Volunteer for Summer Camp Staff
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Hundreds of volunteers year round help make the Kentucky Diabetes Camps for Children’s Camp Hendon happen. However, one of the most rewarding and educational volunteer experiences available is the opportunity to spend a week at Camp Hendon with the children and staff.
Volunteers ages 18+ are needed for our two, one-week sessions of summer camp. Dates and locations are listed below. Community building is an important part of the camp experience and therefore we require all staff to volunteer for the full-week session of their choosing. Depending on the position for which you are applying, selection is contingent upon a completed application by the deadline, a background check, reference check, interview, and completion of mandatory training. Position options are listed below. Click the "+" for additional details about each role. The hours are long with limited time off, but the rewards are life-changing. You will discover new talents, new friendships, and most importantly, make a difference in the lives of many children. |
Session 1 2024
Sat. June 29 - Fri. July 5, 2024
Camp Loucon - Leitchfield, KY Session 2 2024
Sat. July 13 - Fri. July 19, 2023
Camp Aldersgate - Ravenna , KY |
Summer Camp Volunteer Positions
Counselor-in-training (CIT)
The Camp Hendon Counselor in Training (CIT) program develops strong future Counselors that have a deep understanding of the Camp Hendon mission. CITs are involved in more than Camper care as they learn all of the “behind the scenes” work that goes into making Camp Hendon the Best Place on Earth. The transition from Camper to Counselor can be difficult and overwhelming, so the program is mandatory for all 18-year-old first time Counselors*. This program develops future Camp Hendon leaders as they learn to take on additional responsibilities.
CITs enjoy a fun-filled week focused on transitioning into independent adults, leaders, and positive role models for the next generation of Campers. They get to develop their leadership skills and receive hands-on experience and guidance from both the Camp Hendon Leadership Team as well as current Counselors. The focus of the CIT program is to give participants a greater appreciation of what it is like to be a Counselor at Camp Hendon. Through discussion, activities, and hands-on experience, CITs learn about camp routines, managing children in groups, and the importance of stepping-up when team members need help.
The CIT positions are not all work and no play. CITs are able to participate in special program opportunities and 2-3 activities of their choosing during the week. Additionally, Camp Hendon CITs participate in the planning and selection of theme days, dance themes, and other special activities. A successful week as a CIT serves as an “interview week” for a full Counselor position the following year. Successful CITs are welcome to use Camp Hendon as a professional reference when needed.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Before Camp:
During Camp:
After camp:
Application Process:
*If you are a student and/or a non-camp-affiliated volunteer you must provide a professional reference and demonstrated experience to be considered for an AC position
CITs enjoy a fun-filled week focused on transitioning into independent adults, leaders, and positive role models for the next generation of Campers. They get to develop their leadership skills and receive hands-on experience and guidance from both the Camp Hendon Leadership Team as well as current Counselors. The focus of the CIT program is to give participants a greater appreciation of what it is like to be a Counselor at Camp Hendon. Through discussion, activities, and hands-on experience, CITs learn about camp routines, managing children in groups, and the importance of stepping-up when team members need help.
The CIT positions are not all work and no play. CITs are able to participate in special program opportunities and 2-3 activities of their choosing during the week. Additionally, Camp Hendon CITs participate in the planning and selection of theme days, dance themes, and other special activities. A successful week as a CIT serves as an “interview week” for a full Counselor position the following year. Successful CITs are welcome to use Camp Hendon as a professional reference when needed.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Before Camp:
- Mandatory pre-camp meeting with CIT Leader (to discuss themes, expectations, etc.)
- Mandatory pre-camp online training, as well as in-person training the day prior to Camper arrival
- Friday evening CIT team building led by CIT Lead and Camp Hendon Fund Development Manager
- CITs will have a behind-the-scenes peek at what it takes to run different aspects of camp. We encourage all CITs to arrive to camp on Friday evening to assist with med lodge set-up, trailer unloading, Tie-Dye set-up, etc.
- CITs will lead songs during the staff training on Saturday (attendance is mandatory) and will attend training sessions as a unit
- Assist with check-in setup
- CITs both observe fellow volunteers and work alongside them, learning and practicing how to teach Campers new skills and lead group activities. CITs will have opportunities to work with the Hype Team when support is needed
- Step in where additional help is needed
During Camp:
- Greet Campers at dens during Camp Hendon check-in
- Luggage checks in dens (with assistance from an experienced Camp Hendon Counselor)
- Set-up and clean-up of all camp activities (messy games, the dance, and closing ceremonies)
- These tasks will help support the Camp Hendon Hype team
- Assist the Camp Hendon Supply Manager as needed
- Daily survey of camp dens to pick which dens receive the “dirty den” and “clean cabin” awards
- Assist Fund Development Manager with the Needlepoint News
- Photography
- Lead songs at mealtime or assist Hype Team when they lead songs
- Daily CIT meetings with CIT Lead
- Must participate in 2am rounds twice during the week
- Backfill for den staff as needed
- Facility checks and maintenance (with support from host camp staff as needed)
After camp:
- Respond to the post-camp Staff Survey
- Participate in a post-camp interview of your CIT experience in order to help us improve it for future years
- Receive feedback from Camp Hendon Leadership Team regarding advancement to the role of Counselor the following summer
- Your performance as a CIT will determine your readiness to be a Counselor the following year. CITs may be asked to repeat the CIT program if it is determined that further leadership development is needed.
