Volunteer Staff
"I couldn't see myself not volunteering." --Uncle Ryan
One of the unique features of Camp Fowler is its ability to allow people to serve God even if they can't give up an entire summer to work at a camp. Since our very first week in 1954, Fowler has relied on the wisdom, care, enthusiasm, and love of Christ found in our weekly volunteers.
Each summer we have over 140 adults who come to serve primarily as cabin counselors with the campers under our care. Because we have a summer staff who can lead the activities, the volunteer counselors can be that extra hand or listening ear for any camper who wants or needs one. Our counselors are adults from throughout Upstate NY who are members of our churches or former campers or are gifted in childcare. They are often parents, teachers, pastors, or college students. In other words: they are the Body of Christ coming together to witness to the love that God has shown each of us.
"Everyone finds a place to belong here." --Aunt Amie
Our volunteers fill out an application for the week they want to come and submit a reference from their pastor. They then receive a volunteer handbook which should answer most of their questions about what it means to be a cabin counselor.
"Fowler is a good tithe of my time." --Aunt Beth
When the week arrives, volunteers are encouraged to join us for Sunday morning worship at 10:30 and lunch that follows. There is an initial meeting at 1:00 PM where the new volunteers meet the summer staff and we go over what will be happening on that most important day of camp! There is always much excitement as returning volunteers see old friends and meet new ones with whom they will be working.
"Wouldn't be summer without it." --Uncle Rea
Sometimes churches take on the role of making a week at Fowler a mission opportunity for their entire congregation by sending all the volunteers for a given week. This can be a wonderful opportunity for both the church and the camp to grow.
- What's a SWiM?
- Volunteer Brochure
- Pastor recommendation form
- Volunteer Handbook
- Summer Schedule
What's a SWiM?
Fowler has a great program for high school students (10th grade or above) to serve alongside of the summer staff and volunteers. It's called the "S.W.i.M." program. This stands for "Students Working in Ministry."
For more information on how to become a SWiM, or what our SWiM's do, check out this link
1. Where else can you find smiles like this?
2. You get to be the most significant person in a child's life for a week.
3. By volunteering you help keep camp affordable for all.
4. You will be part of a creative team helping to make the Gospel come alive!
5. You will work with a team that won't leave you at the end of your rope.
6. Your own faith will be stretched and challenged to grow.
7. You get free ice cream one night.
8. There are eight children who are going to need you as a counselor this summer.