Being a mental health volunteer at Camp Boggy Creek is an excellent and rewarding experience. Our volunteers are the lifeblood of the camp and help us ensure that we can provide life-changing experiences for children with serious medical and behavioral health illnesses. We’d love to have you apply to become a mental health volunteer. Please note the criteria and then fill out the application form.

CAMP BOGGY CREEK MENTAL HEALTH VOLUNTEERS MUST:

* Be at least 21 years old.

* Meet vaccination and medical requirements: 2 Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccinations, Varicella vaccination (or history of chickenpox) recommended COVID-19 vaccination and booster, current TB test results, physical exam from past two years (summer volunteers only).

* Be pre-licensed or licensed to practice.

- Examples include: Nationally Certified Counselor, School Counselor Certification, Graduate Level Student in Counseling (Practicum Experience required), Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Licensed Social Worker, Psychiatrist, Psychologist, Child Life Specialist, Marriage and Family Therapist

* Complete online application

* Clear background screening and reference check process

* Telephone interview

· GET INVOLVED

Become a Camp Boggy Creek Mental Health Volunteer

* Florida’s only and premier residential camp for children with serious medical and mental health illnesses and their families, we are looking for compassionate, empathetic, and kind mental health volunteers, such as licensed mental health counselors, social workers, psychologists, and child life specialists. Our mission is to foster a spirit of joy by creating a free, safe, and medically sound camp environment that enriches the lives of children with serious illnesses and their families. Our mental health volunteers collaborate with our medical and program volunteers to ensure our campers' safety, health, and well-being. They are part of the magic of camp and create fun, exciting, and memorable parts, too! For each of our summer sessions, our full-time licensed mental health counselors are supported by as many as three volunteer mental health professionals…and that is in addition to our behavioral health interns. We also rely on volunteer mental health professionals to help support our campers and their families during family retreat weekends in the fall and spring seasons.

* The mental health support at camp gives parents and guardians of children with serious illnesses the confidence to let those children come to Camp Boggy Creek. Your volunteer experience will do more than enrich the lives of our campers and their families; it will enrich you, too. After returning to their practices and treatment centers, many of our mental health volunteers have said that spending time with children in the camp setting has made them appreciate that they are children first. Please consider joining us and changing the lives of our campers!

FAQ

Q What will I be doing?

A Mostly, you'll keep a "low profile." However, some weekends, you may assist directly with a family, lead a process group, address a behavioral, emotional, or psychological crisis through non-physical interventions and techniques, or perform other responsibilities as needed, as determined by the Director of Behavioral Health and Wellness. Otherwise, we try to create an environment that “feels” like any regular camp for children.

Q What are the living arrangements?

A Mental health and medical volunteers are housed in one of our air-conditioned lodges, which may include a full kitchen, TV, and Wi-Fi. Check out the photos on our Camp Tour page. You will also have access to a computer to check personal email if needed. Camp provides three meals daily (including vegetarian and gluten-free options), bed linens, pillows, and towels.

Q What do I bring?

A You will need to bring casual clothing and your items. Some activity areas require closed-toe shoes, such as the climbing tower and horse barn. You’ll want to bring a hat and a one-piece bathing suit. You will be notified of the week or weekend’s “theme” ahead of time so that you can “dress up” for the dance if you wish.

Q Can I get clinical hours if I am a:

- Graduate student – no, Camp Boggy Creek is not an approved practicum or internship site.

- Pre-licensed therapist – yes, provided you have documentation of a qualified supervisor.