Volunteer FAQs
We’re so glad you’re part of Family Camp at Karis!
Volunteers bring Karis Family Camps to life!
You can help families have a supported and accessible vacation, but first, you might have some questions:
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At Karis Family Camp, volunteers are matched to a camper with a disability, or to any camper under 12 years old. We make these matches based on shared interests and experiences.
As a volunteer, you stay with your camper throughout the day, assisting at mealtimes and encouraging your camper to participate in the games and activities.
Please note, volunteers do not help with any personal care (going to the bathroom or giving medication, etc.).
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Volunteers are typically over the age of 16 if accompanied by a parent/guardian (orpastor if participating as a part of a youth group). We want volunteers who are as diverse and as gifted as our campers – whether you are introverted, extroverted, a young adult, or retired, you have gifts that can help somebody have the best week or weekend ever.
Volunteering at Karis Family Camp is also an excellent opportunity to consider if you are interested in a career as a personal or direct support professional.
Interested in volunteering as a family or with your youth/small group? Please reach out to familycamp@karis.org for more information.
Please note that while this opportunity is available to anybody, Karis Family Camps are Christian faith-based camps. We ask that volunteers are respectful and comfortable being in Christian-worship sessions that include prayer, Scripture reading, and singing praise and worship. We also ask that volunteers are comfortable supporting their camper to participate in Christian worship.
What qualifications/certifications do I need to volunteer?
To uphold our commitment to quality and safety, we ask that all volunteers submit a Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC). Karis will provide a letter outlining the volunteer position and the need for a VSC.
In Ontario
Apply through your local police service, or online if available. Costs vary at different stations but typically range between $0 and $20.
In Saskatchewan
Apply through your local RCMP detachment, or online if available. Costs vary at different stations but typically range between $0 and $45.
Is there volunteer training?
Yes. At a week-long camp, there is one full day of volunteer training. At a weekend camp, there are 2-3 hours of volunteer training.
When we say Karis Family Camp is a supported environment, that applies to volunteers as well! If you need help, encouragement, or support with your camper, there are many people around who can assist.
What does a typical day look like?
On a typical camp day, volunteers are up at 7 AM to meet together and talk about the flow of the day, to pray, and to bond with each other. After this brief morning session, volunteers go to a common area where they can meet their campers and families for breakfast.
After breakfast, there is some family worship time, a caregiver session for parents and guardians, and many activities to fill the day. These activities can include indoor crafts, horse-drawn carriage rides, treasure hunts around the camp, swimming, tubing, boating, zoo-to-you visits, reading, walking, and more!
During mealtimes, the expectation is for volunteers to first assist their camper with getting food before getting food for themselves. During week-long camps, there is also a 90-minute break time for volunteers to relax and recharge.
Why is there a cost to volunteer at a Karis Family Camp?
Karis Disability Services is a non-profit organization, and our Family Camps are funded completely through donations. Some Family Camps have no fees. For longer camps like Elim Lodge, you can choose to donate $25, $50, or $100 to help us cover your food and accommodation for the week.
If the cost is a barrier, please reach out to familycamp@karis.org.
Now that I’ve signed up to volunteer, what can I expect?
You can sign up to volunteer at our next Family Camp here.
Once you’ve signed up, somebody from Karis will be in touch via email. A week or so before camp, you will receive a volunteer package that includes a packing list, schedules for the day, and other important things to know.
Can I sponsor somebody else to volunteer?
The number of families we can support at Karis Family Camp usually comes down to how many volunteers we can get. If volunteering isn’t for you, or if you’re unavailable during our camp times, you can sponsor somebody else to volunteer through a goodwill donation to cover the costs of a volunteer’s room and food during the week/weekend.
To make a donation today, please visit: karis.org/donate
Volunteer or attend
Looking for more information about volunteering at or attending a Family Camp? Send us an email at familycamp@karis.org.
