Volunteer Staff Opportunities

In an attempt to address equity issues at camp, the maximum number of hours a volunteer staff member can work in a week is 30 hours. In light of that, we have adjusted the volunteer staff positions to reflect this maximum.

30 hrs  80% discount	22.5 hrs 60% discount	15 hrs 40% discount	11.25 hrs 30% discount	10% discount
Cook Dishwasher Head Dishwasher Childcare Coordinator Evening Activities Chaplain Sanitation Engineer	Cook Dishwasher Workshop Coordinator 8 childcare sessions	Cook Dishwasher Teen Advisor 6 childcare sessions	Kitchen Laundry Fire Tender Tie-Dye Auction Coordinator 4 childcare sessions Youth Facilitator (2)	Workshop leader – one session

Family Camp Staff Tuition Rates

Family Camp Staff Positions

Following are the available volunteer jobs and associated camp scholarships for Family Camp. Click the job title to jump to the full description.

1. Dean
2. Registrar
3. Head Chef
4. Cook
5. Head Dishwasher
6. Dishwasher
7. Kitchen Laundry Person
8. Kids’ Zone Activities Coordinators
9. Workshop Leader
10. Evening Activities Planner
11. Chaplain
12. Sanitation Engineer
13. Teen Advisor
14. [Youth Facilitators] (2 youth)
15. Fire Tender

Dean

• You, or your designated representative, will attend all Northern California Unitarian Universalist Camps and Conferences (NCUUCC) Committee meetings prior to your camp.
• Dean selects a registrar, a Head Cook (who selects the their own kitchen staff), a childcare, workshop and evening program coordinator, and a person responsible for facility sanitation. The number of program facilitators (workshop and childcare leaders) will depend on your budget and the projected number of attendees.
• Deans work closely with registrar for a list of campers, camp staff, age of campers, needs of campers, contacting campers, etc.
• Deans will see that the cooks have a list of purveyors and resource persons to help supply the camp and give advice based on our previous experience in the area.
• The Dean will review sample menus prior to the event. There should be a clear understanding between the Dean and the cook as to what items are covered by the food budget; i.e.., paper goods, cleaning supplies, etc. Unless specifically mentioned, wine is not included in the food budget.
• The Dean and the cook decide who will be responsible for checking with the caretaker to see that the kitchen is clean and that the kitchen equipment is complete and in working order. It may be necessary to arrange for the refrigeration to be turned on prior to our arrival.
• The Dean(s) and the Head Cook(s) need to decide how meals will be scheduled; three full meals, brunch instead of breakfast and lunch, etc.
• Pre-event staff meetings should be held. In the past it has been found useful to have one long weekend retreat to work and plan together. Try to create a cohesive and cooperative team.
• Be sure that each staff member’s duties are well defined; check with each staff person to confirm that their duties are clear and unambiguous and determine what their expectations are of you and others.
• Review NCUUCC policies with staff prior to your event and work out a mutually agreed upon way to implement those policies.
• You and the staff should review evaluation forms from the previous or similar event.
• Establish and operate within a projected budget for the event. Contact the NCUUCC Treasurer for assistance.
• Prepare a budget for both a minimum and a full event and prepare a plan to adapt staff and program to the actual registration. Both you and your staff must keep your receipts in order to get reimbursed by the Treasurer for costs advanced. Set and be aware of dates for location reservation deposits. Know how far in advance your cook will need funds. Have your staff submit budgets on their supply needs and/or quote a figure to you up front so that you will know what funds they need to work with.
• Someone from your staff should be responsible for publicity. You will need to send out flyers for your specific event. Contact the Chair of the NCUUCC for publicity resources and suggestions. Flyers should specify that non-prescription drugs, other illegal substances, harassment and violence are not allowed or tolerated at NCUUCC sponsored camps and gatherings. Be sure that individual churches and societies receive some flyers to be passed out. At least one, and preferably more than one article should be sent to church newsletter editors, advertising your event in advance of the opening of general registration.
• About a month before the event: Keep in touch with NCUUCC Chairperson regarding registration and any problems or needs and suggestions. Let all staff members know status the of registration.  Provide program plans and any other useful details. Revise your budget to projected registration as the date for your event approaches. There should be particularly close communication between the Dean(s), the registrar, the cook(s) and the treasurer, so that appropriate advances may be made for food or supplies. Cooperate with the registrar in his/her getting out the final letter to participants before the event. Organize team with Head Cooks and Program Coordinators to recover items from storage. Create a plan for pick-up, organization, drop-off, and clean up of storage at the start and end of the camp.
• At event: Check in with your staff daily. Make appropriate announcements to participants at the commencement of your event, and whenever else necessary. Include: General rules of the facility; Introduction of staff members; Program plans; Sign-ups for job sharing; Handling of first-aid and emergencies; Bulletin boards or other places for messages.
• At event: Post and announce policies regarding drop-ins for all participants to see. Have evaluation forms available for participants at end of your event. Announce and supervise facility clean-up. At end of your event, have your staff evaluate the event. Put in writing. and send to NCUUCC Chairperson. Make sure that either yourself or someone from your staff attends the Evaluation weekend, the end of September or first of October.
• After event: Send a written report of attendance, program problems and successes to NCUUCC Chairperson. Send, or see that registrar sends, a copy of roster, noting new participants and address changes, to NCUUCC Chairperson for use in updating mailing list.

