2014
Volunteer Handbook
9/25/2014
Contents
About Us ....................................................................................................................................................... 3
History ....................................................................................................................................................... 3
Mission ...................................................................................................................................................... 3
Vision......................................................................................................................................................... 3
Value Statements ...................................................................................................................................... 3
Programs ....................................................................................................................................................... 4
Summer Camp........................................................................................................................................... 4
Sunshine4 Afterschool ............................................................................................................................... 4
Volunteer Opportunities ............................................................................................................................... 4
Summer Camp........................................................................................................................................... 4
Sunshine4 Afterschool ............................................................................................................................... 4
Volunteer Requirements............................................................................................................................... 4
Volunteer Application ............................................................................................................................... 4
Background Checks ................................................................................................................................... 5
How to Sign up to Volunteer......................................................................................................................... 5
Volunteering at Sunshine4 Afterschool ......................................................................................................... 5
Fingerprints ............................................................................................................................................... 5
Fingerprint Process ................................................................................................................................... 5
Attire ......................................................................................................................................................... 6
Where to Go.............................................................................................................................................. 6
Volunteer Check-in ................................................................................................................................... 6
Daily Schedule ........................................................................................................................................... 6
Activity Schedule ....................................................................................................................................... 7
Volunteering at Summer Camp .................................................................................................................... 7
Attire ......................................................................................................................................................... 7
Where to go .............................................................................................................................................. 7
Volunteer Check-in ................................................................................................................................... 7
Schedule .................................................................................................................................................... 7
Interaction with Students and Campers ................................................................................................... 7
Volunteer and Camper Safety ................................................................................................................... 8
Behavior Management ............................................................................................................................. 8
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Cell Phones .................................................................................................................................................... 8
Non Discrimination Statement ..................................................................................................................... 8
Complaint Filing Procedures ..................................................................................................................... 8
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About Us
History
In 1928, The Young Men’s Business League (YMBL) of Austin recognized the serious community threat of
youth tuberculosis and became dedicated to making a significant contribution to the solution. The YMBL
members established the Austin YMBL Summer Sunshine Camps in Zilker Park to provide local afflicted
and economically disadvantaged youth an environment in which to gain weight, grow strong once again,
and enjoy the sunshine, as it was said that sunshine could assist in curing tuberculosis. Today, Austin
YMBL Sunshine Camps is still serving youth living near or below the poverty line.
Mission
To engage and empower youth through education and outdoor experiences.
Vision
To ignite infinite possibilities for Austin’s youth.
Value Statements
Accountability- Acknowledging and assuming responsibility for actions, decisions, policies and
programs.
Integrity- Acting with honesty and honor in all that we do.
Accessibility- Removing the barriers that inhibit access to programs, staff and stakeholders.
Intention- Making decisions with regard to the values of Austin Sunshine Camps.
Community- Connecting people around a shared vision and common values.
Caring- Regarding others with kindness and consideration.
Learning- Providing an environment that fosters growth and development.
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Programs
Summer Camp
Austin Sunshine Camps offers free summer camp opportunities to low income children throughout
Austin and the surrounding communities. Each summer more than 850 youth attend camp at Zilker Park
or Lake Travis. During camp, campers participate in activities such as canoeing, swimming, archery,
science and arts and crafts. By combining methods of experiential education and traditional camp
activities, the Sunshine Camps provide students with the opportunity to develop self-esteem, personal
growth and the development of interpersonal skills.
Sunshine4 Afterschool
Sunshine4 Afterschool is a program for middle school aged students who attend Fulmore Middle School.
Programming is focused on STEM, life skills and outdoor education to ensure students succeed in middle
school and beyond. Our goal is to provide an environment that is a safe and fun place for middle school
aged children to develop new skills and prepare them for the rigors of high school.
