Camp Volunteers

• Live in a cabin and supervise a group of 7-9 campers of a similar age
• Monitor the daily health and safety of each camper assigned
• Carry out camp programs and participate in all camp activities with a joyful heart
• Assess appropriateness of camper behavior and apply appropriate behavior modification techniques
• Enforce safety regulations and emergency procedures
• Promote a sense of unity while addressing individual needs of each camper, encourage friendships and positive interactions among campers
• Enhance the self-esteem of each camper by encouraging and guiding them to participate successfully in all aspects of camp activities
• Enjoy the beauty and uniqueness of each camper assigned to you – our heart heroes ROCK
• Ride the bus to/from camp with your campers (not applicable to Wisconsin Residential Camp) and sing “The Wheels on the Bus” for the entire trip

• Volunteer nurses must have current nursing license (LPN, RN, or NP), but work experience does not need to be cardiac specific – we’ll train you on heart stuff
• Depending on the state you’re are licensed in and the location of the camp you’re attending, we will assist with obtaining a MN or WI license as needed
• Distribute all medications assigned to the 7-9 campers under your care
• Provide first aid and emergency responses as needed
• Communicate all medical concerns with Nursing and/or Medical Director
• Maintain log of all camper medical concerns in the health center
• Participate in and assist with camp activities as needed
• Work as a team with 2-3 counselors to supervise campers and support campers’ needs
• Support the Nursing Director in the health center if needed
• Attend all staff meetings while at camp and choose candy or a health evening snack
• Ride the bus to/from camp with your campers (not applicable to Wisconsin Residential Camp)

• Must be a pediatric cardiologist with a current MD or DO license
• Depending on the state you’re are licensed in and the location of the camp you’re attending, we will assist with obtaining a MN or WI license as needed
• Provide first aid and emergency responses as needed
• Be on call for any medical emergencies
• Support the Lead Nurse in the health center
• Meet with Camp Odayin leadership each day to address camper / safety issues
• Jump into camp activities with your whole heart

• Commit to 4-5 hours of time online in big and small “cabin” groups over the course of 2-3 days of virtual camp
• Attend all virtual meetings in their entirety
• Work with a co-counselor to lead activities and supervise our wonderful campers
• Engage campers online with energy and excitement – wigs welcomed
• Promote a sense of unity while addressing individual needs of each camper, encourage friendships and positive interactions among campers
• Enhance the self-esteem of each camper by encouraging and guiding them to participate successfully in all aspects of camp activities
• Comfortable using technology and a working knowledge of video conferencing software/Zoom
• Free, loaned iPads are available to volunteers who have unreliable or no internet connection and/or do not have their own tablet or computer

Family Camp volunteers who attend all weekend:

• Stay overnight at camp, ideally from 2:00pm on Friday until noon on Sunday
• Assist with welcoming and checking in families
• Support family-centered and fun programming as activity leaders
• Embrace the theme of the weekend with campy silliness, costumes, antics and more
• Are responsible for a small group of children during two hours of facilitated kid-time programming
• Opt into tasks such as hosting the bonfire with s’mores (sampling encouraged), leading camp songs at meals, and assisting with the Sunday morning talent show

We also welcome short-term volunteers to work with children during kid-time on Saturday afternoon.

Camp volunteers receive resources and training, including:

• Medical orientation to support children with heart disease
• Strategies for listening to kids effectively, managing challenging behaviors, and encouraging personal growth
• Methods for fostering diversity acceptance and inclusion
• An introduction to individuals who will support you during the volunteer experience

* No medical knowledge or experience is needed to volunteer as a cabin counselor. At Winter and Summer Camp, there are cardiologists onsite at all times and a cabin nurse is assigned to each cabin of campers.

No medical knowledge or experience is needed to volunteer as a camp counselor. At Winter and Summer Camp, there are two cardiologists onsite at all times and a nurse is assigned to each cabin of campers.

Volunteer nurses must have current nursing license (LPN, RN, or NP), but work experience does not need to be cardiac specific.

In order to foster independence, we do not permit family members of Odayin campers to volunteer during a camp session when their relative will be a camper. We welcome family members of campers to apply and attend during a different session. 

COVID-19 vaccinations are strongly recommended, but not required to attend 2023 summer camp programs. Precautions and testing requirements are decided and communicated prior to each different camp session. 

We offer transportation reimbursement of up to $300 to accepted camp volunteers for gas, hotel/accommodations, airfare, etc. Contact brooke@campodayin.org for details on the travel cost reimbursement process.

In addition to the application, interested volunteers are interviewed and must provide three references and background check authorization.  

Winter Camp volunteer applications are available on our website and emailed to interested volunteers in December. The acceptance process is rolling until all positions are filled.

Summer Camp (Residential Camp and Hearts@Home) volunteer applications are available on our website and emailed to interested volunteers late February and the application deadline is April 20, 2023. Nurses and cardiologists are accepted on a rolling basis. Cabin counselors are interviewed in late April and will receive acceptance details on May 5th.

Please email alison@campodayin.org to receive upcoming volunteer applications and opportunities. Follow us on social media for additional ways to engage!