Each year, volunteers collectively and very generously give tens of thousands of hours to Camp Encourage. Without these volunteers and their gifts of time and talent, Camp Encourage would not be able to offer our campers the quality experience they deserve. Join the volunteer efforts of Camp Encourage!
Many roles are available year round as well as during each camp session. We are happy to accommodate volunteer groups and organize corporate volunteer outings. For questions or arrangements, call 816.830.7171 or email Aimee Gorrow at agorrow@campencourage.org.
Expectations of all volunteers: A volunteer must understand that he or she will need to put the needs of the campers before his or her own needs, must be very reliable and trustworthy, and must be willing and able to exude our mission and our values at all times.
Click on the tabs below to read more about each type of volunteer opportunity.
Volunteers gather prior to each session to complete a variety of preparation tasks to gear up for Camp Encourage. A group also gathers together to move our supplies from our office to camp and placing coordinating tubs with activity locations. Not only are these crucial details to ensure that each moment at camp run as smoothly as feasible, completing the tasks ends up being pretty fun gathering with other volunteers, parents, past campers, and supporters as we iron out the behind-the-scenes necessities.
Tasks may include inventorying materials, laminating, assembling volunteer notebooks, shopping for camp supplies from a detailed list (and with Camp Encourage funds), organizing materials, preparing name tags, preparing visual schedules for the campers, sorting tee shirts, and more.
To join the goodness prior to our camps, please click below to access the sign up sheet for days leading up to our upcoming camp sessions!
An especially rewarding experience is that of sharing your time with the special campers during the week of Camp Encourage! Some roles are available for a portion of the week while others are designed to be roles for the entire stay.
2026 Camp Dates
March 21-22
June 11-14
June 29 - July 2
July 25-28
August 29-30 (alumni reunion, ages 19+)
October 10-11
For all camp volunteer roles listed below, a Volunteer Application will need to be submitted.
Those that serve full time at camp will be required to attend an orientation prior to camp.
Group Leader in Training
This role is for those interested in possibly joining our staff as a Group Leader in future years. A Group Leader in Training is assigned a small group of roughly five campers and at least two adult volunteer counselors. These individuals: facilitate a group gathering once to twice daily (with a detailed plan that is provided); facilitate and provide general structure and consistency in their assigned cabin; make sure the group remains on schedule; communicates with the director any concerns that arise and provides feedback, guidance, suggestions, and encouragement to counselors through the week. Each Group Leader in Training will be paired with a mentor Group Leader in the cabin next door to direct questions and seek guidance from. It is preferred that this individual is a returning volunteer however, we will consider others that are interested in this leadership position. Further, it is highly preferred that Group Leader in Training applicants be able to commit to multiple camp sessions per year.
Counselor
Counselor positions are typically the most rewarding camp experiences for staff members. It is recommended that counselors remain at camp during the entire session. Each counselor is assigned to a camper or small group of campers depending on the needs of the children and youth. Counselors accompany the campers to all of the daily activities and reside overnight with the children in an air-conditioned cabin. This is a unique opportunity for students or professionals that work in the field to experience (to a very small extent) what it is like to live with a person on the autism spectrum. Life long friendships and professional connections often develop during this experience and we feel confident that many will describe it as one of the most valuable of their lives. Note: counselors can begin serving in this role at the age of 18.
Counselor in Training (CIT)
A CIT serves in the role of a counselor (described above) but is under the support and guidance of the Group Leader and Counselor over the age of 18. CIT's must be at least 16 years of age. Exceptions may be made for skilled 15 year old volunteers who have previously served as a peer model camper. Please note that there will only be a small number of CIT roles available.
Activity Facilitator
An Activity Facilitator facilitates activities at camp. Instructions and all supplies are provided. Activities may be related to science, nature, sensory, art, social development, music, s'more making (and enjoying!), cooking, yoga, relaxation strategies, self-esteem, or many other fun camp happenings. These volunteers can give their time for a portion of a day, a portion of the week, or for the entire session.
Photographer
There are typically two to three photographers during a session of camp. Working together, the photographers will be responsible for taking photographs of daily activities ensuring that all campers and all activities are captured during the week. In the evenings, photographers will edit photos prepare for an end-of-the-week slideshow to share with the families at departure. A laptop and guidance will be provided. If needed, our (somewhat old school) digital camera can be used but most volunteer photographers prefer using their own digital camera. It is preferred this role be filled by someone who is able to stay overnight for the duration of the camp session. Those who cannot stay overnight could depart as late as 11pm and would need to return to the campgrounds by 7:30am each day.
Medically Trained Professional
Medically Trained Professionals reside overnight to assist with any medical needs. These individuals are in charge of collecting and distributing prescription and over-the-counter medications and will be under the loving direction of our staff Lead Nurse. Important: these volunteers need to have certification to administer medications in the state of Missouri.
Carnival Volunteer
Each volunteer will be given all needed materials as well as an instruction sheet for the activity the volunteer will oversee. Examples of the activities include: a dunk tank, making and handing out snow cones, trivia questions, cookie decorating, and other traditional carnival activities. As campers rotate through the carnival, these volunteers will support and encourage campers (that will be accompanied by camp counselors) and will also have the pleasure of distributing carnival prizes. To sign up for one or both of this year's carnival/s, email us at info@campencourage.org or visit the following sign up sheets:
Moving Volunteer
These helpful individuals assist our staff in unloading (or loading) camp supplies and/or distributing (or collecting) all supplies where they need to be within our campgrounds. If kindly able to help in this role at our Linwood, KS location, click HERE. For the camps located in Parkville, MO, visit THIS sign up sheet.