Registrar

• Response to registration applications. An early acknowledgement in the form of a receipt for amounts remitted or a letter is desirable.
• Bank deposits of fees received should be made frequently (i.e., every 1-2 weeks). The Registrar shall forward funds received to the NCUUCC Treasurer for deposit. The NCUUCC Treasurer will provide instructions and materials needed to each registrar several months in advance of the event and will act as a resource person for registrar’s as desired or needed.
•  The Registrar writes the letter of welcome (AKA Elephant Letter) which includes a description of the physical facility, planned activities, and offers advice on what to bring.  At staff meeting(s) program personnel often have information which needs to be included in the letter; in any case contact workshop leaders and the Dean(s) when preparing the letter.  Prior year’s letters can usually be easily modified to fit the current year. In the case of most camps the camper letter should be mailed to every camper “family” (or unit) no later than 3 weeks prior to the start of camp.
• Tentative cabin or room assignments may be made as registrations are received, noting how many of each type of accommodation remains so that late registrants may be advise whether their requests can be granted, however final cabin assignments should not be made (or made known to campers) until just before an event begins in order to allow for last minute withdrawals and registrations.
•  The Roster, also prepared by the Registrar, is again left until shortly before leaving for camp in order to accommodate last minute changes. There should be enough copies to give one to each camper unit or adult with spare copies for staff, NCUUCC and record-keeping uses. It is advisable to post a copy in a central location with late additions and deletions penciled in. 
• With the Dean, the Registrar is responsible for sending to the NCUUCC Chairperson three copies of the Roster at the close camp. These rosters should indicate first time campers and changes of address of previous campers. These rosters will be used to update the NCUUCC mailing list.
• Before Camp: Send NCUUCC Communications person a blog post and reminder email for previous campers, open registration, send live link & registration email to NCUUCC Communications person. Send out e-announcement to local UU congregations/flyers to UU congregations. Create and send out Welcome Letter to all campers.
• 1 week before camp: Updated Update Liability Waiver, Roster, and make copies. Roster: Name, Address, Phone, Email, Preferred Means of Contact
• 1^st days at camp: Help greet arriving campers, informs them of their cabin assignment, dispenses rosters, collects any balances still due, directs the campers to the camp sign-up sheets, and offers information regarding the opening day activities. 
• The Dean or Registrar, with consultation from the Head Cook, shall prepare and post in a prominent place a master list of duties in or about the kitchen and dining hall (and elsewhere through camp) which need to be performed by the participants during the week(end) and on the last day. The Dean and Registrar are responsible for seeing that the participants sign up for and fulfill these duties.
• After the first day, the Registrar remains available to assist the Dean and other staff members as may be needed. The Registrar will keep a record of expenditures incurred in the registration process for reimbursement and for future budgeting use.
• After Camp: Registrar should send the final roster to the database person to add new emails and physical addresses to the records.

