FAQ’S
We require that all of our camp volunteers be at least 18 years of age by the start of the camp for which they are volunteering.
Click the name of the camp for which you are interested in volunteering (full camp list under drop-down menu for “Camps & Programs”). If a camp program is currently accepting applications, an application button will be available.
Then Submit an application through CampDoc for the camp or program of your choice. Applications include, but are not limited to, contact information, current vaccination records, insurance information, and photo. If state requirements are stricter than CQUSA’s, the state’s minimum standards must be met.
After you submit your application and supporting materials, all applicants will be asked to provide information for an annual background check, which includes a federal and local criminal check, sex offender search, and Social Security Number (SSN) Trace. Additional background checks may be required based on state regulations.
NEW VOLUNTEERS with Camp Quality USA will also go through an interview process and must provide at least two references.
Each camp volunteer will be required, on an annual basis, to complete the self-guided Online Education Modules prior to the start of their first camp program experience each year. Additionally, volunteers will receive pertinent information and materials, as well as attend a required at-camp orientation, for each camp program at which they participate throughout the year.
The Online Education Modules are tools we use to educate and prepare volunteers, which provide essential foundational knowledge for future trainings. These serve the dual purpose of both allowing us to present the same, consistent training and information to all applicants and volunteers, regardless of their location, as well as allowing us to have the documentation necessary to illustrate that we are training our volunteers with a regulated set of standards, to ensure that we are providing a safe camp environment.
You will need a device with internet access (Smartphone, tablet, or computer), so that you can view the information and answer the questions.
We do ask that our volunteers stay for the entire duration of the camp. There are exceptions to Summer Camp, whereas some medical volunteers and activity specialists may only be on site for designated days. Lodging and meals will be provided for volunteers at all camp programs.
Camp Quality USA began through the hard work of dedicated volunteers and continues to be volunteer-driven through the support of more than 600 volunteers each year (including many former campers). In fact, approximately 1 in 4 volunteers are former campers themselves.
We have a small staff team that is here to provide support, encouragement, resources, and strategic direction to the volunteers that lead our camps and programs across our communities, and guided by our national Board of Directors.
Each local camp has a unique set of needs when it comes to volunteers. Check with your local camp to see what volunteer opportunities are available outside of camp experiences.
VOLUNTEER ONBOARDING & TRAINING
The volunteer onboarding and training focuses on four key elements:
- Meeting campers’ needs.
- Communicating in a manner that reflects respect for each individual, including those of different backgrounds and abilities.
- Creating and supporting an environment that provides emotional and physical safety.
- Guiding individual and group behavior in developmentally appropriate manners.