The work we do at Camp Hardtner matters. Deeply. You’ll be hard pressed to find a better—or more challenging—job in the world or a more rewarding ministry. Working and living intentionally in community will push your limits and you are sure to grow tremendously: spiritually, personally, and professionally while you impact the lives of our campers.

Camp Able is specifically designed for persons with special needs. It is NOT about disabilities, but rather about ABILITIES! Christ has called us to love God and to love our neighbor as He has loved us—without conditions or limits—it is in celebration of that perfect love that we come together at Camp Able.

Camp Able Volunteer Application Deadline

Applications are OPEN NOW until July 15, 2023

HOW TO APPLY

16 & 17 year old’s: Use the Camper Registration Portal to sign up like you would for a camp session

18 and up: Use the Staff Application Portal to apply

Requirements

Must be 16 years of age or older.

Must attend the pre-camper arrival training and planning, as well as the entire session.

Training will begin at 10am on July 27.
Campers arrive at 2pm on July 28.
Volunteers will depart around noon on August 1.

Those over 18 must complete a background screening.

All must complete child abuse awareness and prevention online training prior to arrival.

Description of Positions

Camp Able Buddies – Age 16 and up

16 & 17 year old’s: Use the Camper Registration Portal to sign up like you would for a camp session

18 and up: Use the Staff Application Portal to apply

Buddies will engage in one on one relationships with the campers. Each Buddy will be paired with a camper for the session. 16 & 17 year old Budd ies will live in separate cabins from campers. 18 and up Buddies will live in the same cabin as campers. All Buddies are expected to be with their camper throughout the day assisting campers throughout all activities (excluding cabin time). They will also assist their camper in developing their talent for the talent show at the end of the session. 16 & 17 year old’s will not be responsible for assisting with toileting, showering, or dressing. 18 and up Buddies may be responsible for assisting with toileting, showering, or dressing, and other activities of daily living depending on campers’ needs.

Camp Able Support – Age 18 and up

Use the Staff Application Portal to apply

Camp Able Support volunteers tap into their spiritual maturity, wisdom, and life experience to provide support for the functioning of the session. This includes building relationships with the Buddy volunteers, helping with camper laundry, and assisting with the various aspects of the session as needed.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Ability to relate to youth and adults in a positive manner.

Willingness and ability to assist campers with activities of daily living, including dressing, basic hygiene practices, bathing, and providing assistance during mealtimes (Formal training will be provided to ensure that volunteers are able to complete these potentially unfamiliar tasks).

Physical Aspects of the Job

Visual and auditory ability to identify and respond to environmental and other hazards related to the activity.

Willingness to live in a camp setting and work irregular hours with limited time off; and daily exposure to the sun, heat, and animals such as bugs.

Stamina to carry out camp program in hot and humid climate over extended period of time.

Physical ability to run, jump, play, and negotiate hilly terrain and trails; and walk several miles per day.

Physical ability to respond appropriately to situations. Must be able to assist campers in an emergency (fire, evacuation, illness, or injury) and possess strength and endurance required to maintain constant supervision of camper buddy.

HOW TO APPLY

16 & 17 year old’s: Use the Camper Registration Portal to sign up like you would for a camp session

18 and up: Use the Staff Application Portal to apply