The absolute key to the effectiveness of this ministry to these children is a group of adult volunteers that are willing to come to the camp and to love these children unconditionally.  These children know how to deal with anger and rejection but few have experienced unconditional love especially during those times when they “lose control” and are acting out.

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People that volunteer for this camp need to know that this a really a short term missions project but you are not getting on a airplane and flying 1000’s of miles.  This ministry is to children who live in a “third world” right around us here in the Treasure Valley.  You need to be prepared to have your heart broken and you will find that after this camp you will view the world around you much differently.  If you are willing to risk having your heart broken and wishing to minister to these children than we invite you to join us either as a adult buddy for a child or as a staff member.

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What is  it like being a volunteer:

• You need to complete the application in the spring of the year and submit it to us.

• After we receive application, we will set up an interview with you to get to know you and to determine where you might fit best within the camp.

• You will be required to complete a criminal background check through the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare  that included a Federal Background check .  This check is provided at no cost to you by Health and Welfare.

• You will be required to attend a full day training session prior to camp.

• You will arrive at the camp site on Sunday afternoon by 3pm to get started.  

• Some volunteers will go down to Boise on Sunday evening to be at registration and will ride up on the bus to camp.

• The children arrive at about noon on Monday  and the real work of the ministry begins.  Always remembering that this camp is about the kiddos.

• On Friday about 1 the bus leaves the camp to take the children back to Boise.  Some volunteers will ride back on the bus to be with the children.  We drive down from camp are arrive at the drop off location before the children arrive at 4pm.   There is a brief program , you get to meet their foster parent  and you say goodbye to the children.  Knowing that you will not be able to contact them after camp and therefore it is an emotional time.

• After the children have gone home there is an short ceremony and a dinner where you can invite your family  and friends to join you.   From there you will go home emotionally, spiritually and physically exhausted.  We recommend that you not schedule anything for the weekend so that you can recover.

• It is then that you realize that even though you went to this camp to make a difference in the life of a child that the children really have made a difference in your life.