Application Process:
- Application opens December 15, 2024
- Apply online through the CampBrain system and select "CIT" as your position preference
- Applications must be submitted by April 1, 2025
*If you are a student and/or a non-camp-affiliated volunteer you must provide a professional reference and demonstrated experience to be considered for an AC position
Counselor-In-training (CIT) Leader
The CIT Leader is a volunteer position responsible for providing supervision, instruction, and ongoing assistance to Counselors-in-Training (CITs) at Camp Hendon Summer Session 1*. The CIT Leader oversees the day-to-day performance of CITs to deliver a safe, fun, and productive week at camp. The CIT Leader is responsible for assisting with program development, coordination, management, and implementation of Camp Hendon’s CIT program. The CIT Leader position is a 2-year commitment.
*Availability to be CIT Leader at both Summer Sessions would be ideal, but Summer Session 1 is the minimum requirement
QUALIFICATIONS:
RESPONSIBILITIES
Before Camp:
During Camp:
After Camp:
Application Process:
*Availability to be CIT Leader at both Summer Sessions would be ideal, but Summer Session 1 is the minimum requirement
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Age 21+
- Minimum 2 sessions of Den Leader experience
- Well-liked by peers/Strong People Skills
- Positive attitude
- Organized
- Flexible
- Role-model
- Experience working with high school aged individuals
RESPONSIBILITIES
Before Camp:
- Assist with planning in the months prior to camp
- Works with the Fund Development Manager in coordinating and organization the CIT program
- Develop CIT camp schedule (who, what, where, when)
- Must attend and lead CIT Q&A and training
- Identify opportunities for praise and recognition
- Willingness to learn Camp Hendon traditions and history
- Complete all online training
- Arrive on time to, and complete 100% of, in-person staff training
During Camp:
- Serves as the supervisor to CITs
- Aids CITs with tasks as needed
- Serves as an advocate for CITs when needed
- Enforce rules and boundaries
- Lodge with CITs
- Facilitates daily CIT meeting
- Daily check-in with Head Counselor on any additional needs
After Camp:
- Respond to the post-camp staff survey
- Willing to be a reference to successful CITs
- Develop and report out CIT evaluation
- Willing to identify and train successor after 2-year commitment is complete
Application Process:
- Applications are not currently being accepted for the CIT Leader position. Applications may re-open for Summer Camp 2026.
adult counselor (AC)
Age 19+, typically have or have been impacted by diabetes, or are students of a vairety of discliplines. Common student groups include outdoor recreation, child development, nursing, dietetics/nutrition, medical, and pharmacy.
As an Adult Counselor (AC) you are assigned to a small group of same-age campers within a larger "den". During the day the host camp staff will be running programs and the den counselor is there to play hard and make sure that the kids are having the time of their lives as they follow them through the program rotations and all camp activities. This job requires the counselor to be actively involved in the supervision, guidance, and motivation of campers while maintaining a high standard of care.
Students of a variety of disciplines come to came to advance their educational, professional, as well as personal goals. Students are considered Adult Counselors, but depending on your field, you may also have the opportunity to support a licensed professional. As a student, you will provide support services that are within the scope allowed by the camp medical director based on your current student status. Most past students say camp was the most rewarding and practical education experience they had received regarding providing medical services to children with diabetes.
We hope that many of our volunteer counselors are adult role models with diabetes, or recreation or allied health students, but it is not required. The counselor is primarily responsible for individual, small group, and den behavior management as well as performing blood sugar checks and treatments per protocols.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Before Camp:
During Camp:
JOB EXPECTATIONS
Application Process:
As an Adult Counselor (AC) you are assigned to a small group of same-age campers within a larger "den". During the day the host camp staff will be running programs and the den counselor is there to play hard and make sure that the kids are having the time of their lives as they follow them through the program rotations and all camp activities. This job requires the counselor to be actively involved in the supervision, guidance, and motivation of campers while maintaining a high standard of care.
Students of a variety of disciplines come to came to advance their educational, professional, as well as personal goals. Students are considered Adult Counselors, but depending on your field, you may also have the opportunity to support a licensed professional. As a student, you will provide support services that are within the scope allowed by the camp medical director based on your current student status. Most past students say camp was the most rewarding and practical education experience they had received regarding providing medical services to children with diabetes.
We hope that many of our volunteer counselors are adult role models with diabetes, or recreation or allied health students, but it is not required. The counselor is primarily responsible for individual, small group, and den behavior management as well as performing blood sugar checks and treatments per protocols.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Before Camp:
- Complete online training.
