In We are excited to announce the launch of our new residential volunteer program!
We are recruiting highly-motivated individuals who wish to work, learn and grow in an youth-centered, outdoor ministry rooted in Christian values. Residential Volunteers will learn about camp, conference, and church ministry while building Ferncliff’s capacity for impact on thousands of guests each year. Daily tasks will vary widely according to skills and interests, but may include assistance with youth programming, weekend retreat groups, the nature preschool, the Disaster Assistance Center and much more. Volunteers will live on site in an intentional community where they will practice simple living and engage with thoughtful faith speakers/practitioners. Ideal candidates will serve for 11 months beginning in September and departing in August after the summer camp season.
Position Description: Residential Volunteer
Position Overview: Assists with a variety of year-round programming including nature preschool, hosts weekend retreat groups, coordinates mission team projects, supports various departmental projects and seasonal events.
- Residential – on-site housing provided
- 30-40hrs/week – fluctuates seasonally
1720 Ferncliff Road, Little Rock, Arkansas
Service Commitment – Priority will be given to applicants who can commit to a full year (September to August or May-May is optimal). Minimum commitment is two months.
Site Description: Ferncliff Camp and Conference Center encompasses 1200 acres just a few miles west of Little Rock, Arkansas. It is related to the Presbyterian Church (USA) but welcomes any and all. Ferncliff serves as summer camp and retreat center for Presbyterian churches in Arkansas, but its capacity and proximity to a major airport allow it to host regional and national gatherings.
An emphasis on outreach, eco-sustainability and creative collaboration has been responsible for Ferncliff’s significant growth over the past 18 years. It has moved beyond the traditional role of camp and conference centers by adding a large-scale Disaster Assistance Center (DAC), National Call Center for PDA, Good 360 Sharing the Goods Ministry, Rise Against Hunger service program, a Nature Preschool, and an Eco-House which serves as a home to Solar Under the Sun’s Solar School.
Program Goals: Residential Volunteers will learn about camp, conference, and church ministry while building Ferncliff’s capacity for impact. Volunteers will live on site in Christian community, practice simple living, and engage with thoughtful faith speakers/practitioners. Year-long volunteers may work 8-16 hours of each week at a local church or non-profit as selected through mutual discernment.
Program Perks (for Year-round Volunteers):
- Housing in YAV house or cottage, living/kitchen room (valued at $2,700/yr)
- Non-taxable living stipend/food allowance of $600/month*
- Meals Sept – May when 30+ people are being served (valued at $2,500)
- $250/month student debt reduction via Financial Aid for Service Program*
- Work-Related Mileage Reimbursement when traveling for Ferncliff work
- Flexible vacation (dates to be negotiated)
- On-site training
- First Aid/CPR & Lifeguard Certifications*
- Access to Ferncliff bikes, carts, vehicles and equipment
- Free Wi-Fi and On-site Laundry Facilities
- Membership to PCCCA (valued at $100)*
- PCCCA Annual Conference (estimated value $800 with travel)*
- PCCCA Program Conference (estimated value $700 with travel)*
- Spiritual Direction (valued at $360/year)*
*These perks may vary according to the individual’s preferences and the service commitment length.
Position Responsibilities:
This position reports to the Associate Program Director. Duties may include any of the items listed below but will vary according to each volunteer’s skills, interests, and service dates.
- Assist with summer camps (overnight and day) in June, July and August – sometimes more than 40 hours/week depending on the tasks assigned on a particular week. Duties may include acting as a counselor for a small group or a unit coordinator for a particular camp as well as leading or prepping specific camp activities. Also assist in winter camps and Camp-2-You.
- Prepare for and host mission teams in the Disaster Assistance Center – a service opportunity in conjunction with Church World Service and Presbyterian Disaster Assistance in which teams may receive and record incoming kits or work together to assemble new relief kits.
- Host retreat center groups on evenings and weekends (greet, orient, and remain on-call).
- Lead multi-night and fieldtrip programs with church and school groups. These programs include a variety of activities around camp as well as facilitated discussions.
- Prep and lead Rise Against Hunger events for groups – a service project where participants package meals to be used in international school feeding programs (bag of dried foods).
- Assist the Nature Preschool staff and kids (August to June).
- Care for the farm and garden and lead related activities as part of programming. Horticultural tasks include prepping beds, planting, weeding, weed-eating, pruning, harvesting and processing fruits and vegetables. Animal care may include but is not limited to daily feeding and well-being of donkeys, pigs, goats, sheep, and chickens.
- Support special events and other seasonal projects like the Living Nativity in December and the Scorchin’ Squirrel-A-Thon Trail Run in August.
- Work with our housekeeping and maintenance teams on routine tasks, seasonal projects and new initiatives which support daily operations and improve our facilities.
- Certified lifeguards assist during camp, other programming and private reservations.
Position Requirements:
- 18+ years of age at start-date of service
- Belief in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord and reformed theology
- Understand, relate, and communicate well with children and adults
- Desire and capacity to learn on-the-job at a college level
- Participation in required role and safety trainings
- Must pass background checks and screenings
- Flexibility to work 40-hours per week including days, evenings, and weekends
- Able to work in an outdoor environment year-round
- Work an 8-hour day standing and/or walking and with minimum supervision
- Physically travel the trails and roads connecting the facilities of at Ferncliff
- Able to live in harmony with up to 5 roommates
- Perform housekeeping duties such as making beds, cleaning bathrooms, vacuuming, etc.
- Assist in a kitchen environment
- Valid driver’s license and personal vehicle (preferred)
- Up-to-date immunizations (preferred)
- Capable of traveling to educational events around the country (preferred)
- Lift and carry 50 pounds up and down stairs (preferred)
- Able to lift 30 pounds above the head (preferred)
- International Applicants – must have a valid US visa (B-1) for the dates of service, coordinate travel to our site and cover all related expenses. Ferncliff will provide a letter of invitation and customs documents.
To apply, send your resume, your availability, and contact information for three references to rebecca.roetzel@gmail.com. Call 501-821-3063 for more information.