RETREAT vOLUNTEER
Application form
Retreat / Dates / Location / application DeadlineElim Lodge / Aug 27- Sept 1, 2017 / Elim Lodge, Buck Horn, ON / jULY 14, 2017
Winter Wonderland / Jan 13-15 2017 / Camp Galilee, Haley’s Station, N / jAN 7, 2017
About family Retreat
In 2011, Christian Horizons partnered with Elim Lodge, Joni and Friends, numerous volunteers, and church and community partners to offer the first Canadian family retreat tailored specifically for families with exceptional needs.
We know that families impacted by disability face unique challenges on a daily basis. Family Retreats are focused on encouraging and equipping your family to face those challenges and to belong to communities in which each family member’s God-given gifts are valued and respected.
Our Retreat Volunteers will be on hand to assist people with exceptional needs and ensure that families are able to experience everything the retreat has to offer.
Family Retreats wouldn’t be possible without the support of many partners and volunteers. With this in mind, while there is a minimal registration fee, we encourage Retreat Volunteers to engage their small group, church, family and friends to raise additional funds in supporting the retreat and the families that are attending. We are always looking for volunteers. If you know someone else who might be interested in serving with us, have them contact
How to Apply
q Read this application package thoroughly. Choose the Camp you are
applying to.
q Apply online or complete all forms, sign, scan and send them by email to:
q Alternately, complete these forms and send them by mail to:
Christian Horizons – Family Retreat Registrar
4278 King Street East
Kitchener, Ontario N2P 2G5
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When do I apply?
We recommend registering as early as possible, however we will accept applications up until the dates indicated above.
How much does it cost?
We recognize that you are already giving of your time, so the registration fee for STMs is as outlined in the chart below (payment slip attached). We do hope that you will raise an additional amount, as shown for each retreat, through fundraising, which together with the registration will cover the cost of camp (donation slips will be included with this package). Anything over and above will help fund the retreat and reduce the cost for families who cannot afford the full registration fee!
Retreat / STM fee / Recommended fundraising amountto cover costs
Winter Wonderland, Camp Galilee,ON / 30 / 100
Elim Lodge, ON / 50 / 375
Remember: While raising funds can be difficult, it gives people an opportunity to contribute even if they are unable to be directly involved. Even those who don’t give will hopefully come to a greater appreciation for the need to support and welcome families with exceptional needs!
What will I do at the retreat?
For the most part, it depends what the family you are with does! Retreat Volunteers are generally paired with one camper with exceptional needs and will spend the day supporting them in various ways, but no personal care, which is provided by the family or a personal care attendant. There will be a break time during the day, and you will have time later in the evening, but most time will be with your camper, getting to know them and supporting them in what they want to do.
Do I need a police records check?
Yes, we require a police records check (please see further clarification below). Upon confirmation of your application, you will receive documentation to take to your local police station for processing. Because communities value volunteering, most police services waive fees for this check; check out the details with your local police. Some police checks take time, please act promptly!
Active employees or volunteers: If you are an active employee or volunteer with Christian Horizons in our community based services, you may not need to provide a police records check to us as we may access it from your employee or volunteer file. In the case that we can’t, you will need to provide a new one.
A new volunteer: If you are new to us and have not volunteered before, you will need to provide a police records check with a venerable sector screen (VSS).
A returning Family Retreat volunteer (12 months or less): If you volunteered with Christian Horizons Family Retreat last year, to a maximum of 12 months ago (time between the retreat you last participated in and the one you are applying to), you do not need to provide a new police records check with a vulnerable sector screen; But, you do need to provide a regular criminal records check. You can get this from your local police station using documentation that we will send to you upon the acceptance of your registration or we can obtain one for you through a system called Back-Check (Back-Check is done at a cost to the retreat, so we prefer you get one on your own). If you intend to use the Back-Check process, we will send you a form to fill out which will provide us with the necessary information to process a police records check on your behalf. This process will require an opportunity for Christian Horizons to verify your personal identity and identification.
Please note that if you have volunteered with us annually and met the criteria of the previous paragraph, you will need to provide a full police records check with VSS every 4 years, just as if you were a new volunteer with us.
A returning Family Retreat volunteer (more than 12 months): If you volunteered with Christian Horizons family retreat more than 12 months ago (time between the retreat you last participated in and the one you are applying to), you will need to provide a new police records check with a venerable sector screen (VSS).
International volunteers: Regardless of the above statements, if you are an international volunteer, you will need to provide a new police records check with vulnerable sector screen from your country of origin each year you volunteer with us.
