2024 Camp Dates: August 17 - 22!
(counselors and CITs will arrive on Saturday for orientation and training)
Become a Camp Volunteer
Volunteer Positions:
Activities Director – Primary responsibility is to develop activities for the campers throughout the week. Oversee the activities such as arts & crafts, help with songs, game night and other activities of the camp program. Oversee the Day/Evening Helpers if they are running the activity.
Archery Instructor – Primary responsibility is teaching archery to the campers. They need to have Level 1 Instructor certification.
Cabin Counselor – Cabin counselors live in a cabin with a group of eight campers throughout the week. Cabin Counselors spend all day with their cabin group: at meals, during activity rotations and during evening activity.
Counselor in Training – Counselors in Training are between the ages of 16 to 17 years of age. They help the Counselors and work with the campers. They stay with them throughout the week, stay in the cabins, plan activities and assist the Activity and Sport Directors.
Camp Medical Nurse* – The Medical Nurses are in charge of the medications and day-to-day physical wellness at the camp. They provide support to the camp physician and they stay overnight at the medical cabin.
Camp Physician/Nurse Practitioner/Physician Assistant* – Camp physician, nurse practitioner and/or physician assistants make sure the safety and medical well-being of the children who attend camp. They stay overnight at the medical cabin.
Day / Evening Helper – During the day, Day/Evening Helpers assist the Activities and Sports Directors run activities for all campers. Day/Evening Helpers would help the lifeguard at the swimming pool, do arts & crafts, and help with songs, sports, play games, help with nature walks and campfires.
Head Counselor – Head counselors lead and assist the counselors and the counselors in training. They provide guidance and leadership between the counselors, counselors in training and the campers.
Lifeguard – Primary responsibility is watching the children at the pool. A Day Helper will assist the Lifeguard during swimming activities. Lifeguards need to be Red Cross trained or equivalent, have CPR certification and concussion certificate.
Sports Director – Primary responsibility is to develop games, which include sports (basketball, badminton, etc.) for the campers throughout the week. Oversee the Day/Evening Helpers if they are running the activity.
Support Staff – Support Staff helps plan and facilitate the programs for camp. They will also plan the evening programs and daily schedule as well as help supervising counselors and supporting cabin dynamics at camp.
* PLEASE NOTE: If you are volunteering for a nursing or medical provider position, you will need to be employed by OHSU-Doernbecher Children’s Hospital or Randall Children’s Hospital.
Summer Camp Volunteer Requirements:
Volunteers must by 18 years of age or older at the time of camp.
Camp Counselors will need to spend the whole week at camp.
Complete the pre-camp volunteer application form.
Once you have been accepted as a volunteer, complete the online CampDoc application form.
Participate in-person or Skype/Face Time/Zoom interview with the camp director.
Complete criminal background check.
All up to date age specific vaccines and immunizations (as defined by the CDC). We are encouraging, but not requiring, COVID-19 vaccines (including all eligible boosters) for all volunteer staff attending Merry Heart Children’s Camp in-person, overnight camp.
Attend the mandatory online training session(s) prior to the beginning of camp.
Also, counselors and counselors-in-training must arrive a day early for a one-day orientation and training AT CAMP on Saturday August 17th before camp starts.
Have a current certification in CPR and/or first aid.
Have a current certification for concussion training (training is good for two years per our policy).
Read the handbooks provided to you once accepted as a volunteer for camp.