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We empower our vibrant community of young adult volunteers aged 16-24 to lead fun-filled experiences recreational experiences for children and families in an environment of acceptance, trust and mutual growth. As an organisation we invest in our volunteers through training and capacity building them to best serve the needs of our participants on an ERCSA program
Volunteer with us!As a volunteer on one of our camps your role is to be a mentor, support, and friend to the young people who attend our camps.
Our Volunteers are required to be:
For the latest information or to find out more send us an email at ercsa@edmundrice.org and we'll get back to you as soon as we can. |
How to become a Volunteer Leader
Here you'll find the 5 quick, easy steps that get you on an Eddie Rice Camp in SA.
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Step 1: Submit a volunteer application formThe first step to becoming an ERCSA Volunteer is submitting a Volunteer Application. You can do this via email to ercsa@edmundrice.org or via post to PO Box 20122 Magill North SA 5072. Once your volunteer application has been processed and approved you will be able to register for upcoming camp programs.
Download a volunteer application form here |
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Step 2: Register for a programAfter you've been accepted as a Volunteer you'll receive access to our Volunteer Calendar to register for programs. Program Registrations are sent out to our volunteers a little over 2 months before a program and typically close 4-6 weeks beforehand. Some programs will require volunteers to be 18+
Dates to keep in mind To attend a week long camp in January 2020 apply by November 15. |
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Step 3: Working with Children CheckBefore you attend a program you will be required to either provide or obtain a Working with Children Check (WWCC). This clearance has no cost for volunteers. You can either apply for your own (if you are over 18) or we can start an application for you.
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Step 4: Attend a pre-camp training dayBefore each block of programs we will hold an induction and training session on a Sunday to get you prepared for camp! This session will include training to provide you with the skills to respond to child abuse and neglect concerns, some behaviour management as well as more information about the program you will be attending.
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Step 5: You're on camp!After all these step you're finally on camp!
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Opportunities for growth
ERCSA is committed to the
development of you as a volunteer and to providing regular training for
all who work in the organisation. All new leaders are required to attend
a compulsory New Volunteer Induction. We also offer a number of courses
and training opportunities to our volunteers, including:
Contact Us to find out more.
- Leadership training
- Behavioural management
- Risk assessment training
- Internal child protection training
- Child Safe Environments
- Senior First Aid
- Cross cultural awareness
- Autism awareness
- Other personal development
Contact Us to find out more.
Testimonies from our Volunteers
"If I could bottle up how I feel…the comforting blend of belonging,satisfaction, contentedness,purpose, drive, family…that comes from being on a Edmund Rice Camp, I would be the world’s richest woman."
"It gave me a sense of purpose and passion. ERCSA gave and maintained hope for me when I became disillusioned with what I was studying, in that I knew there was still good, worthwhile things happening in the world. The friends I have now I wouldn't have if I hadn't been involved with ERC. Meeting like-minded people who shared my values and passion helped me feel better about myself as a person. Hearing about the amazing, incredible things those friends do now is a constant reminder that there is a strong, bright future in this world."
“Camps have ultimately changed the parabola in which my life will take. All of our lives will go on some form of linear journey if plotted on a piece of paper and Camps have truly motivated me to be more out going, more courageous, happier, less fearful, less judgmental and more loving. Camps taught me that we rise by lifting others.”
"It gave me a sense of purpose and passion. ERCSA gave and maintained hope for me when I became disillusioned with what I was studying, in that I knew there was still good, worthwhile things happening in the world. The friends I have now I wouldn't have if I hadn't been involved with ERC. Meeting like-minded people who shared my values and passion helped me feel better about myself as a person. Hearing about the amazing, incredible things those friends do now is a constant reminder that there is a strong, bright future in this world."
“Camps have ultimately changed the parabola in which my life will take. All of our lives will go on some form of linear journey if plotted on a piece of paper and Camps have truly motivated me to be more out going, more courageous, happier, less fearful, less judgmental and more loving. Camps taught me that we rise by lifting others.”
Information for guardians of volunteer leaders
Edmund Rice Camps SA (ERCSA) is a non-profit organisation that runs residential camps and activity days for children and families experiencing a multitude of stresses in their lives. These children and families often present with difficulties in the form of financial disadvantage, social isolation, complex health issues or significant family disruption.
We aim to give children and young people a chance to enjoy positive relationships and respite with wonderful young adults, undertaking activities that provide fun and hope. Over the 25 years of our journey we have seen the extraordinary joy that this experience gives to those who come on an Edmund Rice Camp.
Camps are planned and run by volunteers aged 17-26 who come from a wide range of backgrounds, all of whom bring different skills to the organisation. Here at ERCSA we aim to equip these young adults with the skills needed to interact with children and families, and guide their leadership potential.
Volunteer leaders are required to participate in activities and develop relationships with the children attending camps. The camps and activity days are coordinated by other young adults and overseen by employed personnel whose primary task is to ensure everyone’s safety and deal with any crises or emergencies that may arise.
The experiences of volunteers on camps are as important to ERCSA as that of the children we care for. Leaders are supported by volunteers called Pastoral Care Facilitators (PCs). Their primary role is to ensure the health and well being of all leaders on camp. They do this by debriefing with the group each day and ensuring that all leaders have a break and some down time across the camp. They are also available as someone for leaders to talk to about their experiences if needed.
Each volunteer will have the opportunity to attend extra training if they are selected for a position of responsibility. These positions of responsibility include Camp Coordinator, Group Leader, First Aid Officer, Reporting Officer and Pastoral Care Facilitator.
We aim to give children and young people a chance to enjoy positive relationships and respite with wonderful young adults, undertaking activities that provide fun and hope. Over the 25 years of our journey we have seen the extraordinary joy that this experience gives to those who come on an Edmund Rice Camp.
Camps are planned and run by volunteers aged 17-26 who come from a wide range of backgrounds, all of whom bring different skills to the organisation. Here at ERCSA we aim to equip these young adults with the skills needed to interact with children and families, and guide their leadership potential.
Volunteer leaders are required to participate in activities and develop relationships with the children attending camps. The camps and activity days are coordinated by other young adults and overseen by employed personnel whose primary task is to ensure everyone’s safety and deal with any crises or emergencies that may arise.
The experiences of volunteers on camps are as important to ERCSA as that of the children we care for. Leaders are supported by volunteers called Pastoral Care Facilitators (PCs). Their primary role is to ensure the health and well being of all leaders on camp. They do this by debriefing with the group each day and ensuring that all leaders have a break and some down time across the camp. They are also available as someone for leaders to talk to about their experiences if needed.
Each volunteer will have the opportunity to attend extra training if they are selected for a position of responsibility. These positions of responsibility include Camp Coordinator, Group Leader, First Aid Officer, Reporting Officer and Pastoral Care Facilitator.
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Edmund Rice Camps SA
(08) 8364 8227 67-91 Glen Stuart Road Woodforde SA 5072 |