Volunteer as a Leader
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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.
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The steps to become a Volunteer 'Leader'
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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. |
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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 as soon as possible - places are limited
To attend a week long camp in January 2020 apply by November 1.
Dates to keep in mind
To attend a week long camp in the July School holidays apply as soon as possible - places are limited
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 Working with Children Check. 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!
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 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.”
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."
"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.”
"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.”