Adult Volunteers

Adult Volunteers are the heart of Wekiva Youth Camp. They come from Garden Clubs, Circles, families and friends from all walks of life.

Where you can help
  • Crafts
  • Nature Study
  • Camp Clinic
  • Office Work
  • Canteen
  • Check In / Check Out
  • Special programs

Many (but not all) volunteers attend Wekiva Volunteer Training to learn more about Wekiva Youth Camp and how it operates. Adult Volunteers are coordinated and scheduled by the Wekiva Youth Camp Chairman.

Four Florida Federation of Garden Clubs presidents, past and incoming, volunteering together at Wekiva Youth Camp
Even FFGC presidents volunteer at camp: the incoming President, the outgoing President and two past Presidents of the Florida Federation of Garden Clubs.

How to Volunteer

To keep camp safe and secure, and to follow the state laws and procedures filed with the American Camp Association for our accreditation, it is no longer possible to just “show up” to volunteer. Every volunteer completes these four steps.

  1. Register online

    Complete the online volunteer registration. Volunteer sign-ups are under “Volunteers” on that page.

  2. Hear from the Chairmanby April 15

    The Chairman will contact you about volunteer opportunities for your preferred dates and duty. Not contacted by April 15? Please contact the Chairman.

  3. Background checkApril and May

    Complete the fingerprinting (background check) process. See the details below.

  4. Confirm your dates

    Once your fingerprints clear, the Chairman will confirm your dates. Send the Chairman:

Former Wekiva campers, now camp leaders, in a group selfie
Every one of these volunteers first came to Wekiva as a camper, and now they come back to give the next generation of campers the same experience.

Volunteers of Every Age

Volunteering at Wekiva isn’t just for one kind of person. College students, parents, Garden Club members, professionals and retirees all help make camp happen.

If you love the outdoors and want to share it with kids, there is a place for you here.

Fingerprinting and Background Check

Florida law requires background checks for summer camp volunteers and employees. The Wekiva Youth Camp Chairman must register you with the AHCA Clearinghouse before you are fingerprinted. The good news: fingerprints now last longer than one summer in the system. The Chairman handles fingerprinting for all volunteers, including Critter Camp volunteers.

  1. Fill out the two forms (buttons below) and email them to the Chairman at wekivachairman@gmail.com by April 20.
  2. The Chairman registers you with the AHCA Clearinghouse and sends you a list of approved Livescan providers in your area.
  3. Get fingerprinted at one of those providers, beginning May 1. Keep your receipt.
Background Screening Request Form Privacy Policy Form
By April 20send the two forms to the Chairman
From May 1get fingerprinted at a Livescan vendor
Up to 3 weeksfor your results to process
Up to $80reimbursed after you volunteer, with your receipt

Please don’t go for fingerprinting until the Chairman has registered you, and don’t report to camp until you hear that your fingerprints have cleared. If you have had fingerprint problems in the past, plan to register and be fingerprinted in April. If you haven’t heard by June 1, please call or email the Chairman.

Already have a Level II screening? If your profession keeps a current Level II Background Screening on file, you don’t need another one. Send either a letter from your employer showing it is current within 90 days of your camp dates, or a recent pay stub showing your name and your employer’s name (salary blacked out). Many of our volunteers and staff donate the cost of their Livescan. For that, we thank you.

Before Camp

Every FebruaryWekiva Volunteer TrainingVolunteers are encouraged to attend. Registration opens in the fall. The Sunday after Volunteer TrainingOpen HouseGarden Club members, family, friends, current and future campers are invited to tour the facilities. Enter at the State Park main entrance, 1800 Wekiwa Circle, Apopka.

What to Bring

Adult Packing List Dress Code and Forms Medical Recommendation Form Map of Camp
Thank you for your dedication!

Questions about volunteering? The Wekiva Youth Camp Chairman coordinates every volunteer.

Email the Chairman