- Attend camp training.
- Read Staff Manual.
- Attend staff planning session the day before campers arrive.
During Camp:
- TEAMWORK: Function as a team member with other staff assigned to den.
- Performs Adult Counselor responsibilities as assigned by Den Leader, licensed den staff, and Medical Director including: Camper Check-In, assist with appropriate treatment of low blood sugars, 2:00a.m. rounds, camper education, and exit conferences with camper’s parents.
- Attend staff meetings as scheduled.
- Assist and participate in program planning and camp activities.
- Abide by camp rules and regulations.
- Supervise campers on a 24-hour basis except when properly relieved – break times will be specified by the den.
- Hypo- / Hyperglycemic watch – be familiar with symptoms of hypo-/hyperglycemia, as well as familiar with individual campers’ personalities to easily identify these. Formal/informal education opportunities with campers.
- Ensure backpacks for den is adequately stocked, and that your den has all supplies necessary for the day.
- Be an enthusiastic, positive role model to campers AND staff.
JOB EXPECTATIONS
- Assist with blood glucose checks and recording blood glucose levels on the log.
- Ensure campers report to licensed den staff for insulin administration as needed.
- Provide assistance as needed per licensed den staff and den leader.
- Responsible for specified number of 2 AM Rounds.
- Direction and leadership of campers.
- Timely movement of den to and from activities (led by Den Leader).
- Staff relief – appropriate break times to be designated.
- Participation in activities with campers – includes encouragement of campers for participation in all activities.
- Down-time organization (led by Den Leader).
- Hypo- / Hyperglycemic watch – be familiar with symptoms of hypo-/hyperglycemia, as well as familiar with individual campers’ personalities to easily identify these.
Application Process:
- Applications open December 15, 2024
- Complete the general Camp Hendon volunteer application through the CampBrain portal linked above
- Select "AC" as your position preference
- Applications must be submitted by April 15, 2025
den leader
Den Leaders represent our strongest counselors that have a deep understanding of the Camp Hendon mission. Den Leaders are selected through an application process. Den Leaders support their fellow counselors, lead campers within their den, collaborate with the Camp Hendon Leadership Team, and are positive role models for the next generation of Den Leaders.
QUALIFICATIONS:
RESPONSIBILITIES
Before Camp:
During Camp, Den Leaders have all regular responsibilities of an Adult Counselor, in addition to:
After Camp:
Application Process:
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Strong time management skills
- Positive Attitude
- Ability to manage peers
- Ability to function in high-stress environments
- Professionalism
- High level of organization
- Act as a role model
- Demonstrate compassion
- Has been a counselor for at least one prior camp session
RESPONSIBILITIES
Before Camp:
- Apply for the position of Den Leader
- Attend virtual Q&A for den leaders
- Complete online training
- Arrive on time to, and complete 100% of, in-person staff training
During Camp, Den Leaders have all regular responsibilities of an Adult Counselor, in addition to:
- Lead a den of campers and volunteers
- Attend and engage in daily den leader meetings
- Scheduling of staff breaks and rounds
- Facilitate on-the-spot activities as needed
- Monitoring of den needs, including treatments, supplies, etc.
- Cleanup of den area and returning supplies at the end of the week
After Camp:
- Respond to the post-camp staff survey
- Participate in a post-camp interview of your Den Leader experience in order to help us improve in future years
- Receive written feedback from Camp Hendon Leadership Team regarding your performance as a Den Leader
Application Process:
- Applications open December 15, 2024
- Apply online to be a Den Leader at: https://forms.gle/bJ2oJ3tc2LRXFNSG6
- Applications must be submitted by April 1, 2025
- Complete the general Camp Hendon volunteer application through the CampBrain portal linked above
- Select "Den Leader" as your position preference
LICENSED MEDICAL STAFF
MD, APRN, PharmD, RN, RD, CDCES, etc.
As a medical staff you are assigned to a den. Depending on your role and experience you may be responsible for the den of up to 20 campers, or a small group within the den. Each den often has multiple medical staff to assist campers with day-to-day health and diabetes management skills, but also contributes and looks for natural opportunities for health and diabetes education. Sometimes that means comparing archery to blood glucose targets, or working 1:1 at meal time on carb counting. We look for unobtrusive and fun ways to teach health knowledge and skills.
Much like the adult counselor, you are also there to play hard and make sure the kids are having the time of their lives in safe and medically supervised environment.
As a medical staff you are assigned to a den. Depending on your role and experience you may be responsible for the den of up to 20 campers, or a small group within the den. Each den often has multiple medical staff to assist campers with day-to-day health and diabetes management skills, but also contributes and looks for natural opportunities for health and diabetes education. Sometimes that means comparing archery to blood glucose targets, or working 1:1 at meal time on carb counting. We look for unobtrusive and fun ways to teach health knowledge and skills.
Much like the adult counselor, you are also there to play hard and make sure the kids are having the time of their lives in safe and medically supervised environment.
