Outdoor School Volunteer Information

Outdoor School at Camp Yamhill is a Christian Mission. As one of the residential programs of the camp, volunteer staff is essential for success and continuance. Outdoor School provides positive opportunities to demonstrate love for children and example love for God. By request of the Board of Directors, all volunteers must be members of the church of Christ.  

After a volunteer is assigned a week, the Director emails curriculum. Notebooks including information, schedules, and curriculum are provided on Monday, as well as orientation, set-up and on-site training before students arrive on Tuesday. No prior experience in teaching is necessary. Field Studies within the main campground can be assigned to those with health restrictions.

• Teachers (Field Leaders) – Students rotate through four activities a day in groups of 18 – 20. Field Leaders present one activity four times each day, for one-hour sessions. Field Studies include activities in soil and water analysis, animal population games, plant identification hike, or hydrology. Students also enjoy canoeing, campfire safety, and backpack essentials for camping/hiking.
• Assistants – Having an assistant helps the Field Leader’s presentation to be more effective and accompanying activities more efficient.
• Teens – From churches of Christ or Columbia Christian. Sixth graders enjoy having teens around them and look up to those who choose to be Christians. Teens assist adults, team teach, or escort students to challenge course sites. An important element of the day is the evening campfire program in which teens help lead campfire songs. There is also limited time for school studies.
• First Aid Provider – It is essential to have one staff member assigned specifically to assist in medical needs. Daily meds are brought and dispensed to students, over the counter medicines are provided for minor wounds and illness, and every transaction is documented. There is no state medical requirement needed.
• Campfire Coordinator – A male with ability to lead devotional songs, prayers, and teach provided Bible lessons morning and evening; assist teens in executing fun, planned campfire programs; leading student groups in Road to Calvary activity with provided material. Several local congregations graciously make Outdoor School part of their Youth Minister’s or Minister’s yearly schedule. There is time during Field Studies for personal study.
• Off Site Helpers – Needed to recruit and coordinate volunteers in local congregations. Prayers are essential and appreciated. This program touches the lives of hundreds of children, all willing to learn more about God.
• Emergency Volunteers – On occasion, scheduled staff members need to withdraw close to camp time. There is a need for volunteers who would be willing to come on short notice.

Outdoor School Weeks:
Fall – September/October
Spring – April/May

Rewards: Appreciation, smiles, hugs, satisfaction

For additional information, contact:
Program Director – Carol Davis
Email – thunderbird.ods@gmail.com