Summer Camp Adult Volunteers- We Love You!!

 


What is an Adult Volunteer?
Adult Volunteer is the name we give for those adults who sacrifice a week (Monday afternoon to Saturday morning) of their summers to co-lead a small group at the Warren W. Willis United Methodist Camp in Fruitland Park, FL. Adult Volunteers are assigned to work with Elementary School, Middle School or High School age-level camp. Each summer approximately 250 adults volunteer as small group leaders.

Who can be an Adult Volunteer?
The adult volunteer experience is open to any adult (18 and over) who is a member of a United Methodist local church and has been out of high school for at least one year. Preferably adult volunteers have some experience working with young people or at least a willingness to learn. Adult volunteers should be able to talk about their faith journey.

What is the application process?
All Adult Volunteers must fill out an application form. The application form includes questions about contact information, experience, interests/availability, and a background check. Each applicant must go through a Florida Department of Law Enforcement background check, and complete an Affidavit of good moral character each summer. All new applicants must distribute and return recommendation forms. One of the recommendation forms for first time adult volunteers must be completed by the pastor of their local church.

Part of the application process includes selecting a preferred week to come to camp. Once your application has been reviewed and your week selection confirmed you will be sent a confirmation email, containing important information, including a small group curriculum.

 

What are the responsibilities of an Adult Volunteer?
Campers come to camp seeking to grow in their relationship with God and to develop into Christian young adults. Adult volunteers are important catalysts in this process. Adult Volunteers provide needed adult role models for campers and staff. Their teaching, advice, relationship building, and presence are an important part of the camping program.

We encourage Adult Volunteers to get involved in the daily schedule of camp as much as possible (especially at meals and other total camp activities).

Adult Volunteers can specifically expect to have the following responsibilities:

 

  • Co-lead scheduled small group sessions (Normally there are two small group sessions a day for an hour or so a piece. Small groups consist of about 12-15 campers and are co-taught by an adult volunteer and team member).
  • Meet and prepare small group lessons with your assigned team member.
  • Complete the ropes course experience with your small group.
  • Participate in large group games with small groups.
  • Attend daily devotions for your age-level.
  • Attend the evening worship service for your age-level.
  • Attend the daily volunteer meetings for your age-level.
  • Share your faith with young people.
  • Have fun and serve God!
 

What are the benefits of being an Adult Volunteer?

 

  • Opportunities for Christian service and personal spiritual growth.
  • Opportunities for personal renewal time.
    Opportunities to share your faith one on one with young people, worship with them and pray them.
  • Opportunities to meet and serve with other adults from across the state.
  • Room and board is provided. (Meals are provided by the camp facility; housing is in modern air conditioned hotel style buildings at the Life Enrichment Center). (note: adult volunteers can bring their spouse and/or children for an extra fee).
  What is the Warren W. Willis United Methodist Summer Camp Ministry?
The BASICS about camp:
Each week approximately 425 campers from around Florida come to camp for a week long experience. Campers are divided into three age-level groups – Elementary School (rising 4th and 5th grades), Middle School (rising 6th – 8th graders) and High School (rising 9th – 12th graders). The schedule of each age-level camp is different each day.

The PURPOSE of small groups:
Small groups are designed to provide needed time for bible study and discussion of the theme for the day. We hope that each small group will become an environment in which meaningful fellowship takes place as campers, team members and adults explore and develop their relationship with Christ.

More Information
For more information about our Summer Camp Ministry check out the History

page. This will give you information about the history and purpose of the summer camp program, facilities, staff, location, etc.

If you would like a paper application mailed to you, or if you have other questions or comments, please contact the summer camp office at (352) 787-4345 or toll free at (866) UMCAMPS Option 3.  Adult volunteer applications will be available starting March 1, 2011.