VOLUNTEER

Chiva’s annual support camp cannot be delivered without a strong team of volunteers. We recruit for camp volunteers each year from January. Details will be posted on this page when applications open for Freedom 2 Be camp 2024. In the meantime, you can learn more about camp volunteer roles below.

Beyond these roles, we welcome the involvement of adults with lived experience of HIV and/or particular areas of knowledge and expertise, e.g. photography, videography, social media, campaigning or creative arts. Please contact us if you would like to explore opportunities to contribute your time and skills in other ways at [email protected]

Key Workers

Key Workers are members of the wider public with an interest in volunteering. Some will be living with HIV, but this is not a requirement. 

Key Workers will be allocated a small group of young people to support during camp. They help: 

  • Enable young people to attend workshops and support them in some of the outward bounds and leisure activities. 
  • Provide participants with support and a listening ear, and help young people to overcome any anxieties or difficulties they may be experiencing. 
  • Support participants in taking their medication and record this at camp with the support of the Healthcare Lead. 
  • Benefit from the guidance of an allocated supervisor, and work as part of a team

Prior to camp, all selected Key Workers are required to attend training, where you will meet the staff team and other volunteers. You’ll receive training related to Child Protection, children and HIV. After the training weekend we will then confirm which volunteers we will invite to attend camp.

> Hear from Dr Akash on his experience of volunteering

Camp Leaders

Camp Leaders are young people aged 18-25 living with HIV. You will also need to have had a two-summer break from attending camp before coming back as a volunteer.  

Camp Leaders help ensure camp runs smoothly. Their roles include logistical tasks, dinner time duties and co-facilitation of evening activities. They are also mentors to the young people at camp, supporting and motivating them, including by sharing their own experiences of living with HIV. 

Camp Leaders do not need to have worked with young people before applying. Volunteers are supported in their roles throughout the camp.