Arrival and/or Departure Volunteer
These volunteers assist as campers arrive and/or during departure procedures. This may include holding a sign to greet campers as they enter the campgrounds, checking documentation, checking each off while arriving, checking identification for parent pick up, and more. If interested in this special role at our Linwood, KS location, click HERE. For the camps located in Parkville, MO, visit THIS sign up sheet.
Social Media Support
In this role, individuals will capture media content of the camp experience and post to various social media outlets throughout the day. A schedule, sample content, and helpful related information will be provided by Camp Encourage staff. It is preferred that this volunteer role is filled by someone able to stay (overnight) for the duration of the camp session.
Kitchen Support
This is a part-time role assisting at meals throughout the session. Individuals serving in this role would distribute food from buffet line, while monitoring portions. It would be ideal if the volunteer could commit to all three meals in one day. This role could be paired with other part time roles, if desired, or breaks would be provided between meals.
Van Driver
This is a part time role (but could easily be full time) from the hours of 7:00am-9:00pm each day of the camp session. While we prefer this volunteer resides overnight on the campgrounds, exceptions can be made to allow for commuting daily. In this role, the volunteer will transport campers throughout the campground using a vehicle and schedule provided by Camp Encourage staff. The volunteer will also be on-call to pick up campers or volunteers as needed.
Our event planning efforts have both large and small tasks, depending on your availability and interest. Tasks may include assisting with securing auction items, preparing our auction software with each auction item, helping with decorations, and/or helping during the event. If interested in supporting our mission in this way, please contact our Events Coordinator.
Meetings
The Board meets at least quarterly, but occasionally more. The Board is responsible for governance and policy-making, including decision making on Human Resources, Finance, Programming, Development (raising funds), and Technology.
Roles
Each Board Member is expected to
- regularly attend board meetings and important related meetings.
- make a commitment to participate actively in committee work.
- participate in fundraising for the organization.
- volunteer for and/or accept assignments while completing them thoroughly and on time.
- stay informed about committee matters, prepare themselves well for meetings, and review and comment on minutes and reports.
- get to know other committee members and build a collegial working relationship that contributes to consensus.
- serve as an active participant in the committee’s annual evaluation and planning efforts.
Terms
A term totals three years. Each Director can serve two terms (of three years each). At the end of those six years, a Director must step down for one year before being eligible for reelection.
Qualifications
Nominees must be a person of good character and standing in the community and willing and able to:
- serve on committees,
- attend meetings, and
- make decisions that affect the operation of Camp Encourage.
It's not all work
Serving on the Board is rewarding. It is an opportunity to give back to Camp Encourage and to the community. At the end of your term you can look back and see your accomplishments in the faces of the children you serve. Camp Encourage exists because community members are involved. Serving on the Board of Directors is a chance to step up and make a difference.
Next Step
If you are interested in serving on the Board of Directors, please write a short letter telling us why you want to serve and tell us about your background. Your letter can be sent to info@campencourage.org.
Need Further Information?
If you would like further information or would like to speak with someone, feel free to contact us at 816.830.7171 or info@campencourage.org.
A variety of office tasks are available during the weekdays and can be scheduled per your convenience. This much appreciated volunteer opportunity might involve filing, organizing, taking inventory of camp supplies, light cleaning, and making copies. If interested, please contact Kelly.
In addition to committee support through programming and events, the below committee opportunities are available and are led by a Camp Encourage Board member. Whether you are able to give a small or large amount of time, we encourage you to join the below efforts by sharing your expertise. Email Kelly today to express interest.
Community Connections Committee
This committee ensures that adequate funds are available for the organization to carry out its exempt purpose by: working with members of the board, volunteers, and staff to solicit charitable donations; analyzing fundraising events; and securing foundation and corporate grants. Further, the committee monitors and oversees how the organization is progressing as related to marketing by developing annual goal and strategy to market according to current needs while leading marketing to campers, volunteers, and supporters.
Operations Committee
Individuals serving on the Operations Committee have two general goals:
- to ensure that the organization has a vital mission and a clear understanding of its identity by assisting with board, volunteer, and committee recruitment and by supporting the organization with issues pertaining to employees and
- to prepare an annual organizational budget, oversee the accounting and banking functions of the organization, and arrange a certified audit or review of the organization’s accounts.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) Committee
The purpose of the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Committee (DEIB Committee) is to ensure that Camp Encourage’s internal operations and external outreach efforts to the community are conducted in a manner that is welcoming, loving, and supportive for all.
Special Events Committee
This committee plans and executes our annual fundraising event, S'Mores and Pours. They are involved in the general details of event planning, solicit charitable donations, seek in-kind contributions for silent and/or live auctions, and oversee all activities during the event.
We love having groups gather together at Camp Encourage to support our campers! Two opportunities are listed below. We also have other needs that arise from time to time so feel free to reach out to gather more information.
Greeting Campers Upon Arrival
Lining up and greeting campers upon their arrival while holding encouraging signs such as “You are welcome,” “You are enough,” and “You are loved”) is a special volunteer role. Please email Aimee to gather further details and to sign up.
Carnival Festivities
During each summer camp session, we hold a carnival for the campers. Activities include a variety of booths with prizes, special appearances, face painting, balloon art, inflatables, and/or a dunk tank. Volunteers will be guided to set up the carnival and to fully prepare for the campers. All needed materials as well as an instruction sheet for each activity will be provided. Please email Aimee to gather further details and to sign up.