their service
• Collaborate to fulfill the goals of the Volunteer

The position description will vary for each county camp.

Time Required

Time spent in mandated camp staff training; 50-70 hours during week of camp

Position Purpose

Creates a comfortable, supportive, 4-H camping environment for campers and staff that is conducive to learning and for positive personal growth. Directs and coordinates the campers and staff by performing duties personally or through assistants of other staff members.

Will lead in the development of a 4-H camping environment that encourages each camper and staff member to have a safe and positive camping experience, helps facilitate the growth of positive self-esteem, and encourages a sense of community and family.

Specific Responsibilities

• Coordinates the assignment of staff supervision of cabins including bunk assignments, reviews cabin leader/staff essential duties and responsibilities before campers’ arrival, reviews “Camp Emergency Plan,” and follows up daily cabin bathhouse check-list with staff.
• Coordinates the counselor-to-camper ratios by cabin; reviews camper special needs with cabin staff alerting them to such needs as sleep-walking, bed-wetting, on any other medical or special needs staff should be aware of to ensure the safety and risk management of campers.
• Coordinates cabin roster and bunk assignments and assigns cabin leader to verify each night prior to lights out that all campers and staff for their cabin are present or accounted for.
• Oversees cabin safety including fire alarms, fire, and emergency drills; verifies all staff have assigned campers listed on their emergency plan.
• Will notify camp director each night that all campers and staff are present or accounted for, and will convey any concerns, incidents, or issues promptly.
• Coordinates with Camp Director to maintain the cabins and bathhouses in safe and functional condition.
• Supervises the cleanliness of the cabins and bathhouses.
• Supervises the staff who ensure clean and functional restrooms.

Skills and Abilities Needed

• Problem-Solving
• Interpersonal Skills
• Teamwork
• Delegation
• Leadership
• Managing People
• Initiative
• Good Judgement

Qualifications

• 5-7 Years of 4-H Camping experience and/or ability to supervise and guide personal growth in positive youth development in a 4-H camp setting.
• Must be experienced in camp management and WVU Extension camping protocols; Knowledge of WVUES 4-H camp policies and procedures.

WVU Extension Agrees to

• Provide orientation and training opportunities to assist Volunteer in being successful in their position
• Provide access to educational materials and resources
• Provide appropriate recognition of members for their service
• Collaborate to fulfill the goals of the Volunteer

The position description will vary for each county camp.

Time Required

Time spent in mandated training; 40 hours for a weekend camp, 50-70 or more hours for a weeklong camp. 24 hours/day during the duration of camp.

Position Purpose

To provide assistance to the Dean of men or women as they provide leadership to campers and staff.

To create a comfortable, supportive, 4-H camping environment for campers and staff that is conducive to learning and positive personal growth.

Specific Responsibilities

• Serve as a cabin counselor; supervise a cabin of campers at least five (5) years younger
• Serve as backup for the Dean if requested
• Serve as medical transportation liaison ensuring that someone is always in place for medical transport of campers if needed
• Perform cabin and class checks during morning, afternoon, and evening to ensure all youth are accounted for.
• Serves as a witness and documents any accidents, incidents or disciplinary action so that a complete report can be filed with the Camp Director
• May be asked to serve as designated male/female to work with camp nurse if camp nurse is female/male.
• Check with class instructors during sessions to ensure that all youth are in the class for which they registered.
• Serve as a Mandated Reporter by following all required protocol and making the Report Abuse form and also reporting the information to your supervisor.

Skills and Abilities Needed

• Interpersonal Skills
• Teamwork
• Managing People
• Initiative
• Good Judgement

Qualifications

• Must have served on camp staff for at least 5 years.
• Ability to work with a diverse population

WVU Extension Agrees to

• Provide orientation and training opportunities to assist Volunteer in being successful in their position
• Provide access to educational materials and resources
• Provide appropriate recognition of members for their service
• Collaborate to fulfill the goals of the Volunteer

WVU is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer -- Minority/Female/Disability/Veteran.
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