What does it mean to be a Reality volunteer?
As a volunteer on a Reality Adventure Break (or Camp, as they are known), you will get to have loads of fun yourself, take a break in some beautiful, scenic surroundings and, most importantly, help young individuals who come from some extremely difficult situations learn to be kids again.
What will you do as a Reality volunteer?
As a volunteer, you will accompany a team of other volunteers and leaders to the adventure break venue, where you will help to supervise, work with and generally befriend the young people who come along. You will get to take part in all the activities that the young people do as well, so be prepared to have some fun! Team members may be asked to arrive the day before a camp begins for team preparation. Volunteers can attend any number of camps, and any additional help will be greatly appreciated as we will be running parallel camps during some weeks. Volunteers will also be needed occasionally to drive minibuses and assist in some self-catering camps.
A good starting point is to have a look at our Volunteer Job Description.
What if I have never volunteered before?
That's okay. We provide training dates before the breaks to help people understand what exactly goes on at a camp and how to deal with issues that may arise. Even if you have not supervised young people before, you will be surrounded by experienced leaders and centre staff who can assist you should you need to be.
What does it cost me?
Nothing! You are giving us your time, and we know how precious that can be today, so we certainly don't expect you to pay for anything. All of your food and accommodation will be provided for you and we will arrange transport to and from the adventure break centre. Please note that if you are applying from outside of Scotland, you will be asked to contribute towards your travel expenses (to and from our Dean House office).
If you are interested in volunteering for an adventure break, check out the Application Procedure page, which will take you step-by-step through the application procedure. Volunteers are encouraged, but in no way required, to additionally demonstrate their support for Reality by joining the Reality 100 Club (check the 'Support Reality Financially' section from the home page). By joining the Reality 100 Club you will enable Reality to continue to keep costs for future volunteers at nothing and also help us to reach a greater number of young people.