VISION and Camp Talahi

Consider using your abilities by volunteering your time, sharing your expertise, or by giving a donation.

Volunteer Opportunities

Each summer Camp Talahi requires 40-50 volunteers to staff counselor positions through out the summer.  Counselors are required to complete an application, participate in an interview, and undergo a background check.  Upon acceptance, counselors are required to attend a training session prior to their volunteer assignment.  Many of our counselors are past campers and enjoy giving back the time and attention they experiences from counselors in their camp experience. Other volunteers include clergy who serve as Deans (camp directors) and as Chaplains for summer camp sessions.

What is a Counselor?

A counselor is an adult responsible for the care and supervision of up to eight young people under the direction of the Summer Camp Director and/or Dean of each camp.  Counselors and staff provide the motivating factors for the entire camp.  Through them comes the desire and drive to participate; through them comes the continuing enthusiasm of more and new experiences; through them comes the desire to try, to learn, to persevere, and to try again. Counselors are able to indicate the camp and session(s) they would like to attend.

Counselors at Talahi work together with camp and program staff, to create a camp environment where God's love is abundant and where all are welcome, cared for, and valued as a member of the camp community.  We work to assure campers emotional and physical safety as well as to promote spiritual growth and to share our faith journeys with each other.  Counselors assume primary responsibility for supervising campers.  Counselors work closely with children and youth and are actively involved with keeping campers healthy and helping campers to live together in life affirming ways.  Counselors are role models and must at all times model appropriate behavior and to be respectful of camp leadership, policies, and guidelines.

What is a Chaplain?

Camp Chaplains work closely with Deans, the Summer Camp Director, and counselors to assist in supervision of campers and build relationships with campers.  Chaplains lead Bible Study, discussions, and work with campers to prepare for and lead Vespers services.  Chaplains look for teachable moments in everyday happenings and events and share new discoveries with campers.  Chaplains also are often sought after for deeper conversations and provide a listening ear for campers who are experiencing personal growth.  Chaplains are needed for each camp session throughout the summer.

What is a Dean?

Deans are the primary leaders and organizers for each camp session.  Deans work closely with the Summer Camp Director to create the camp schedule, adapt and enhance the camp curriculum provided for their session.  Deans also work closely with the Summer Camp Director to recruit counselors for leadership for small groups and workshops, provide necessary training, and direction to the camp experience.  Deans must have good communication and organization skills and work will with a diverse people.  We seek leadership for all of our camp sessions.

Summer Camp Staff

Permanent summer camp staff positions beginning in June and running through August are available. Camp Talahi hires support staff for Kitchen, Maintenance, Health and Wellness, and Waterfront.  Camp staff provide important services to the camp community and are encouraged to be involved with camp programs as their duties allow.

Program staff include the Summer Camp Director and Assistant Camp Director.  The camp directors support volunteer deans and counselors, provide training and supervision of counselors, and assist with camp leadership needs.  The Summer Camp Director works with the camp support staff to communicate special needs, changes to activities and or camp schedule, problem solves and assures camp policies and guidelines are observed and followed.

Project Volunteers

If you have a special skill or talent that you would like to share with the Camp Community please let us know!  We enjoy having special guests present workshops or specialized discussions - nature hikes, birdwatching, fishing, sharing about  involvement with mission project or special program.  Occassionally there are maintenance projects around camp - painting, construction and repair (roofing, plumbing, electrical) that need highly skilled folks to accomplish.  Let us know if you have the expertise and time to help us.

All project volunteers and special guests must be approved and scheduled prior to visiting camp.  Please contact the VISION office.