2018 Camp High-Five Volunteer

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The 2018 camp will be held from Sunday, June 10 - Friday, June 25, 2018 at Camp TwinLakes in Winder, GA (Camp Will-A-Way). Volunteers will report for duty on Saturday, June 9th and we will have a welcome dinner that evening at a local restaurant. As usual, bus transportation to/from the camp site will be available. We will need some volunteers to accompany the campers on the bus, and others to greet campers upon their arrival at Will-A-Way.
All Atlanta-based staff will be expected to complete a one-day training session, time and location TBA (additional trainings will be offered in other cities- dates to be determined). Please be aware that there will be required online training (this will be discussed in detail at the training session). As TB testing is mandatory for all applicants, we will provide you with opportunities to have this test administered at the training and/or H.E.R.O. office. You will be given further information regarding training and TB testing in the near future. All volunteers are expected to stay at camp for the duration of the session, unless authorized bythe Interim Camp Director, Michelle Strauss

A typical camper for Camp High Five is HIV infected or affected (has an infected parent, sibling, residential relative or has lost a family member due to HIV/AIDS related complications). The staff and volunteers strive to provide an atmosphere that is free from the worries, fear, stigma and hassles of living with HIV. Youth attending Camp High Five have the opportunity to be around other children with the same life experiences and will not have to feel different or strange. Sometimes, camp may be the first time that these children have been around other children living with HIV.

Applications are due by

Wednesday, May 9, 2018. Once your completed application has been received, the Interim Camp Director will contact you to schedule an interview (new applicants only).

Minimum Qualifications: Desire and ability to work with children outdoors. Ability to accept supervision and guidance. Ability to assist in teaching an activity. Good character, integrity, and adaptability Enthusiasm, sense of humor, patience, and self-control. Responsible To: Head counselor and/ or camp director.

Camp Goals: By alleviating the hassles of a chronic illness and removing the stigma, Camp High Five seeks to provide emotional support and recreational fun for HIV affected children living with HIV. Specific Responsibilities: Learn the likes/dislikes of each participant. Recognize and respond to opportunities for problem solving in the group.

Develop opportunities for interaction between campers and staff. Provide opportunities for the group so that each individual experiences success during camp. Provide opportunities for discussion of individual or group problems or concerns. Help each participant meet the goals established by the camp for camper development. Specific Responsibilities include:

1. Guide cabin or unit groups and individual campers in participating successfully in all aspects of camp activities. 2. Carry out established roles for supervising camper health. 3. Carry out established roles in enforcing camp safety regulations. 4. Develop cabin or unit activity plans with participants as appropriate. 5. Supervise all assigned aspects of the campers' day including morning reveille, cabin clean-up, meal times, rest hour, evening activities, getting ready for bed, and after-hours duty as assigned. 6. Instruct campers in emergency procedures such as fire drills, evacuating the cabin, etc. 7. Help campers plan their participation in unit-wide or camp-wide programs, special events, and activities. 8. Assist in teaching or leading an activity, as assigned. Skills: Maturity and sensitivity are required personality traits for Camp High Five counselors. They must have patience and should also display energetic attitudes. Counselors must be able to identify problems and brainstorm solutions. Responsibilities: Camp High Five counselors are typically assigned a small number of children for whom they are responsible. Counselors must be prepared to stay overnight during the week. They must pay attention to each camper’s individual needs. They must encourage campers to participate in activities. Overall, must be prepared to have FUN Work Environment: Camp Counselors are assigned to cabins along with youth Camp Counselors are expected to participate in all activities in order to encourage youth participation. Extensive outdoor activities.