FAMILY RETREAT 2017
RETREAT VOLUNTEER APPLICATION
Contact Information
DateMo Day Yr
The Retreat I’m Applying for:
Name (First and Last)
Address
/ City / Province / Postal Code
Email / Primary Phone
() - / Secondary Phone
() -
Note: The address listed above will be where all subsequent materials and documents will be sent.
Emergency Contact
Emergency Contact (First and Last name) / Relationship to youAddress / City / Province / Postal Code
Email / Day Phone
() - / Cell Phone
() -
Is this your first Family Retreat with us?
Yes No / If you have been a part of a Family Retreat before, when and in what capacity?
Year
Family STM Other:
How did you hear about this Family Retreat?
Family Retreat Experience
Faith Engagement
I recognize that the Christian Horizons’ Family Retreat is a spiritual retreat where families have the opportunity to hear Christian speakers and be encouraged and grow in their faith. As such, there may be times where supporting people requires praying with them, answering questions related to the Christian faith, and demonstrating support in serving others after the model of Christ’s service.
Applicant’s Signature / DateAre you currently part of a Christian faith community/church?
Yes No / If “yes,” please indicate the name of the church:
What motivates you to serve at the Christian Horizons Family Retreat? / In what ways are you currently involved in your faith community (where applicable)?
In the past year, what has God been teaching you? / If your application is successful, in what ways can we be praying for you as a volunteer at this Family Retreat?
Education and Experience
Please list any relevant employment or volunteer experience you have in supporting people with disabilities: / Please list any relevant education or training you have in supporting people with disabilities:Are you currently certified in Emergency First Aid/CPR?
Yes No
If “yes,” please attach a copy of your certificate to this application. / Are you currently employed with Christian Horizons?
Yes No
If “yes,” please indicate where you work:
You are encouraged to attach a recent résumé to this application, though it is not required.
Health and Accommodation Information
What medical information should we be aware of?Please indicate any allergies and food sensitivities and indicate severity.
Do you have any exceptional needs that we should we be aware of?
Please be sure to note any accessibility or accommodation supports required. Note: Serving as an STM may involve standing or walking for extended periods of time, inside or outside.
Matching Information
We attempt to match campers with the Retreat Volunteer who will best be able to support them. This section is optional, but equips us to try to make the best match possible.
About you
Favourite activitiesFavourite foods
Fears or sensitivities
Gifting & abilities / Please identify any areas in which you may be able to use your gifts to assist at the retreat (e.g. music, photography, teaching etc.)
Additional Information
Is there anything else we should know as we’re looking to match you with a camper/family?Agreement
I give my consent that photographs, interviews, and audio/video recordings during the course of the retreat may be used by Christian Horizons and host camp location for training, promotion and fundraising. I release Christian Horizons, its employees, Retreat Volunteers and host camp location staff and volunteers from all actions, damages, or personal injuries which may occur to me. I understand in the event of a minor injury I may receive first aid treatment. In the event of an emergency, injury or illness, emergency medical services will decide the best course of action. I understand the retreat is an alcohol, drug, and smoke-free environment and will refrain from the use of any of these items.
I give consent for my contact info to be shared with other Retreat Volunteers, prior to camp, for the exclusive use of transportation to and from camp (carpooling). / Yes NoI am, or will be at least 18 years of age by the start date of the camp I am applying for.
If you will be under the age of 18, we may require additional permissions. You will be contacted after submitting this application. / Yes No
I agree that Christian Horizons may communicate with my references and that the above information is accurate to the best of my knowledge.
I recognize that I am responsible for medical insurance costs if I am from out of country.
I certify that I have reviewed this content for accuracy and agree with the statements above.
Applicant’s Signature / DateVolunteer References
If this is your first time serving at this retreat location, you will need to include contact information for two references with your application.
First Reference / Second ReferenceName: / Name:
Relationship: / Relationship:
Phone #1:
Phone #2: / Phone #1:
Phone #2:
Email: / Email:
Address: / Address:
How long have you known this person? / How long have you known this person?
Thank you for filling out this application! We will be in touch soon!
#
FAMILY RETREAT PAYMENT (STM)Indicate the retreat you are registering for: Elim Lodge, Ontario / Winter Wonderland, Camp Galilee, Ontario / Other______(indicate one only)
This is my: / Registration fee ($)
Fundraising to cover costs ($)
Additional donation $
Name
Street
My cheque is enclosed (payable to Christian Horizons).
Do not send cash
Please charge my credit card this amount $ / City, Province, Postal Code
MasterCard Visa
Phone
| / OFFICE USE ONLY
Credit Card Number / Expiration Date
Please send me a sponsorship application.