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 or students, tenth grade or above, from Columbia Christian High School and recommended by the school or home-schooled and approved by the director. Christians of all ages are needed.
Notebooks including information, schedules, and curriculum are provided before camp; orientation, training, and set-up occur on Mondays before students arrive for school Tuesday – Friday. No prior experience in teaching is necessary; activities close in can be assigned to those with health restrictions.
- Some volunteers teach – Students are divided up into four groups of 18-20; rotating through four activities a day. Field Leaders lead one activity four times each day, for one hour and fifteen minute sessions. Your experience and interest may be in soil or water analysis, animal population games, plant identification hike, or hydrology. Also sessions before dinner include canoeing, campfire safety, and backpack essentials.
- Assistants – Needed in most activities. Learning procedure and content can also lead to future teaching.
- 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 songs and activities. 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. Also prayers are requested. 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.
Sample Curriculum: We would be happy to provide sample curriculum as requested.
Outdoor School Dates:
Fall dates are available
Spring dates are available
Rewards: Appreciation, smiles, hugs, satisfaction
For additional information, contact:
Program Director – Carol Davis
Phone – 360.887.8265
Email – thunderbird.ods@gmail.com