Camp Cabin Leader Counselor

YMCA Camp Campbell looking for responsible volunteers to be camp cabin leader counselors for our outdoor science school program. This is a Monday through Friday overnight commitment. Volunteers will arrive Monday morning for a full day of training that will cover topics such as positive behavior management, Cabin Constitution, and Child Protection Training. Campers will arrive to camp on Tuesday morning. Both campers and cabin leaders will leave in the early afternoon on Friday. This opportunity to free for our volunteers- meals and lodging will be provided.

What is science camp? 

Science camp is the best of both worlds! It blends traditional summer camp activities with educational aspects. Campers (and cabin leaders!) will do archery or go to the pool. They will participate in icebreakers and games like GaGa Ball. They will go on hikes. However, they will participate in hands- on learning activities. Field classes include going down to the San Lorenzo River to look for aquatic macroinvertebrates (bugs!) during the River Ecology block, hiking through the parts of the forest affected by the 2020 CZU Fires during the Fire Ecology block, and looking at (possibly petting!) our living snakes, turtles, geckos, and tarantula at the Habitat House. Other blocks include the Night Walk, Forest Ecology, and Garden. 

Who can volunteer? 

Anyone! This volunteer opportunity is ideal for someone who is interested in the education, psychology, or environmental science fields, but is available to all students. Volunteers do not need to have experience working with children, but will be working with children aged 10 to 12. 

What would be your responsibilities? 

Cabin leaders are responsible for the safety and happiness of their campers. You will be expected to stay overnight in the cabin with your campers, and assist your naturalist on trail. During your time with us, you will create a rapport with your campers while still keeping professional boundaries. Cabin leaders must attend training and obtain fingerprinting if accepted. 

Why should you volunteer? 

For your Monday through Friday experience, you will receive 87 hours of community service. This will look great for job resumes or if you decide to continue your education. You will gain invaluable experience working with children and peers coming from all over the Bay area. This is an excellent opportunity to shape your leadership skills and put them into practice. 

Watch how much your campers grow that week under your guidance. Campers tend to develop their social skills and exert independence while being respectful.

When can you volunteer?

We are open from September 9, 2024 through May 30, 2025. We will be closed the last week of December and the first week of January. Come by yourself, or bring a group of friends! We can accept up to 25 volunteers per week. You may volunteer for one week, or more than one week. It will be a great experience either way!

Interested in volunteering or have questions?

If you are coming from out-of-state, please contact Katie O'Hara, the Volunteer Manager, at cabinleader@ymcasv.org to see if accommodations can be made available for the weekend. Please reach out for any other questions you may have concerning this volunteer opportunity.