VOLUNTEER APPLICATION: GUIDELINES & STEPS

All volunteers, whether new or returning, must complete an annual onboarding process before being eligible to participate in camps or programs. The Camp’s Leadership Team will review eligible applicants to select volunteers who best meet the needs of each camp or program. Please note that not all volunteers who apply may be selected for every camp or program.

1: MEET AGE REQUIREMENT

Volunteers must be least 18 years of age by the camp or program start date. 

2: SUBMIT APPLICATION

Submit an application through CampDoc for the camp or program of your choice. Applications include contact information, current vaccination records, insurance information, and photo. If state requirements are stricter than CQUSA’s, the state’s minimum standards must be met.  

3: BACKGROUND CHECK

Applicants will be asked to provide information for an annual background check, which includes a federal and local criminal check, sex offender search, and Social Security Number (SSN) Trace. Additional background checks may be required based on state regulations. 

4: REFERENCES & INTERVIEW

NEW VOLUNTEERS must provide at least two references and complete an interview with a member of the Camp’s Leadership Team, either in person or virtually. Watch for communications to schedule an interview and confirm references.

GET STARTED TODAY

Submit an Application via CampDoc

QUESTIONS

Please email camp@campqualityusa.org or call 314.789.2652 for further information.

VOLUNTEER ONBOARDING & TRAINING

The volunteer onboarding and training focuses on four key elements: 

  • Meeting campers’ needs.
  • Communicating in a manner that reflects respect for each individual, including those of different backgrounds and abilities.
  • Creating and supporting an environment that provides emotional and physical safety.
  • Guiding individual and group behavior in developmentally appropriate manners.

1. ONLINE MODULES

Complete the self-guided Online Education Modules at your own pace. It will take approximately three hours to complete. These must be finished before moving forward in the onboarding process, as they provide essential foundational knowledge for future trainings.

 

Click Here to Start Online Modules!
Resource: Volunteer Guidebook

2. LIVE VIRTUAL TRAINING

Applicants will then attend a live virtual training session via Zoom. This session builds on the knowledge gained from the self-guided online modules and includes real-camp scenario discussions, small group problem-solving, and Q&A.

2025 Live Virtual Training sessions are:

  • April 26 – Saturday at 9am(c)/10am(e)

  • May 8 – Thursday at 6pm(c)/7pm(e)

  • June 1 – Sunday at 1pm(c)/2pm(e)

  • July 8 – Tuesday at 7pm(c)/8pm(e)

For volunteers applying outside the summer camp season, a recorded session will be available.

3. AT-CAMP ORIENTATION

Volunteers will attend an at-camp orientation designed to introduce them to the experience of volunteering at that specific camp or program. Orientation may include:

  • Meeting the Camp Leadership Team
  • Standards of conduct & expectations
  • Campground tour & emergency protocols
  • Adapting activities to camper needs
  • Collaborating with medical staff

Stay tuned for information from the Camp Leadership Team on when the orientation will be held.