Camas operates each year with a changing staff team drawn from all corners of the globe. Built around a small Resident Group with particular responsibilities for either outdoor activities, gardening or centre based work, volunteers play a key role sharing with the resident group staff in the running of the centre.
Outdoor Activities: Camas is a safe place but full of adventure. Under the guidance of the Camas Coordinator, the Activity Programme worker shares responsibility with the Programme Worker for the planning, co-ordination and running of the weekly programme and for the integration and support of volunteer staff and guests. The centre is AALA registered and all staff receive appropriate training at the beginning of the season from the centre's technical advisor.
Gardening Much of the food for the kitchen at Camas comes from the centre's own garden. In addition to producing food it is used as a programme resource for groups to experience the cultivation of fresh fruit and vegetables. The primary responsibility of the Camas Gardener is the centre's organic garden and tree nursery; this includes enabling staff and guests to participate in garden and environmental work.
Programme Worker Under the guidance of the Camas Co-ordinator, the Camas Programme Worker alongside the activities programme worker, helps plan, co-ordinate and run the weekly programme and for the integration and support of volunteer staff and guests. Acting in a liaison role between the centre and groups we ensure that the particular needs of the groups are met when they come and stay with us here.
Camas will be recruiting for a new Programme worker for 2011, job description and applications will be out soon, so keep posted!
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. Because of the nature of the work, and the amount of training (outdoor activities, games, art, gardening sessions as well as regularly cooking for sometimes 30+ people!) we ask volunteers to commit to either a 4 month or 6 month placement, and we are restricted to only 7 placements each year. Although its hard work, volunteers find that working here is very rewarding, and the size of the team lends to a strong sense of community.
If you would like to find out more about being a volunteer, or speak to a volunteer to ask what it is like you can contact the centre on 01681 700367 or email Mary - camas@iona.org.uk
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 which are basic and in keeping with the simple lifestyle.
The food is mainly vegetarian grown mostly (hopefully!) in our organic garden.
All Staff have one and a half days off each week and those who do the 6 month placement two weeks holiday, and those doing 4 months have one week. Together, staff seek to live as a community, building caring relationships with one another and remaining true to the values of Camas.
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 coordinating these. Staff are able to use their existing skills and learn new ones, in a supportive environment where training will be provided. There are three 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 and 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!
For an informal chat about coming to work at Camas or for more details how to apply contact: Mary Ireson on 01681 700367 or e-mail at camas@iona.org.uk
