INFORMATION FOR CAMAS VOLUNTEERS
VOLUNTEER WORK AT CAMAS ON MULL
The Camas Centre, situated in an isolated bay on the Ross of Mull, is a place of welcome and acceptance and the life here is an opportunity to be challenged and changed. The Common life at Camas is quite different from life on Iona, as are the volunteer placements that are available. Being more remote, and welcoming smaller groups, a closer-knit community is built.
LIFE AND WORK
There are eleven staff at Camas, coming from many different backgrounds and countries. Together we share the work of the centre. Generally staff will have their own room. These are basic and in keeping with the simple lifestyle. The food is mainly vegetarian and some is grown in our gardens. Staff have one and a half days off each week and those who are at Camas all season have two weeks holiday. Together, staff seek to live as a community, building caring relationships with one another and remaining true to the values of the place.
Camas asks for a good degree of commitment and flexibility from the staff and this brings many enriching experiences. Each season people bring different gifts and ideas to the programme. Working as a team in all aspects of life gives a chance to do a variety of jobs, such as creative arts, housekeeping, outdoor activities, gardening, environmental work and cooking, and people may be asked to take responsibility in co-ordinating these. Staff are able to use their existing skills and learn new ones, in a supportive environment where training will be provided. There are resident staff at Camas with appropriate qualifications and experience.
GROUPS
Camas has been used by the Iona Community for over forty years and remains true to the original vision in being a centre which works mainly with inner city, urban young people. Youth groups, schools, social work groups and church groups form the main basis of the season. There are also some themed adult weeks. Staff have a lot of interaction with guests as together community is built and friendships formed. Fun and learning go hand in hand and young people have given and gained much over the years. The staff play a large role in making the experience a special one for guests.
VOLUNTEERING
For many staff Camas has been a very significant time, a chance to explore values and views, lifestyle and relationships. It is a place where people discover much about themselves, about others and about god/spirituality. Volunteer staff usually come for four months (May - September) or for six months (April - October), although there may be some flexibility in this. This is a unique place, where you can share your unique gifts, and enjoy the adventure!