Head Chef

• The head cook recruits the assistant cooks, dishwashers and the kitchen sanitation consultant as provided within the constraints of the budget.
• It’s extremely important that all matters concerning the kitchen be made clear before camp begins, such as: the number and composition of the kitchen staff is based on the camper registrations and should reflect changing levels of registration; the food budget and the type of food expected. The food budget is usually based on per capita cost per meal; the kitchen sanitation consultant, in addition to dealing with trash and garbage, oversees setting up and cleaning up the dining halls at mealtimes, and does a lot of the fetching and carrying necessary in a smoothly running kitchen.
• The Head Cook should submit sample menus to the Dean for approval prior to event.
• There should be a clear understanding between the Dean and the cook as to what items are covered by the food budget; i.e.., paper goods, cleaning supplies, etc. Wine/alcohol is not included in the food budget.
• The Dean and the cook decide who will be responsible for checking with the caretaker to see that the kitchen is clean and that the kitchen equipment is complete and in working order. It may be necessary to arrange for the refrigeration to be turned on prior to our arrival.
• The Head Cook should have recipes and an itemized list of food items needed for each meal prior to camp. These resources should be checked over by the Kitchen Keepers committee and/or Dean and Registrar for accuracy, cost & waste reduction, sustainability, and food allergies prior to purchasing.
• The Head Cook will work with local vendors to coordinate timely deliveries of food items. The Head Cook will report these costs to the NCUUCC Treasurer and Dean prior to the start of camp so that the Head Cook can act as the fiscal signer when necessary.
• The Head Cook is responsible for coordination of organization of the walk-in, pantry, and kitchen storage items upon arrival at camp. Pictures of the items coming out of storage at the start of camp is extremely helpful for cleanup.
• The Head Cook is responsible for creating a mock schedule of staff prior to camp and reporting this to the Dean/s to assist with the creation of a Chore Chart if needed. Head Cook should have a kitchen staff schedule posted up by noon on Sunday. Head Chef and Head Dishwasher should coordinate prior to camp atleast once and at camp for the creation of the schedule and discussion of the menu/cleanup/prep needs.
• The Head Cook is responsible for discussing food and personal safety with all staff and for assigning Shift Leads positions to responsible people who will ensure food and personal safety at all times.
• The Head Cook is responsible for ensuring that all Shift Leads have the ingredients, recipes, tools, and staff they need to have meals be successful. Head Cook is also tasked with communicating prep needs and other timely task related items to each Shift Leader.
• Keep all receipts – gather receipts from other staff when needed to return to the NCUUCC Treasurer for reconciliation.

Cook

• Knowledge: Reads & understands recipes with knowledge of common food ingredients, weights, measures, & preparation methods.
• Skills & responsibilities: Use common kitchen utensils & equipment such as knives, mixers, food processors & gas range. Can prepare quality meals from scratch with a minimum of supervision. Helps put leftovers away & clean-up work area after meal periods.
• Personal skills: Follows directions, works well with others, good communication, good personal hygiene, works quickly, efficiently, safely, & works well under pressure.
• Safety & sanitation: Helps keep work area clean, safe, sanitary, & avoids wasting food.
• Work habits: Knows work schedule, reports to work on time, follows through on work assignments, asks questions when in doubt, no horseplay, checks out with head cook before leaving. Shows capable of performing the job well/safely.
• Assists with other camp functions as needed. (i.e., camper greeting & orientation).
• Arrives on and participates in Set Up day and attends all staff meetings at camp.
• Participates in end of camp clean up / take down.
• Shift Leaders will make sure that others show up for assigned shifts and all work gets completed.

Head Dishwasher

• The Head Dishwasher is responsible for working the with Head Chef to create the dishwasher schedule, understand the staff and cleaning needs for each meal, and provide safety and cleanliness training and support to all kitchen staff.
• Coordinates and monitors all aspects dishwashing staff. Assists with establishing sanitation checks and in pre-camp/post-camp cleanup.
• Knowledge: Knowledge of common items found in a kitchen such as sinks, dishware, utensils, pots, & pans.
• Skills & responsibilities: Scrape, rinse, & rack dishes & silverware. Operate a commercial dishwasher. Sort & put away dishes in their proper place in order to maintain kitchen organization. Scrape, wash, sanitize, & put away pots & pans. Wash kitchen towels & hang out to dry. Sweep & mop floors after meal period. Take out trash & recyclables & bring in empty lined cans. Clean work area before leaving.
• Personal skills: Follows directions, works well with other, good communication, good personal hygiene, works quickly, efficiently, safely, & works well under pressure.
• Safety & sanitation: Helps keep work area clean, safe, sanitary, & assures that all dishes, silverware, pots & pans are clean & sanitary.
• Work habits: Knows work schedule, reports to work on time, follows through on work assignments, asks questions when in doubt, no horseplay, keeps work area organized, checks out with head cook before leaving. Show up capable of performing job well/safely.
• Assists with other camp functions as needed. (i.e., camper greeting & orientation).
• Arrives on and participates in Set Up day and attends all staff meetings at camp.

Dishwasher

• Knowledge: Knowledge of common items found in a kitchen such as sinks, dishware, utensils, pots, & pans.
• Skills & responsibilities: Scrape, rinse, & rack dishes & silverware. Operate a commercial dishwasher. Sort & put away dishes in their proper place in order to maintain kitchen organization. Scrape, wash, sanitize, & put away pots & pans. Wash kitchen towels & hang out to dry. Sweep & mop floors after meal period. Take out trash & recyclables & bring in empty lined cans. Clean work area before leaving.
• Personal skills: Follows directions, works well with other, good communication, good personal hygiene, works quickly, efficiently, safely, & works well under pressure.
• Safety & sanitation: Helps keep work area clean, safe, sanitary, & assures that all dishes, silverware, pots & pans are clean & sanitary.
• Work habits: Knows work schedule, reports to work on time, follows through on work assignments, asks questions when in doubt, no horseplay, keeps work area organized, checks out with head cook before leaving. Show up capable of performing job well/safely.
• Assists with other camp functions as needed. (i.e., camper greeting & orientation).
• Arrives on and participates in Set Up day and attends all staff meetings at camp.
• Participates in end of camp clean up / take down.
• Shift Leaders will make sure that others show up for assigned shifts and all work gets completed.

