Thank you for your interest in joining the Camp ASCEND volunteer team! 

Camp ASCEND is a trauma-informed, disability-affirming summer program designed for children who are often excluded from traditional camp experiences. We center nervous-system safety, authentic connection, and individualized support, recognizing that every child rises differently. Our team is committed to meeting children where they are, honoring neurodiversity and disability, and fostering belonging, growth, and joy in a relationship-centered environment.

Background Check & Sex Offender Registry Consent
Because we serve vulnerable minors, all Camp ASCEND staff, contractors, and volunteers consent to a comprehensive background check, which may include a criminal history check, sex offender registry check, and any additional screenings required by law, licensing agencies, or Camp ASCEND policy.

Camp ASCEND is committed to equity, inclusion, and the inherent dignity of every child, family, and staff member. We are a disability-affirming, trauma-informed environment that recognizes systemic inequities and the impact of trauma, oppression, and exclusion on individuals and communities.

Camp ASCEND actively seeks to create a space where children of all abilities, races, cultures, family structures, gender identities, neurotypes, and backgrounds are welcomed and supported. We do not view disability or neurodivergence as deficits to be fixed, but as differences to be understood, accommodated, and honored.

As a volunteer, you are expected to:

• Approach all children and families with respect, curiosity, and humility
• Use inclusive, strengths-based, and person-affirming language
• Reflect on your own biases and remain open to growth and feedback
• Support accommodations and regulation needs without shame or punishment
• Uphold our commitment to safety, dignity, and belonging for all

Camper safety is a top priority. 

• All visitors must check in with camp leadership upon arrival.
• Volunteers may be utilized to support camp programming and must follow all camp policies and staff direction.
• Volunteers and visitors may not be left alone with campers unless they have completed required screening and approval processes.
• Camp leadership reserves the right to deny or revoke visitor or volunteer access at any time to ensure camper safety.

As a volunteer at Camp ASCEND, I understand that I am working in a therapeutic-informed, disability-inclusive environment and agree to the following standards:

1. Child Safety First

• I will prioritize the physical and emotional safety of every child.
• I will follow all supervision ratios and never be alone with a child unless explicitly assigned and approved by leadership.
• I will immediately report any safety concerns to supervisory staff.

2. Professional Boundaries

• I will not share personal contact information with campers.
• I will not connect with campers via social media.
• I will not transport campers unless expressly authorized in writing.
• I will maintain clear, appropriate physical and emotional boundaries.

3. Respect & Dignity

• I will treat all children with dignity, regardless of disability, behavior, communication style, or support needs.
• I will not shame, mock, intimidate, or use sarcasm toward campers.
• I will not express disgust, frustration, or judgment toward toileting needs, drooling, feeding differences, or behavioral regulation challenges.
• I understand that behaviors are communication.

4. Trauma-Informed Practice

• I understand that many campers have trauma histories and may demonstrate fight, flight, freeze, or attachment-related responses.
• I will respond with regulation, co-regulation, and compassion.
• I will follow staff direction during escalations and never intervene physically unless trained and directed.

5. Equity, Inclusion & Anti-Discrimination

• Treat all individuals with fairness and respect.
• Do not discriminate based on disability, race, ethnicity, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, family structure, or background.
• Address bias, exclusion, or harm when observed and report concerns.

6. Confidentiality

• I will maintain strict confidentiality regarding campers and families.
• I will share information only with appropriate staff and supervisors.
• I will not discuss camper information outside of camp operations.
• I understand this obligation continues after my volunteer service ends.

7. Social Media & Photography

• I will not take photos or videos of campers on personal devices.
• I will not post about campers or camp activities on personal social media.

8. Substance-Free Environment

• I will not use or be under the influence of alcohol, marijuana, or illegal substances during volunteer hours.
• I will not bring weapons of any kind onto camp property.

9. Compliance with Leadership & Accountability

• I agree to follow the chain of command.
• Accept feedback with openness and professionalism.
• Seek support when unsure or overwhelmed.
• I understand that failure to adhere to policies may result in corrective action or immediate dismissal.

I understand that volunteering at camp may involve physical activity and inherent risks. I voluntarily assume these risks and agree to release and hold harmless The Phoenix Collaborative LLC, Camp ASCEND, its directors, staff, and partnering facilities from liability to the fullest extent permitted by law, except in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct.

I understand that volunteering is at-will and may be terminated at any time.