Fulfilling the mission of Chestnut Ridge Camp and Retreat Center requires the involvement of many volunteers. While we are certainly in need of financial gifts, often the gift of time can be just as valuable. It doesn't matter whether you're young or old, a student or retired, want to volunteer once a year or once a week - we've got a job for you!  Chestnut Ridge is in need of individuals and groups (large or small) willing to offer their time and talents to insure the beauty and sustainability of this sacred place set apart for Christian ministry. Each volunteer opportunity listed below indicates a need and how it can be filled. There might even be opportunities that we missed, so please contact us if you can't find a match for yourself. Some opportunities need only a couple hours of your time, others require a half day, a whole day, or more. Nevertheless, there's an opportunity for you to use your time and talent for the glory of God here in this community at Chestnut Ridge Camp & Retreat Center.

Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities

December 2009 - Bus Painting Project

Over winter break we will be painting the big yellow school bus we bought last month.  It is used every week for our After School and summer camp programs, and we are tired of the yellow. We'll need help sanding, taping off windows, painting, etc.  No bus painting experience is required, but it sure would be helpful! Email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it if you are interested in helping out.

March 20, 2010 - Spring Work Day

9am - 4pm. Bring the whole family to help us spruce up the camp this spring in preparation for summer camp.  We'll be planting crops at the Community Farm, laying mulch around the Morris Center, splitting firewood, and other projects around camp.  We need your help! Lunch will be provided. Email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to let her know if you plan to come.

April 25, 2010 - Open House

1pm - 5pm.  Hundreds of people will descend upon Chestnut Ridge for the Open House in May.  We need volunteers to greet people, hand out maps, give tours, help with parking, tend the campfire, help grill hotdogs, and much more!  If you are a program staff person, we need YOU to help lifeguard the canoes, catch the zipline, belay the tree climbing, offer a craft, drive the hayrides and more!  It takes many volunteers to make Open House such a big success.  How will you help this year? Email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to tell him to sign you up!

The Community Farm

Join Chris Burtner, our new garden manager as we embark on this journey in community sustainable agriculture.  Plant vegetables, pull weeds, water the plants, feed the chickens, gather eggs, milk the goats - the opportunities are endless.  Help us care for God's Creation and reap abundant amounts of good food to serve right here at camp.  No green thumb? No worries! Chris will show you how.  She just needs eager hearts and active hands. Email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to tell her you're ready to get dirty in the garden!

Garden Shed

Construction on a garden shed for the Community Farm will begin in 2010. It will hold the necessary tools needed for the garden, as well as provide a nice gathering place. We are in need of some volunteers to help with this project. You can come alone, bring a friend, or gather a small group from your church to help finish off this project.  Whether you can put in a couple of hours, or a whole weekend, we could use the help.  Email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to tell him you'd like to help this project move along.

Ongoing Volunteer Opportunities

We can always use more volunteers in the following areas.  Whether you want to come by yourself or bring your whole church, we can find something for everyone!  Email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it if you would like to volunteer to help out with any of the opportunities listed below.

The Community Farm

• Plant/Harvest crops
• Water the crops
• Create new beds
• Feed the animals

Maintenance and Groundskeeping

• Mow the grass
• Vehicle maintenance
• Wood splitting and moving (we have hydraulic splitter you can use)
• Trail maintenance

Camp Advocate

• Promote Camp & Retreat Ministries in your church
• Distribute brochures and flyers in your church
• Add upcoming camp events to your church newsletter or bulletin
• Invite a camp staff member to speak at your church
• Advocate financial support for Camp & Retreat Ministries in your church

Summer Camp Volunteers

• Camp Nurse
• Artist/Craftsperson in Residence (teach your skill to the campers)
• Activity Leader - do you have a special skill to share with the campers?  Can you lead fishing? carpentry? art? photography? cooking?
• Kitchen staff