Kitchen Laundry Person

• Collect, wash, dry, fold, and replace all dirty linens from kitchen daily in order to maintain a constant supply of fresh linens.
• Assists with other camp functions as needed. (i.e., camper greeting & orientation).
• Arrives on and participates in Set Up day and attends all staff meetings at camp.
• Participates in end of camp clean up / take down.
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 35 pounds uphill.

Kids’ Zone Activities Coordinators

• Agrees to follow & signs the UUA Code of Ethics for working with youth.
• Coordinates 2 hour session(s) for assigned age group.  Duties include supervising and interacting with children/youth, setting-up the day’s activities and cleaning-up afterwards (this will require arrival at your group’s meeting site at least 15 minutes early and remaining there 15 minutes after the session is over). Activities appropriate for the age groups will be outlined and prepared for you.
• Assists with other camp functions as needed. (i.e. camper greeting & orientation).  Including the set up and take down of the Kids’ Zone areas prior to the opening of camp and take down at close of camp.
• Attends all staff meetings at camp.

Workshop Leader

• Plan workshop activity & obtain all supplies prior to coming to camp.
• Stays within allotted budget & turns in receipts for reimbursement before the end of the week.
• Coordinates 2 hour workshop plus set-up & clean-up of area. Is responsible for maintaining order of own supplies.
• Assists with other camp functions as needed. (i.e. camper greeting & orientation).
• Attends all staff meetings at camp.

Evening Activities Planner

• Plans evening activity & obtain all supplies prior to coming to camp.
• Stays within allotted budget & turns in receipts for reimbursement before the end of the week.
• Coordinates evening programs on 5 evenings (Monday – Friday) including set-up & clean-up of area. Is responsible for maintaining order of won supplies.
• Assists with other camp functions as needed. (i.e. camper greeting & orientation).
• Attends all staff meetings at camp.

Chaplain

• Present at & makes brief statement during Opening & Closing Circles.
• Leads pre-dinner blessing/gratitude.
• Performs (short) worship services in morning & evening for a total of 7 services.
• Is available to campers in need of spiritual counseling.
• Assists with other camp functions as needed. (i.e. camper greeting & orientation).
• Attends all staff meetings at camp.

Sanitation Engineer

• Empty trash from cabin bathroom areas & shower house daily.
• Stocks all toilet areas with toilet paper & sweeps floor in cabin bathroom areas & shower house daily.
• Performs check of all toilets areas & cleans up obvious eyesores daily.
• Cleans toilets in shower house, Meadow & Far Meadow cabin areas on Tuesday.
• Clean the Shower house on Wednesday.
• Cleans toilets in shower house, Creekside & Tall Trees cabin areas on Thursday.
• Assists with other camp functions as needed. (i.e. camper greeting & orientation).
• Attends all staff meetings at camp.

Teen Advisor

• Teen Advisor contact teens prior to camp (community building, set expectations, etc.)
• Front load rules and examples of covenant
• Supports teens and youth facilitators in planning out the week
• Available to assist teens and youth with problem solving
• AB 506 requirements (fingerprinting and child abuse prevention training)
• Agrees to follow & signs the UUA Code of Ethics for working with youth
• Is comfortable with staying up late & walking along Woodlands paths at night
• Assists with other camp functions as needed. (i.e. camper greeting & orientation)
• Attends all leadership meetings prior to camp and at camp.

[Youth Facilitators] (2 youth)

• Facilitate Teen Orientation Meeting
• Facilitate writing the Family Camp Youth Covenant- UU Principles and Covenant examples provided
• Week Schedule and community engagement activity- framework provided
• Work with others to find adults needed for specific Teen activities (ie. River trip)
• Assists with other camp functions as needed. (i.e. camper greeting & orientation)
• Attends all leadership meetings prior to camp and at camp

Fire Tender

• Start all fires needed throughout camp
• Arrange for sufficient wood to be at the site
• Start the fire, and arrange its responsible supervision
• Arrange for responsible parties to close down the fire
• Assists we sweatlodge set-up and cleaning