Volunteer Opportunities
Summer Camp
When summer camp is in session a variety of volunteer opportunities are available for volunteers at our
Zilker Park location including Carnival Night and Canoe Night. Carnival Night is held on the first evening
of every camp session at Zilker Park and offers campers a chance to collect prizes while playing
traditional carnival games such as ring toss and fishing. Snow Cones, face painting and a dunk tank are
also part of Carnival Night fun. Canoe Night is held on Town Lake at the Zilker Park Boat Rentals and
volunteers take up to three campers at a time in each canoe. Splashing and sea weed wars make Canoe
Night memorable for volunteers and campers alike.
Sunshine4 Afterschool
Sunshine4 Afterschool is offered five days a week during the school year from 3:45-6:00pm. Full day
programming is also offered between 9:00am – 5:00pm on teacher in-service days and select holidays.
Each day there are 6 volunteer slots available between 3:45pm-4:45pm. An additional 6 slots are
available between 4:45 – 5:45pm each day. On teacher in-service days two hour time slots are available.
Volunteer Requirements
Volunteer Application
Anyone who wishes to volunteer with Austin YMBL Sunshine Camps must complete a volunteer
application and have it approved prior to working with children. YMBL members complete this process
as part of their membership with YMBL.
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Background Checks
As part of the application process, volunteers must also consent to an annual nationwide criminal and
sex offender background check. Austin YMBL Sunshine Camps uses www.campbackgroundchecks.com
to complete all background checks. The cost for volunteers to complete the background check is $10 per
person annually. YMBL members complete this background check as part of their membership process.
Background check fees must be submitted along with the volunteer application. Background checks
must be completed and approved prior to working with children.
How to Sign up to Volunteer
Once the volunteer application, background check and fingerprinting process are completed, volunteers
may sign up at http://www.sunshinecamps.org/volunteer-sign-up/ . From this page select the date on
the calendar that you would like to volunteer. Then follow the “Click Here” link and you will be directed
to VolunteerSpot to sign up for your desired date and time slot. The following are the steps to complete
the sign-up process on VolunteerSpot:
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Step 1: Enter and confirm your email address.
Step 2: Locate the date(s) you wish to volunteer.
o You can select a different month by clicking the tabs at the top of the spot listing.
Step 3: Select the time slot on the date you wish to volunteer.
Step 4: Click the orange “Sign Up” button.
Step 5: Enter your name and phone number and click “Save.”
ASC staff will receive notification that you have signed up and will contact you with additional info. Note
that you must sign up for each desired time slot separately.
Volunteering at Sunshine4 Afterschool
Fingerprints
In addition to a background check, fingerprints are also required for anyone who wishes to volunteer
with Sunshine4 Afterschool. The cost for fingerprinting is $45.00 per person. Volunteers are responsible
for the cost of fingerprinting. YMBL will cover the cost of fingerprinting for any YMBL member.
Fingerprinting must be completed and approved prior to working with children.
Fingerprint Process
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Use the FAST Pass form as your guide to set up an appointment with DPS; follow steps 1-10.
o Step 1: Go to www.identogo.com to begin the scheduling process.
o Step 2: Select Texas.
o Step 3: Select online scheduling.
 You will be provided with multiple geographical locations to choose from.
 Select the location most convenient for you.
o Step 4: Select English or Spanish.
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Step 5: Enter first & last name.
Step 6: Select NCPA.
Step 7: Select volunteer.
Step 8: Enter the “ORG ID #.” This number is 22505 & can also be found in ‘section one’
of the FAST pass form.
o Step 9: Follow the prompts to enter requested information.
o Step 10: Bring the FAST pass form with you to the appointment.
You have the option to pay online ahead of time via credit card; if you choose this option print
your receipt and take it with you to your appointment. You may also pay by check at the time of
the appointment.
Complete sections 1, 2, & 3 of the FAST pass form & bring it with you to the appointment.
o Section one:
 ORG ID number: 22505
 Your qualified agency/ entity/ organization: Austin Sunshine Camps (1099)
 Your qualified entity/ organization contact person: Molly Kier
 Original TCN: leave blank
The staff at the fingerprint companies will complete section 4 of the FAST pass form and will
return the form to you, with the TCN number written in by hand (by the employee).
