Our Volunteers Make a Difference
Camelot’s volunteers are essential to the ultimate success of our program.
From ranch hands to instructor assistants
to groundskeepers, each volunteer contributes in his or her
own special way. In turn, we guarantee an experience in learning and sharing that
will enhance your life forever.
Requirements for All Volunteers
In addition to fulfilling the specific requirements of each volunteer position,
all Camelot volunteers must meet the following requirements:
- Dependability, punctuality, good character
- Ability to accept directions from supervisor
- Ability to communicate job concerns to supervisor in timely and appropriate manner
- Ability to travel to Scottsdale and Jomax Roads once a week
- Minimum age 18
- Minimum six-month commitment
Please note: Camelot does not accept court referrals.
If you meet the requirements listed above, please read on to learn about our various
volunteer opportunities.
Ranch Hands
Our volunteer ranch hands assist in maintaining a clean and safe environment for
our students, horses, volunteers, and staff. Specific duties include stall cleaning,
feeding and watering of livestock, some light grooming duties if appropriate, and
other light barn chores such as sweeping or cleaning tack and equipment. Many of
our volunteer ranch hands really enjoy the opportunity to work with their hands
and see an immediate change—in stark contrast to their “real”
jobs.
Additional requirements for this position are:
- Ability to bend, reach, and lift
- Ability to use basic ranch tools safely
Ranch hands generally volunteer 1 or 2 mornings per week, for 3 - 4 hours each day. Available
hours are 8:30 AM to noon, Monday through Friday. We provide orientation, which
includes a tour of the facility, introduction to the horses, basic instruction in
the use of our tools and equipment, and a volunteer manual.
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Instructor Assistants
Our volunteer instructor assistants function as an important part of
a rehabilitation team, helping to provide horsemanship training to our
students. These volunteers assist students in fetching, grooming, tacking,
and mounting horses. During mounted lessons, they may be leading, sidewalking, or
even riding double when appropriate.
Instructor assistants provide emotional support and encouragement. They also help
the instructor with the care and training of school horses. They supervise and assist
students with written and oral lessons, and may be called upon to present a lesson
on occasion. Above all, instructor assistants demonstrate safe practices and compliance
with Camelot’s rules at all times.
Additional requirements for this position are:
- Ability to provide physical assistance to children and adults with disabilities
- Ability to bend, reach, and lift a minimum of 50 pounds
- Emotional and psychological stability
- Outgoing personality; ability to support and encourage others
- At least 1 year’s experience working around horses
- Verifiable knowledge of horse behavior and safe techniques in handling and riding
as demonstrated to Camelot staff
Experience working with people with disabilities is preferred, but not required.
Our instructor assistants must commit to volunteering 1 day per week for a minimum
of 4 hours. Our lessons run from 1:30 - 5:30 PM, Monday through Thursday, and our
lesson season runs from September through May. For classes to run smoothly, we ask that
all instructor assistants arrive no later than 1:15 for scheduled lessons.
Because our students rely on having a full team to support their lessons, it is
imperative that instructor assistants be punctual and reliable.
Training for these positions includes one-on-one work with staff to learn Camelot’s
methods. We also provide an orientation to horses, students, equipment, stable rules,
and procedures at the beginning of each lesson season. Volunteer manuals are provided.
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Groundskeepers
Our groundskeepers are responsible for maintaining the natural beauty and well-being
of trees, plants, and trails on Camelot’s 14.25 acre accessible facility.
Specific duties include watering desert plants and shrubs; minor weeding and tree-trimming;
and maintaining safe riding trails by monitoring on a weekly basis for litter, debris,
or low-hanging branches.
Additional requirements for this position are:
- Ability to bend, reach, and lift
- Ability to use gardening and basic landscaping tools safely
- Experience in basic gardening and yard maintenance
- Love of the outdoors and an appreciation for horses
Groundskeepers generally volunteer 1 or 2 mornings a week, for 2 to 3 hours. Available
hours are 8:30 AM to noon, Monday through Friday. We provide orientation, which
includes a tour of the facility and basic instruction in the use of our ranch tools
and equipment.
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I always wondered why somebody didn’t do something about that. Then I realized
I was somebody.
Lily Tomlin
Service to others is the payment you make for your space here on earth.
Mohammed Ali
It is one of the most beautiful compensations of this life that no man can sincerely
try to help another without helping himself.
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Volunteers aren’t paid, not because they are worthless, but because they are
priceless.
Anonymous