Volunteer Support

Feeling Upset? Can’t Keep Evading Down Time? Unburden Peacefully.

What we have on offer

Tea and Sympathy

The main area of the Volunteer Support Hub (VSH)  is the tea and sympathy marquee. Here you can come and sit down on one of our comfy sofas, get a snack and a hot drink, and relax in silence. We know that taking time off can be hard in your own town or village. Here non-one can ask you to do just one thing and you can actually take the time to recover.

RAZ: Relaxation Amusement Zone

For those who want to have a chat while they take some time off we also have the RAZ! While it is aimed more at young volunteers such as DFs and Venturers, this space is open to all and will be well supplied with jigsaws and cards.

Bikes

Don’t have the time to make your way over to VSH? We will also have twice daily bicycle rounds. These bikes will be stocked with tea and coffee bringing relaxation to your tent porch. 

The Hygge

A quiet dark space, filled with soft furnishings. Ideal for when you just need some time alone to rest and recover. 

We are still looking for volunteers if any of the above interest you contact us at volunteer.support@camp100.org.uk

Rough Guide to Taking a Day Off

It’s day five of camp 100 and you’ve run out of energy. The elfins are running riot and the pioneers are planning a revolution over bedtimes. Who knows what the venturers are up too; at this point you don’t even want to ask. 

You’ve been cooking/planning/supervising/constructing camp for what feels like weeks and all you want is some time to yourself and maybe the chance to have a shower. This guide is for you. 

Our plan for camp 100 is that all volunteers should have at least one day off (ideally more), but we recognise that making this happen isn’t always easy. This is a rough guide of things you can do to help make days off for all a reality.

How to take a day off

  • Plan to have a day off before the camp starts
    • Don’t wait until your so exhausted you have to leave, think about how and what you will do with some time off before you take it
  • Let some things go
    • It can be hard to let go of ‘our’ job but sometimes you have to let other people do things, especially if you want a break
    • Your job may be important but so is your mental health
  • Shadowing
    • If your job is ‘really’ important and ‘really’ can’t be left for even a minute, how about recruiting a new volunteer, young or old
    • Have them shadow you for a day and then let them free to figure things out while you take the next day off
  • Relief Volunteers
    • If you need someone else to come cook/supervise/distract your village for a day you can request a relief volunteer
  • Leave site
    • Sometimes the only way to really take a break is to literally leave camp, even just for an hour
    • You can contact us about providing support for this, and make sure to tell someone officially before you go

Mental Health First Aid

Preparation Before the Camp

  • Set realistic expectations and understand your role to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
  • Ensure sufficient rest, nutrition, and familiarity with the camp’s schedule and resources

Volunteering at a youth camp can be an incredibly rewarding experience, but it also comes with its challenges, making it essential to prioritize your mental health and prevent burnout. Preparation is key to maintaining your well-being before and during the camp. Start by setting realistic expectations for yourself and understanding your role. Familiarize yourself with the camp’s schedule, responsibilities, and available resources to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Ensure you have adequate rest and nutrition leading up to the camp, as physical health is closely tied to mental resilience.

Maintaining Balance During the Camp

  • Take regular breaks, stay hydrated, eat well, and get enough sleep.
  • Connect with fellow volunteers for mutual support and seek assistance if overwhelmed.

During the camp, maintaining a balance between your responsibilities and self-care is crucial. Take regular breaks to recharge, even if they are brief moments to breathe or reflect, this can be done at the Volunteer Support Hub. Stay hydrated, remember to eat, and get sufficient sleep to sustain your energy levels. Recognize the importance of connecting with fellow volunteers for mutual support over a game of cards (translation: complaining about the insert ‘common camp problem’), but know that sleep and your own space is as important. If you feel overwhelmed, communicate with the camp organizers or supervisors to seek assistance or adjust your workload.

Mindfulness and Boundaries

  • Set boundaries by focusing on achievable tasks and delegating when needed.

Remember the importance of maintaining boundaries. While it is natural to want to give your all, overextending yourself can lead to exhaustion. Focus on what you can realistically achieve and delegate tasks when necessary. Practicing mindfulness and stress management techniques can also be beneficial. Enjoy a calming nature walk or host an impromptu dance-off to reduce stress and boost morale during the camp. Or if you really need to take some time away, we can support you to spend time away from your village or even off camp.

Recognizing and Addressing Burnout

  • Watch for signs of burnout like irritability, fatigue, or constantly forgetting your mugs up kit.
  • Rest, seek support, and prioritize self-care to sustain well-being.

Lastly, be aware of the signs of burnout, such as irritability, fatigue, or a lack of enthusiasm, and address them promptly. If you notice these signs, take proactive steps to rest and seek support from others. By prioritizing self-care, creating open communication, and staying mindful of your limits, you can look after others and enjoy camp yourself without burning out!