Can you give a week of your time..?

As a volunteer you will be an important part of the CHICKS team that provide each child with the chance to have fun and leave the worries and stresses of everyday life behind them.

Please use the links below to find out more... 

Role of the Volunteer   
Where the breaks take place?   
Who can volunteer? 
How do I apply?  
 

Role of the volunteer

You will work alongside other volunteers and three fully trained members of the CHICKS supervisory team, click here to meet the team! 

As a volunteer your main role will be to interact as much as possible with the children, being supportive and encouraging as they challenge themselves and strive to achieve new goals. Our breaks are full of activities and games and you will be with the children from the outset. There is plenty to do both on and off site, from horse riding, climbing and swimming to team games, making sand castles and flying kites (click here to read more about our activities). What ever the weather a CHICKS camp is fantastic fun for the children and volunteers!

What makes an excellent volunteer...

To be positive, encourage, praise and offer reassurance, remember you are a role model
To work within the CHICKS policies and procedures at all times
To cooperate and work positively with the supervisors and other volunteers
To supervise the children during all activities and try to anticipate and diffuse potential problems before they become an issue
To join in with the children's games and help during activities. Nothing is compulsory so if you do not want to join in, we understand and respect this. Please speak to a supervisor at the earliest opportunity to discuss any concerns
To be aware of what other volunteers and staff are doing, especially during free play. This enables everyone to be involved with the whole group and allows different children to mix with each other in many areas of the grounds
To respect other. The children are young people with their own voice, opinions, experiences and beliefs. If you get frustrated or angry with a child, please try to remember the reasons why they are here and the reasons for their behaviour. We respect and value everyone's individuality. Everyone has something different to offer at a CHICKS camp, and everyone's contributions are equally important.

Please click here for FAQ's

Basically we ask that you use your own initiative and don't be afraid to ask if you are unsure! We are here to support you.

Where the breaks take place?

We have two stunning Retreats in the South West; our Coastal Retreat by the seaside and Moorland Retreat on the edge of the Dartmoor, click here for more information. Both operate to the same high standards and conditions.

Each Retreat can take a maximum of 16 children on one break (eight boys and eight girls).

The Retreats are set within their own large grounds with beautiful views over the surrounding countryside and lots of space to run around! We have outbuildings and converted barns with floor level trampolines, basketball nets, pool tables and much more. Inside we also have board games, puzzles, books, a music centre, as well as an arts and craft area where we do clay modelling, face painting and other fun things!

Click here to find out about a typical day on camp.

 Who can volunteer?

To join our growing team of fantastic volunteers you must be - 

Over 18 years old (to volunteer for our 8-11 age groups)
Over 21 years old (to volunteer for our 8 – 11 or 12-15 age groups)
You must be able to stay residentially for four nights at one of our Retreats
(Monday - Friday).
You must be happy to undergo a DBS (formally known as CRB) check
You must provide the names and addresses of two references
You will need the energy, enthusiasm and empathy to work with children from underprivileged and disadvantaged backgrounds during an action packed week!          

If you want to help us make a difference to such deserving children please complete our application forms (see below). These need to be done on an annual basis. DBS checks will be renewed every two years.

How do I apply? 

To volunteer with CHICKS in 2013 you must complete and return the Volunteer Application Form. Please include the dates you are able to attend in the 'booking request' section and return them to our Coordination Team. Once we have received your completed forms a member of our team will be in contact.

The CHICKS Coordination Team will allocate spaces accordingly and confirm all bookings in writing. All volunteer places are subject to a DBS (formally known as an Enhanced CRB check) and reference checks.

Please click here for our 2013 dates.

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact the team on 01822 811020, option 3 or email  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

We hope to welcome you soon.