Too ‘Old’ for Camp: Time to Volunteer


written By Jamie Lober

If your child is too old for camp, do not fret.  It may mean that it is finally time to give back to others.  “Volunteering is a generous act that is meaningful and fulfilling to those receiving aid as well as to those volunteering,” said Nick Little, director of community development at Volunteers of America – Northern Rockies Chapter.  With the difficult economic situation and increased people in need, volunteering is in demand more than ever.  “It is a great time to teach our youth the importance of uniting and being an active member of the community through volunteering,” said Little.

You can begin volunteering as a family.  “Volunteering as a family is not only fulfilling but it also strengthens family bonds, teaches tolerance through experience with diverse populations and creates a sense of responsibility in youth,” said Little.  By identifying your family’s unique talents and strengths, you can find fun opportunities in your area that everyone will enjoy.

If your child loves hands-on activities and athletics, he may be interested in learning how to fix up a bike to assist people with transportation in the Gallatin Valley.  “We believe that bicycles are a viable transportation source for everyone and we want to teach people who volunteer with us about how to fix things, maintenance and mechanics,” said Casey Schlenker, head mechanic and vice president at Bozeman Bike Kitchen.  It is a fun atmosphere that everyone seems to love.  “You can network with likeminded people and the people who tend to be there are interested in sustainable living,” said Schlenker.  Your child will find the volunteering experience fulfilling.  “You can have a positive impact on individuals you interact with on a one-to-one basis but it ripples out and those individuals are able to positively impact other people too,” said Schlenker.

If your child yearns to continue the camp experience, he may consider becoming a counselor.  “Many counselors are former campers who love the camp so much and are able to work with children well,” said TJ Charlson, camp director at Camp Paxson in Missoula.  If the camp specializes in theatre and your child wants to be a professional performer, he may want to spend extra time exposed to the larger talent pool as a counselor.  “We emphasize team building and working together,” said Charlson.  As a counselor, your child can learn life skills and figure out how to accomplish difficult tasks in a short amount of time.

Though anyone can become a counselor who is determined, there are certain qualities that are desirable.  “In general, we look for someone who is interested in working with children, independent, makes good decisions when away from home and someone who is open and willing to learn games in the process and someone with leadership experience,” said Maria Schugel, American Camp Association Northland section executive.  Previous experience working with kids at school or church can be helpful.  “Leadership is based on the setting but allowing kids to observe different situations, do role playing and walk through scenarios that happen at camp and talking about ways to present activities and manage behaviors can be beneficial,” said Schugel.

For those who are sensitive to special healthcare needs, he may want to reach out to a special needs camp.  “We have people that stay in the cabins with campers, people who work in the kitchen and prepare and serve foods and people who help put on the programs,” said Shirley Hummer, campus director at the Children’s Oncology Camp Foundation in Missoula.  By connecting with others who are struggling, kids may become more appreciative.  “The staff says that they get more out of it than the (campers),” said Hummer.  Be sure your child is open about his drive for volunteering.  “It is key to be sensitive to the different motivations that volunteers have, whether it is because they truly want to make a difference or because they have to fulfill community service hours,” said Rhyan Grech, programs and community outreach coordinator at the Children’s Museum of Bozeman.

Older kids can volunteer as well.  “We have a program called Terrific Tuesdays that is craft-targeted to two year-olds with tactile and sensory projects and our volunteer is an art education major at Montana State University who runs the activities,” said Grech.  Some kids help with larger scale projects like deep cleaning at the museum or help with painting projects.  “You can be generous with your time and your skills,” said Shannon Klem of Shannon’s Sewing Studio in Bozeman.  It is good to be giving.  The volunteer experience can even boost self-esteem and open doors for career options.

The benefits of volunteering at camp are enormous.  “I encourage parents to get their kids involved in group activities in which there is a lot of play, conversation, finding mutual interests and things that are fun for all that build relationships and connections faster than anything,” said Lisa Collins of Belgrade Counseling Clinic.  Having parental praise and encouragement behind the choice to volunteer at camp or another location during the summer just may be the final push your child needs to do it.  “Leading by example is one of the best things parents can do.  If kids see their parents involved in the community and working to make a difference, volunteering their time for the betterment of something around them, it makes an impact on kids,” said Grech.

© 2011 Jamie Lober.  Jamie Lober, author of Pink Power (http://www.getpinkpower.com), is a nationally known speaker dedicated to providing information on women’s and pediatric health topics.  She can be reached at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .