Katerpillar Kids Camp Volunteer Application and FAQs
Volunteer Information
Thank you for your interest in Katerpillar Kids Camp! Our volunteers help make this incredible camp possible. There are a variety of volunteer roles at camp, ranging from group leaders to activity coordinators to general camp operations. Each volunteer plays a vital role in making our camps a success. Scroll down to see a description of each volunteer role and its qualifications.
If you would like to volunteer, please complete the volunteer application below. If you have any questions, call us at (865) 374-0864
Volunteer Application
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Each volunteer will also need to complete the Camp Wesley Woods Consent and Release Form. Please email the signed form to [email protected].
Volunteer Positions
Katerpillar Kids Camp has four positions that are important for our campers’ safety and each camp’s success. Our volunteers are specifically chosen because of their unique qualities and aptitude for their position. If you are interested in being part of Katerpillar Kids Camp, a one-on-one meeting with the camp coordinator is required. The camp coordinator will contact you to set up a meeting after your application is received and screened.
Clinical Group Leader (CGL)
The CGL leads group times when talking about death and grieving. This leader also is available for one-on-one counseling if a camper needs it. Additionally, the CGL supports the Organizational Group Leader with their responsibilities.
Requirements:
- Past clinical training, for example, a social worker, therapist, chaplain, pastor, school counselor or a college student training for a clinical field.
- Experience or desire to work with children.
Organizational Group Leader (OGL)
The OGL is responsible for ensuring the campers are at the right place at the right time with all supplies necessary to make the weekend a success. OGLs are also responsible for ensuring campers’ arrival by bus or car. Additionally, they will support the Clinical Group Leaders and their responsibilities.
Requirements:
- Previous Katerpillar Kids Camp experience
- Experience or desire to work with children
Group Volunteers
The group volunteer supports both categories of leaders. Their primary responsibilities are ensuring the campers follow the camp’s weekend plan.
Panel Volunteers
These volunteers are in high school or college, or are recent college graduates who have experienced loss and are comfortable sharing their experiences with others on a public panel. Panel volunteers participate with junior high or high school groups.
Frequently Asked Questions
Every year, Katerpillar Kids Camp accepts 30 to 40 volunteers. Because of the unique skill set required to become a staff member, our Covenant Hospice staff screens applicants and selects those who are best suited to help our campers through the grieving process.
When is the Katerpillar Kids Camp?
Katerpillar Kids Camp will take place on Saturday, September 12, and Sunday, September 13, 2026. For additional details about the date and time, and to access the application, please visit our camp homepage.
Where is Katerpillar Kids Camp held?
Katerpillar Kids Camp is held at Camp Wesley Woods, 329 Wesley Woods Road, Townsend, TN 37882. Volunteers come to the Covenant Health West campus, 270 Fort Sanders West Blvd., Knoxville, TN 37922, to help campers board the buses and ride with them to camp each morning.
Each volunteer will need to complete the Camp Wesley Woods Consent and Release Form. Please email the signed form to [email protected].
What is the time commitment for Katerpillar Kids Camp volunteers?
Other than the time spent at the campgrounds during the camp sessions, volunteers also receive training ahead of time. Depending on your volunteer position, there may also be some light prep time required. Training for the 2026 session is TBD.
What is the time commitment during the days of Katerpillar Kids Camp?
Camp volunteers must be available to help campers for the entire duration of camp. The camp will run on Saturday and Sunday from 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. each day.
Some of our volunteers will be chosen for prep time before camp, which could take up to 10 hours.
Do campers stay overnight?
No, campers and volunteers do not stay overnight. Camp times are:
Saturday: 7:30 a.m. (for 8:00 a.m. bus departure from Covenant Health West, 270 Fort Sanders West Blvd., Knoxville, TN 37922) until 4:30 p.m. Bus riders will be dropped off between 5:00 and 5:15 p.m.
Sunday: 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Bus riders will be dropped off between 5:00 and 5:15 p.m. at Covenant Health West.
How do volunteers help at Katerpillar Kids Camp?
There are four volunteer roles available at Katerpillar Kids Camp: clinical group leader (CGL), organizational group leader (OGL), panel volunteer, and group volunteer. See the definitions of each role above.
Are there other opportunities to volunteer?
Of course! We welcome volunteers year-round for other Covenant Health and Covenant Homecare services. If you’d like to explore more opportunities, just visit the Covenant Health or Covenant Hospice volunteer pages.
Are there any requirements to volunteer?
All volunteers must complete a background check, paid for and provided by Covenant Health. We also ask all volunteers to complete the application form. While we welcome volunteers from all backgrounds, some positions do require prior training. See above for details.
More Volunteer Opportunities
We appreciate your effort in helping to make the Katerpillar Kids Camp a possibility. Without our passionate volunteers, we would not be able to hold this camp for families in need.
If you’re interested in other volunteer opportunities through the Covenant Health, we invite you to apply.
About Katerpillar Kids Camp
Katerpillar Kids Camp is a special camp for children who are grieving the loss of a loved one. The camp is coordinated by Covenant Health Hospice and sponsored by Variety – The Children’s Charity of Eastern Tennessee. Many campers come to camp because they have lost a parent. However, children who have lost any family member or friend are welcome to participate.
