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High School
Volunteer Program
Our High School Volunteer Program (HSVP) is celebrating its 14th year as one of the best summer-time opportunities for high school students to build leadership skills, learn job responsibilities, and make new friends. It is also a unique opportunity for students to explore different career paths in a relaxed setting. A major benefit of being a volunteer in our program is that while acquiring the skills and experience to enhance their resume, they'll be making summer camp memories that last a lifetime!
Above all else, we hope that our volunteers add value to each camper’s experience. Volunteers do this by performing tasks such as assisting campers with projects, helping staff lead games and activities, and contributing to the positive and FUN atmosphere of a wide variety of camps. It is an excellent chance to learn and grow, to be positive role models, and to give back to their community.
Our goal is to assign at least one volunteer per camp. The application requirements are listed below. Please be prepared with all required documentation before beginning the application process. We look forward to reviewing your applications, and hope to be in contact with you soon!
All camps will be IN PERSON, and the
AAPS COVID & Health Guidance will be followed.
Mission Statement
The mission of the Rec & Ed High School Volunteer Program is to enrich the camp experience for volunteers, staff, and campers while providing volunteers with the leadership and collaborative skills to become valuable members of the community.
Application Requirements
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Commitment of at least 2 weeks (does not have to be 2 weeks in a row)
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Agreement to Staff Expectations & Policies
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One letter of recommendation (see sample below)
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Payment of $10 non-refundable application fee
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NEW! This year you will select volunteer opportunities in the Better Impact App
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Attendance at a mandatory pre-camp training session
Applications for the 2024 Summer Camps Volunteer Program will be accepted until Friday, May 17, 2024.
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HSVP Application opens Monday, April 15, 2024.
Volunteer Application
Sample Recommendation Letter
Link to pay $10 Non-Refundable Application Fee
Within 5 business days after you have made the $10 payment, you will be emailed login information to select the type(s) of camps you'd like to participate in. The sooner you complete your application and make your $10 payment, the better camp selections you will have.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: How many weeks can a student volunteer?
A: The summer camps run for 9 weeks total (June 17th - August 23rd; no camp July 1st - 5th; and no camp June 19). Volunteers must agree to participate for a minimum of 2 weeks, but they do not need to be 2 weeks in a row. We understand that teens/families typically have other activities planned throughout the summer, but the ideal situation is to maintain a consistent group of volunteers who are as invested in the summer camps as our regular camp staff. Preference may be given to qualified candidates who complete their application and make their application fee payment earlier than the deadline, and those with the most availability.
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Q: What types of camps need volunteers?
A: We offer a wide variety of camps for children of all ages. Volunteers are needed for almost all of them: sports camps, enrichment camps, Safety Town, etc...On the application, volunteers will be able to specify the camps and age groups they would most like to work with, and the Camp Specialist will try to use that information when creating the volunteer schedules.
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Q: What hours are volunteers assigned?
A: Each camp a volunteer is assigned to will last one full week (M-F) in either half-day shifts (8am-12pm, 8:45-11:45am or 9am-12pm) or full-day shifts (8am-4pm, 9am-4pm, or 7:30am-5:30pm) each day. However, the hours will not fluctuate throughout the week - the volunteer will stay with the same camp and work the same hours each day (M-F).
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Q: What does the High School Volunteer Application process look like?
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You will use our website to begin the application process. The application can be found on our website, under the “Application Requirements” heading. You will complete the Google Form, and then move to the next step in the application process.
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Once you submit your application, you will use the link labeled Link to pay $10 Non-Refundable Application Fee to pay for your enrollment in the High School Volunteer Program.
After you’ve paid your application fee, a password and username will be sent to the email address that you listed on your application. You will then be prompted to sign up for our new Volunteer Selection and Time Keeping Application, called Better Impact. You will use the Better Impact Application to select your desired camps, as well as record your volunteer hours for this year.
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Q: Can graduating seniors volunteer with the program?
A: The HSVP is designed for students who are entering grades 9-12. Students who have graduated and are 18 years of age or older can still volunteer, but they will be subject to both a background check and fingerprinting (at the volunteer’s expense).
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Q: Is any prior volunteer or work experience required?
A: No, this is a learning experience. Volunteers with open minds and a willingness to learn are setting themselves up to be successful with the guidance of camp staff.
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Q: Who needs to write the letter of recommendation?
A: The letter of recommendation needs to be written by someone other than a relative. For example, it can be from a teacher, mentor, counselor, pastor, coach, or former employer.
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Q: Is transportation provided?
A: No, transportation to and from camp needs to be arranged by the volunteer. If the volunteer is at a camp that goes on a field trip (which is not likely to happen this year), transportation for the field trip portion of the camp will be provided.
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Q: What training will volunteers receive before camps begin?
A: All volunteers must participate in one training session prior to the start of camp. The training session will take place in person in late May or early June. Continuous training will be provided throughout the summer.
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Q: My child wants to be involved in something productive and fun over the summer, is that something the HSVP can provide?
A: As long as he/she wants to participate, is willing to learn, is open minded, and can meet the expectations of the program, it should be a wonderful experience.
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Q: Will the volunteers be expected to complete the application and communicate with the Camp Specialist?
A: After a volunteer has been invited into the HSVP, all communication regarding camp assignments should be directly between the volunteer and the Camp Specialist (see contact information below). It is expected that the volunteers will respond to the Camp Specialist in a timely and appropriate manner. We will only contact parents if there is a disciplinary issue or if we are unable to reach the volunteer.
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Q: Is there anyone I can contact with additional questions?
A: Yes, please email our Camp Specialist, Yvette Harris, at harrisy@aaps.k12.mi.us with additional questions.