Mental health volunteers
Come and be a part of the magic!
We’re seeking mental health volunteers!
Camp Boggy Creek is able to provide life-changing Camp experiences for children with serious medical illnesses because of an army of amazing volunteers just like you. Come and be a part of the magic by volunteering at a family retreat weekend or summer session at Camp as a mental health volunteer.
Current Openings
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Being a mental health volunteer at Camp Boggy Creek is an excellent and rewarding experience. Our volunteers are the lifeblood of the camp and help us ensure that we can provide life-changing experiences for children with serious medical and behavioral health illnesses. We’d love to have you apply to become a mental health volunteer. Please note the criteria and then fill out the application form.
CAMP BOGGY CREEK MENTAL HEALTH VOLUNTEERS MUST:
* Be at least 21 years old.
* Meet vaccination and medical requirements: 2 Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccinations, Varicella vaccination (or history of chickenpox) recommended COVID-19 vaccination and booster, current TB test results, physical exam from past two years (summer volunteers only).
* Be pre-licensed or licensed to practice.
- Examples include: Nationally Certified Counselor, School Counselor Certification, Graduate Level Student in Counseling (Practicum Experience required), Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Licensed Social Worker, Psychiatrist, Psychologist, Child Life Specialist, Marriage and Family Therapist
* Complete online application* Clear background screening and reference check process
* Telephone interview
· GET INVOLVED
Become a Camp Boggy Creek Mental Health Volunteer
* Florida’s only and premier residential camp for children with serious medical and mental health illnesses and their families, we are looking for compassionate, empathetic, and kind mental health volunteers, such as licensed mental health counselors, social workers, psychologists, and child life specialists. Our mission is to foster a spirit of joy by creating a free, safe, and medically sound camp environment that enriches the lives of children with serious illnesses and their families. Our mental health volunteers collaborate with our medical and program volunteers to ensure our campers' safety, health, and well-being. They are part of the magic of camp and create fun, exciting, and memorable parts, too! For each of our summer sessions, our full-time licensed mental health counselors are supported by as many as three volunteer mental health professionals…and that is in addition to our behavioral health interns. We also rely on volunteer mental health professionals to help support our campers and their families during family retreat weekends in the fall and spring seasons.
* The mental health support at camp gives parents and guardians of children with serious illnesses the confidence to let those children come to Camp Boggy Creek. Your volunteer experience will do more than enrich the lives of our campers and their families; it will enrich you, too. After returning to their practices and treatment centers, many of our mental health volunteers have said that spending time with children in the camp setting has made them appreciate that they are children first. Please consider joining us and changing the lives of our campers!
FAQ
Q What will I be doing?
A Mostly, you'll keep a "low profile." However, some weekends, you may assist directly with a family, lead a process group, address a behavioral, emotional, or psychological crisis through non-physical interventions and techniques, or perform other responsibilities as needed, as determined by the Director of Behavioral Health and Wellness. Otherwise, we try to create an environment that “feels” like any regular camp for children.
Q What are the living arrangements?
A Mental health and medical volunteers are housed in one of our air-conditioned lodges, which may include a full kitchen, TV, and Wi-Fi. Check out the photos on our Camp Tour page. You will also have access to a computer to check personal email if needed. Camp provides three meals daily (including vegetarian and gluten-free options), bed linens, pillows, and towels.
Q What do I bring?
A You will need to bring casual clothing and your items. Some activity areas require closed-toe shoes, such as the climbing tower and horse barn. You’ll want to bring a hat and a one-piece bathing suit. You will be notified of the week or weekend’s “theme” ahead of time so that you can “dress up” for the dance if you wish.
Q Can I get clinical hours if I am a:
- Graduate student – no, Camp Boggy Creek is not an approved practicum or internship site.
- Pre-licensed therapist – yes, provided you have documentation of a qualified supervisor.
Volunteer FAQs
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Who are the Campers?
Camp Boggy Creek accepts children ages 7-17 that have been diagnosed with a serious illness such as cancer, sickle cell anemia, and epilepsy. Many children are still under active treatment, while others are in remission. Sessions are divided amongst different illness groups. Summer Camp allows the camper to experience camp for one week in a medically safe environment, while Family Retreats allow campers ages 5-17 and their entire family the chance to enjoy camp for a weekend stay.
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Volunteers are amazing humans who are 18 years and older, have a passion for helping others, dedicate their time and talents to our campers, and want to play with some awesome kids! We also encourage groups to volunteer with us. Camp sessions offer great opportunities for team-building, college credit, and service hours.
NOTE: Medical volunteers are also needed for each session. Please click here for more information about becoming a medical volunteer.
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During the fall and spring, you may volunteer during our Family Retreats as a Family Pal or Activity Pal. Generally, there are up to 50 pals needed for each weekend. Volunteers are assigned to a family, and they act as a fun guide for the families as they navigate the weekend. Volunteers also help host camp activity areas such as Arts & Crafts, Boating & Fishing and Woodshop, assisting our campers and their families in reaching the main goal… having FUN!
During the summer, you may volunteer as a Cabin Counselor. Generally, there are up to 50 volunteers needed for each session. Volunteers participate in the full range of camp activities, assisting our campers in reaching the main goal... having FUN!
Ask your friends and family to join you this summer!
NOTE: While we need both male and female volunteers during the summer, we have a great need for male volunteers.
NOTE: Certified Lifeguards are always needed, so please help us spread the word.
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During the fall and spring, volunteers will stay in one of our air conditioned/heated cabins with restroom facilities. The families stay in their own cabins. Medical volunteers will stay in the Medical Lodge.
During the summer, volunteers will join two full-time summer staff and live in one of our partitioned cabins with 8-10 campers on the other side. Medical volunteers will stay in the Medical Lodge.
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For Family Retreats, you will need to arrive at camp between 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm on the Friday of your selected session for orientation. Departure is usually around 2:00 pm on Sunday. Check the Volunteer Calendar for session dates.
For Summer, you will need to arrive at camp from 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm of your selected session for orientation. Departure is usually around 12:30pm on the final day of your session.
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Orientation is your toolbox for the week or weekend. We discuss the schedule of activities for the session, review camp policies and procedures and present a general medical overview of the session’s illness. You will also take a tour of camp and receive other important information regarding your volunteer role with our campers.
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Nothing! Food and lodging are provided.
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Yes! Camp provides volunteers airport transportation to and from Orlando International Airport (MCO), Sanford Airport (SFB), Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB), and the Brightline Orlando Station in Terminal C of MCO!
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Please find a PDF document of the things you should bring to your volunteer experience here >
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Yes! You may volunteer for up to two sessions with an evaluation made after the second session if additional sessions are desired.
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The first step of your Volunteer Experience is completing the online application, AND registering for a session.
After you complete the online application, you will be contacted closer to your scheduled session to participate in a Discovery Session (phone/video call) so that we can learn more about you and you can learn more about camp. The conditional offer of a volunteer position is contingent upon the results of your reference checks, criminal background screening, and medical/immunization requirements.
The volunteer process typically takes 4 to 5 weeks. If you are interested in a particular session, you should submit your application at least 6 weeks prior to the session to ensure placement. Groups should contact the Volunteer Coordinator for instructions. We do have waiting lists for all sessions that may fill.
NOTE: A current physical exam signed by a medical professional and fingerprint background screening are required for Summer Camp volunteers only.
