Ranch Hand
SEE FIRST-HAND HOW CAMP POWERS ENTIRE FAMILIES
WITH JOY, HOPE, AND CONNECTION.
Step into the traditional “camp counselor” role – Family Camp edition! As a RanchHand Volunteer,you’ll provide hands-on support and guidance for campers and their families throughout their time at camp. Cheer them on during activities, assist in program areas, help at special events, and support mealtimes. Ranch Hand Volunteers may also help lead activities during the weekend and will stay in the staff lodge while at camp. This role offers the most direct interaction with camper families, giving you a unique opportunity to witness the joy, connection, and hope camp brings to every family.
What You’ll Do
- Provide hands-on support and guidance for campers and their families throughout camp
- Cheer for families during activities, special events, and mealtimes
- Assist in program areas and help lead activities during the weekend
- Live in the staff lodge while at camp
- Interact directly with camper families, creating meaningful connections
Please review the volunteer requirements to ensure this role is the right fit before starting your application.
Requirements for Returning Volunteers (these must be completed every year):
- Health History Form
- Volunteer Agreements and Policies
- Volunteer Criminal Background Check
- Flu Vaccine
- Vital Camp Online Training
- Full Day Orientation
- Malpractice Insurance (Provider/Nurse Only)
- Basic Life Support (BLS) or Advanced Life Support (ALS) Certification (Medical Volunteer Only)
New Volunteer Requirements:
- CDHS Background Inquiry Check- to be completed every 5 years (explained below)
- Fingerprint Background Check- to be completed every 5 years (explained below)
- Privacy Act Notification
- 3 References
- Health History Form
- Volunteer Agreements and Policies
- Volunteer Criminal Background Check
- Current Seasonal Flu Vaccine
- Vital Camp Online Training
- Full Day Orientation
- Malpractice Insurance (Provider/Nurse Only)
- Basic Life Support (BLS) or Advanced Life Support (ALS) Certification (Medical Volunteer Only)
New Volunteer Immunization Records Needed:
Our primary concern is to ensure that you and our campers have a healthy and fun camp experience. Due to our camper’s compromised immune systems, it is very important that all staff and volunteers are in compliance with our immunization requirements.
Records of the following immunizations are required for the first year of volunteering:
- Hepatitis A: Required for all Kitchen Staff/Volunteers and recommended for all. Kitchen Staff/Volunteers must have a minimum of one dose one month prior to attending camp.
- Hepatitis B: There is small, but real risk of contracting Hep. B if not vaccinated. If you do not receive this vaccine, you must sign the Hepatitis B waiver within the Health History Form.
- Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR): Anyone born in 1957 or later is required to provide documentation of two MMR vaccines or have a titer drawn for MMR antibodies. This immunization must be received at least 4 weeks prior to arriving at camp (2 dates of vaccine required).
- Tetanus/Pertussis (Td/TdaP): Must be current and updated within 10 years of last dose.
- Varicella (Chicken Pox): Chicken Pox Illness Date (to be listed in your health history form) OR Two doses of Varicella Vaccine (must receive 8 weeks prior to arriving at camp)
Background Check & Fingerprinting explained:
Due to Colorado childcare licensing & ACA accreditation requirements, our staff and volunteers complete a series of 3 background checks prior to their participation in our program. The background checks consist of:
- A fingerprint-based background check that searches criminal history in the Colorado bureau of Investigation database and the Federal Bureau of Investigation database
- An annual national criminal background check (processed via CheckR; campbackgroundcheck.com for volunteers)
- The CDEC Trails database background check searching specific history of child abuse and neglect
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Camp can only happen with the support of our incredible volunteers who give of their time and talent. Since no camper ever pays a penny to experience a Roundup River Ranch program, our volunteers are truly what make it all possible. Plus, our volunteers add another level of JOY to everything we do.
The majority of our volunteer positions during a camp session are reserved for those 19 years old and older. We have some non-residential positions available for 16- to 18-year-olds during camp sessions. We do offer year-round Service Project Volunteer Days for school-age groups, individuals, and corporate groups. All youth under 18 years of age must be supervised by an adult in your group. To schedule a Service Project Volunteer Day, please contact us at volunteer@roundupriverranch.org for availability and scheduling.
All year long! Each year, we rely on the support of a diverse group of volunteers to provide camp experiences for children with serious illnesses and their families. Volunteers are needed throughout the year to serve during our online camp programs, Summer Camp Sessions, Family Weekends, and outside of our camp schedule assisting with service projects, facilities, administration, and other activities. From being a camp counselor to providing a special trade skill, we would love to welcome you as a new volunteer!
Inquire about upcoming opportunities at volunteer@roundupriverranch.org or apply to volunteer for a camp session here.
Volunteer positions are all filled on a first-come, first-served rolling basis. Space fills up quickly, so we recommend getting your application in as soon as you’re able. We encourage new volunteers to submit all paperwork at least two weeks prior to the session they would like to attend.
Campers come to Roundup River Ranch with a range of unique medical needs. Our medical team is responsible for helping to meet these needs onsite at Summer Camp. During Family Camp weekends, families will bring any equipment, supplies and medication that their child may need. The medical team acts as a resource for the family. Please refer to medical volunteer FAQ for further details.