YMBL members only may submit the FAST Pass form & the online credit card receipt to Julie
Otsuki in order for YMBL/ASC to reimburse you for the expense.
o All requests for reimbursements must be submitted to Julie within 30 days of
completion of the fingerprints.
Attire
Volunteers should wear comfortable clothing that will allow for participation in a variety of indoor and
outdoor activities. Closed toe shoes are recommended. No bare midriffs, bra straps or short shorts. Keep
in mind that some activities can get messy and volunteer attire should allow for full participation in all
activities.
Where to Go
For the 2014-15 school year, Sunshine4 Afterschool will be held at Fulmore Middle School in portable 3A.
Fulmore Middle School is located at 201 Mary St E., Austin, TX 78704. Parking is available near the front
entrance of the school on Leland Street. Additional parking is located to the rear of the school on
Brackenridge Street. Students arrive at Sunshine Afterschool at 3:45pm each day. It is recommended
that volunteers arrive between 3:45 – 4:00pm in order to find parking near the school.
Volunteer Check-in
Upon arrival all volunteers need to check in with the Program Director, Molly Kier. Molly will provide an
overview of the activities for the day and more information about how volunteers can best support the
program.
Daily Schedule
3:45- Students arrive
3:45 - 4:00: Snack & Check-in
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4:00-4:45: Homework
4:45-6:00: STEM, Life Skills or Outdoor Activities
6:00- Go home
Activity Schedule
Monday – Math
Tuesday – Fly to Learn (aviation curriculum)
Wednesday – Math
Thursday – Outdoor
Friday – Life Skills
Volunteering at Summer Camp
Attire
Volunteers should wear comfortable clothing that will allow for participation in a variety of activities.
Closed toe shoes are recommended. No bare midriffs, bra straps, bikinis or short shorts. If volunteering
for Canoe Night, volunteers should be prepared to get wet from splashing or participating in seaweed
wars.
Where to go
Austin Sunshine Camps- Zilker Park is located at 2225 Andrew Zilker Road 78746. Parking is available
across from the camp driveway in the park. There is no parking available at the camp. All volunteers
should park and then walk to the camp at their designated arrival time.
Volunteer Check-in
Upon arrival all volunteers need to check in with the Director of Development, Carol Thomas. Carol will
provide an overview of the activities campers will be participating in and the role each volunteer will
play in supporting or facilitating the activity.
Schedule
Summer Camp operates on a rolling schedule throughout the summer which means camp sessions vary
with regards to the days of the week and activities offered. Carnival Night is always the evening activity
on the first night of each camp session. Canoe Night varies by session. Dates and times will be posted on
the volunteer sign up page on the ASC website (http://www.sunshinecamps.org/volunteer-sign-up/).
See the “How to Sign Up to Volunteer” section on page 5 for more info on the sign-up process.
Interaction with Students and Campers
In order for volunteers to have a meaningful experience during their time with Austin Sunshine Camps, it
is important that they interact and engage with students and or campers. Talking with students or
campers and asking open ended questions is a great way to get the conversation started. Open ended
questions also provide an opportunity for further discussion.
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Volunteer and Camper Safety
Volunteers as well as Austin YMBL Sunshine Camps staff should never be alone with a student or
camper. A minimum of two adults and one student or two students and one adult should be maintained
at all times.
Behavior Management
Volunteers may encounter many different types of behavior when working with students and or
campers. If negative behaviors occur volunteers should immediately ask for assistance from a program
staff member. Volunteers should avoid raising their voice, threating students or campers and talking to
kids about a situation when they are upset. Volunteers should never strike or hit a student or camper.
Cell Phones
Cell phone use is not permitted during program time. If volunteers need to take or make a call they
should step outside the program space to do so.
Non Discrimination Statement
“In accordance with federal law and US Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited
from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability.”
Complaint Filing Procedures
“To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence
Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call 1-866-632-9992 (Toll free), 1-800-877-8339 (Federal
Relay Service) or 1-800-845-6136 (Spanish Speaking Assistance). USDA is an equal opportunity provider
and employer.
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