"Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota expresses the love of Christ for all people through service that inspires hope, changes lives, and builds community."

Why are Camp Noah Volunteer Teams essential?
Communities affected by disaster are often exhausted (both physically and financially) from rebuilding and recovering. Congregations and organizations from outside disaster-impacted areas have a unique opportunity to bring this week-long gift of Camp Noah by providing scarce volunteer leadership, precious financial resources and in-kind donations. Most of all, volunteer teams bring the skills and energy needed to provide fun, compassion, attentive listening and support for children and families who have been through the trauma of a disaster and the difficulties of recovery.

What is the registration cost for groups to participate?
Each Volunteer Team is being asked to make a $2300 registration fee. This averages to be $115 per person for a team of twenty people. This fee covers training (including food and materials), curriculum, promotional materials, t-shirts for your volunteers, and staff support. Volunteer Teams will have additional expenses for travel and in-kind supplies not donated.

What will Volunteer Teams really provide?
Your Volunteer Team will provide:

• Leadership staff to work directly with the children
• Financial support to cover training costs, curriculum, and organizational support
• In-kind contributions of arts and craft supplies

What if we don’t have enough people to sponsor a complete camp?
Don’t let small numbers keep you from getting involved in this meaningful ministry! Use your needs as an opportunity to reach out to other congregations and organizations to get them involved. If that doesn’t work, contact us and we will make every effort to match you partial team with another.

What if we can’t be placed or we can’t follow through with our commitment?
In the event that we are not able to place your team with a Camp Noah local host site, Camp Noah will fully refund your deposit. In the event that your organization cannot fulfill its commitment, 75% of the registration fee will be refunded if a replacement organization is secured to provide replacement services.

When are our application and registration contributions due?
Commitments are urgently needed from organizations by March 1 each year to plan for the summer camp season. Volunteer Teams will be placed on a first-come, first-serve basis. We will continue to take registrations after March 1 if we still have camp openings.

How will our Volunteer Team be prepared to serve effectively?
Regional one-day training events will be held for all Volunteer Team members who have not volunteered for Camp Noah before. Team members will learn the curriculum as well as the community dynamics of disaster, how children react to trauma and grief and practical ways to be supportive. If you have been a part of Camp Noah in the past, you will need to attend a half-day training. Additional preparation sessions will be provided at the training for volunteer teams to do further preparation and practice on their own.

What supplies or materials do Volunteer Teams also need to provide for a week of camp?
We invite you to involve your congregation or community to provide the arts and craft materials needed for your week of camp. In-kind contributions are wonderful projects for Sunday Schools or other fellowship groups.

How will our Volunteer Team be housed?
Basic housing will be provided through the Local Host Organizations in homes or in buildings such as a church. Showers will be available in the building or in a facility nearby. All accommodations will include air conditioning. Team members will need to be prepared to provide sleeping gear. If hotel accommodations are required by the Volunteer Team Members, these will be at the additional expense of the Volunteer Team.

Will meals be provided?
Local Host Organizations will provide Volunteer Teams with morning and noon meals and snacks through the camp and they may provide occasional evening meals. Your group should plan on purchasing or preparing (depending on your site) evening meals.

What about travel and transportation?
Each Volunteer Team is responsible for providing their own transportation and making their own trip travel plans. Each group must also be able to provide transportation to and from the camp site each day for team members.