Program Purpose

YMCA Camp Greenville has the opportunity through the Service Corps program to fulfill part of its mission by providing young people with opportunities for growth and development, both personal and spiritual. YMCA Camp Greenville has a particular competence for reaching young people and believes strongly that an ethic of service to others is an important factor in their development. Through the Service Corps, high school students who have completed at least the 9th grade by the time summer begins, will be provided with opportunities to learn and develop in spirit, mind and body.

Program Overview

The Service Corps offers students who are completing at least the 9th grade the opportunity to serve the camp community for one- or two-week periods during the summer camping season. Service Corps members can be seen helping the staff all over camp, especially in the dining hall, maintenance department, pack-out, camp store, main office, program office, horse barn and water front.

Program Description

The Service Corps is a fantastic opportunity for young people to make friends, contribute their skills and expertise to camp, and live in a beautiful mountain environment for one- to two-weeks beyond the regular camp experience. Participants will be expected to work hard each day. This is a unique program for those who want to give their all in return for the satisfaction of helping behind the scenes and giving to the camp community as a whole.

Participants are expected to behave in a mature and responsible manner. They will not participate in camp’s normal daily program, but will have occasional opportunities to enjoy the benefits of the camp environment. While participants are a unique part of the YMCA Camp Greenville community, they are under the immediate supervision of adult leaders at all times and must follow the same policies, rules and regulations as other campers.

Benefits of the Service Corps

Develops character in an environment of positive peer relations.

Types of Duties and Responsibilities

There are several areas for Service Corps members to serve camp during the summer:

1. Dining Hall: All Service Corps members assist with food service: they set tables before each meal and then wash dishes and help clean after the meal. Additionally, they assist with recycling and our efforts at conservation through the “Zero Waste” program.
2. Horse Barn: At the barn, volunteers muck stalls, groom, feed and water horses, and assist the Barn Manager wherever possible.
3. Maintenance: Volunteers work with the Maintenance Department in general grounds work and the upkeep and preservation of Camp. Typical projects may include daily trash pick up, recycling, lawn care, cleaning, etc.
4. Waterfront: Certified lifeguards may volunteer at the waterfront. They will assist the other lifeguards and teachers during the classes on Lake Rotary in the mornings, and assist on Lake Rotary or Lake Sudie in the afternoons.
5. Other: Other volunteering possibilities may arise during the summer including pack-out, office help, or other areas. We strive to make each volunteer experience both rewarding and useful to camp and the participant.

Training

All participants need some training to perform their duties. Such training includes orientation to camp facilities, plus training specific to work areas. This training will take place on the day of arrival and includes general rules, procedures, and expectations necessary for safety.

Supervision

Participants are supervised by the Service Learning Leaders, who are responsible for their work time and leisure time. These paid staff members assume supervisory duties during the day and stay in the cabins with the participants at night. The Service Learning Leaders get involved in the work right along with the participants and lead by example.

Cost

The cost of participating in the program is $25 per week. This fee includes a group photo, a Service Corps shirt, and a daily snack and beverage at the store. The participant is responsible for providing their own spending money (typically $20 per week) for meals and activities during supervised time-off trips into town. Additionally, participants are required to have a current health form (within one year) and medical exam by a physician for participation in any camp program.

Schedules

Paving the Way

Service Corps members are paving the way each summer for future participants and future summers. It is important to understand that service learning is hard work and that participants are expected to give their all while at camp! Participation in the program can be very rewarding – participants develop friendships, experience teamwork, share experiences, and learn about themselves through service to others. Finally, the program and the participants fill unique roles at camp – they can take pride in the fact that they are a special part of YMCA Camp Greenville.

As a Service Corps member you are also paving the way to your own future: a future at YMCA Camp Greenville may include a summer as a Counselor-In-Training or a staff member, future service in other organizations, leadership in areas of volunteering or working with children. As you can see, your service and commitment to YMCA Camp Greenville means opening some new doors in your own life as well as helping camp to be a great place. Service to others involves commitment and is a big responsibility - that is why we want participants who are truly dedicated to doing a great job.

Service Corps Eligibility Requirements

Downloadable Application Forms

All the forms necessary to apply for a position in the Leadership Development program are below in Adobe Acrobat format.  (Please note that forms are designed to open in new windows - if you have a "pop-up" blocker enabled, you may not be able to open the form without turning it off.)