What volunteer opportunities are available at Midwest Children's Burn Camp?
We will be hiring and onboarding Cabin Counselors for Midwest Children’s Burn Camp (MCBC) 2024 starting in January 2024! Cabin Counselors are an integral part of the MCBC team. Although all positions are vital to the success of camp, the Counselor’s job is by far the most demanding and the most rewarding. You will be responsible for the health, happiness and safety of your group 24 hours a day. Click here for a more detailed job description!
Why volunteer with MCBC?
Interpersonal and Leadership Skills
You will model professionalism and compassion by managing a group of campers, while contributing to the growth and development of each individual participant.
Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
You will be challenged to think on your feet – from resolving child health and safety issues to facilitating a group of campers in building community and group consensus.
Oral Communication Skills
You will be required to communicate effectively with people at every level of the organization – campers, fellow staff, camp directors, and parents.
Connection
In an increasingly isolating society, volunteering provides you with an opportunity to be a part of an intentional, authentic community.
What are the qualifications for being a Volunteer Counselor?
Cabin Counselors must be at least 21 years of age and Counselors-in-Training must be at least 18. Previous experience with children is not required but is preferred.
The Essential Functions of a Cabin Counselor are as follows:
- Able to live in a cabin with others, eat meals in a large, noisy dining room, etc.
- Possess strength and endurance required to maintain constant supervision of campers in both structured and unstructured activities.
- Able to address stressful situations appropriately in a fast-paced, interactive environment
- Interact effectively with individuals and groups while respecting social and cultural diversity
MCBC Staff also recognize that being a volunteer counselor demands a certain level of socio-emotional maturity that contribute to a positive experience for our campers and our volunteers alike. Please also review the below essential socio-emotional functions of a Cabin Counselor as you are deciding if volunteering with us is a good fit:
- Establish and maintain appropriate professional relationships and interpersonal skills
- Recognize and consider the needs of others (including campers and staff members) in daily interactions and decision-making
- Use effective and appropriate self-care practices for maintaining overall wellness in a fast-paced environment
- Promote emotional safety for campers and staff through maintaining an environment of encouragement and respect
What is the time commitment?
Volunteers are required to:
- All Volunteers, new and returning, are required to attend an in-person orientation weekend in Columbia, Missouri on Saturday, May 17th and Sunday, May 18th, 2024. Burns Recovered covers the cost of lodging and food for the weekend. Transportation assistance is available upon request.
- Arrive at Camp Taum Sauk one full day before the campers arrive (we anticipate this to be Saturday, July 27th, 2024).
- Camp ends and both counselors and campers leave on Sunday, August 4th, 2024 (tentative).
I'm in! How do I apply?
Volunteer Counselors and Volunteer Counselors-in-Training (CITs) can apply on our online registration platform CampDoc starting January 1, 2024.
Applications for new volunteers are due no later than March 15, 2024.
Applications for returning volunteers are due no later than April 1, 2024.
