Volunteer as a Leader

A Leader on our programs engage directly with Participants to make sure they're fully engaged. They are aged between 16 and 26 years old. Most of our Leaders are recruited from secondary schools and universities in South Australia. Each of our camps is staffed almost entirely by our trained Leaders. We invite, prepare and challenge these young people to act as positive role models to our participants, as well as each other. If you have any questions or would like to volunteer now, then please contact us.

The Role of a Volunteer 'Leader' 

A 1:1 ratio of Leaders to Participants occurs on each program to ensure an opportunity is created for great relationships to be built.  The role of a Leader on our programs is more than purely recreational. Leaders serve as a mentor to the young people. It is about having fun and being a positive role model for all Participants.

Camps are residential which means that everyone is required to stay overnight. As a Leader, you are required to attend a pre-camp day or meeting that provides you with program specific information and team building.
“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.”

ThE steps to become a Volunteer 'Leader'

  • 1. Volunteer Application
  • 2. Register for a Program
  • 3. DCSI Clearance
  • 4. Training and Induction
  • 5. You're on camp!
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The first step to becoming an ERCSA Volunteer is submitting a Volunteer Application. You can do this:
Once your volunteer application has been processed and approved you will be able to register for upcoming camp programs.

Note: To apply for a July Camp make sure your application is in by April 30.
After 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.

Dates to keep in mind
To attend a week long camp in the July School holidays apply by April 30.
To attend programs August - October apply by June 28.
To attend a week long camp in January 2020 apply by November 1.

Before you attend a program you will be required to provide or obtain a DCSI Clearance. This clearance has no cost for volunteers and will be organised by the ERCSA office following your registration for an ERCSA program. 
Before 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. 
After all these step you're finally on camp! 
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:
  • 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."

"Camps change people. Whether it be the kids or the leaders - there is magic that happens on camps. I love being part of that magic. The impact that camps can have on kids and leaders alike is incredible.”

​“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.”

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"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."

- an ercsa volunteer

Become a Support Volunteer

If a Camp or Activity Day is not your cup of tea, then perhaps there is another way you can be involved! The continued support of our volunteers in our programs are vital to their success. We always need volunteers to take on roles in the kitchen on programs, in the preparation of logistics, and in the office administration. We take pride in the development of our volunteers, therefore, in order to be a Support Volunteer you will need to complete an application process and preparatory training sessions. If you have any questions or would like to volunteer now, then please contact us!
Who we need
​We are always looking for people to:
  • Assist a Board Sub-Committee
  • Cook on camp
  • Drive buses
  • Assist in the office
  • Provide camp support
  • Join Project teams
  • Fundraise
  • Organise and equipment and resources
  • Mentor leaders
Requirements
As a Support Volunteer, you are required to meet the following:
  • Be aged 16 years or older
  • Attend an ERCSA New Volunteer Induction
  • Complete a Volunteer Application Form send it to us (Volunteer Application Form - Print Version)
  • Send a copy of a DCSI Screening Check no more than 3 years old. Our Volunteer Support Worker can help you apply for one
  • If you are over 18 years old, it is recommended that you undergo the Child Safe Environments training
  • Complete our ERCSA internal child protection training
  • Contact our Volunteer Support Worker to find out how you can support us with logistics, office administration and more!.
Training
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:
  • 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.