Below is a list of the different volunteer roles at Comfort Zone Camp. All volunteers are subject to criminal background and reference checks and must complete our volunteer training session.

Big Buddy:
Each camper is assigned their own (adult) big buddy who serves as their mentor/anchor for the weekend. Buddies are matched by same sex, hobbies and interests. Big buddies sleep in the cabins with their assigned little buddies, eat with them and do all activities with them. Big buddies complete six hours of volunteer training, criminal background and reference checks. Each camp needs between 55-65 big buddies. Big buddies need to be available from 2:30 p.m. on Friday until 5:00 p.m. on the Sunday of a camp weekend.

Healing Circle Leader:
Throughout the weekend we will hold healing circles, which are small grief groups. Each healing circle is led by a trained grief counselor. Healing Circle leaders have experience facilitating support groups, working with children and addressing grief issues. Big and little buddies are assigned to a healing circle and have the same healing-circle leader for the weekend. Each healing circle will have a theme that the healing circle leader incorporates into each session.

Healing Circle Assistant:
Each healing circle group is also assigned a Healing Circle Assistant. The Healing Circle Assistants are responsible for aiding the Healing Circle Leaders and offering support for the big buddies in their assigned Healing Circle. Once at camp, they are responsible for organizing their group’s supplies into a caddy for the weekend, working with the healing circle leaders to discuss materials needed for each Healing Circle meeting. They also help with supervision during the big buddy break and during the evening staff meetings.

Floaters:
Floaters are individuals who assist with the “behind the scenes” running of the camps. They coordinate volunteer and camper registration, make runs to the store, help set-up various activities, meals and more! They also assist with supervision during the big buddy break and during the evening staff meetings.

Jr. Counselors:
Junior counselors must be at least 15 years of age and have completed the six-hour volunteer training class. They are “runners” for the weekend and can be used to help with anything needed by any staff member throughout the weekend. They are assigned to healing circles and if they have experienced a personal loss, can help as a peer model by sharing their story of loss or sharing as the healing circle leader deems appropriate. They also help supervise campers during the big buddy break and in the cabins in the evening during staff meetings. Jr. Counselors are to be ready to participate in all activities.

Camp Nurse:
There is at least one nurse on staff for the entire weekend (including overnight) to assist with any medical needs and administer prescription medications for the campers. They are also present during registration to review medications and dosages. The nurses collect all medications by campers and hold on to them for the weekend. They also keep a log of all their activities of the weekend.

Camp Photographer:
The camp photographer assigned to take candid pictures throughout the weekend documenting all activities. They also take big and little buddy photos for each to take home on Sunday. The photographer also makes sure film is developed by lunch on Sunday so that photo boards can be compiled and displayed so the parents can view them when picking up their kids.