Become a Country Hope

Camp Buddy

At the heart of Country Hope Camp are our incredible Camp Buddies, who play a vital role in creating a safe, fun, and supportive experience for every child.

We’re always on the lookout for caring, compassionate, and reliable volunteers, particularly men, to become Camp Buddies. All buddies hold a current Working With Children Check and take part in a comprehensive interview process and intensive training weekend ahead of camp.

During the week, buddies support children aged seven to sixteen by building genuine friendships and providing practical and emotional encouragement. They help campers grow in confidence, try new activities, and feel included every step of the way.

Importantly, buddies have no medical responsibilities. Our experienced medical team of doctors and nurses, led by Dr Lee Jeffery, ensures all health needs are fully managed, allowing buddies to focus on connection, fun, and support.

If you’re up for a week full of fun, laughter, and plenty of noise, we’d love to hear from you.

Buddy Travis & his camper Ben

Buddy Application

Things to know about being a Camp Buddy

Essential Requirements

  • Hold a valid and current Working With Children Check (WWCC). A WWCC includes a national police check and is mandatory for anyone working or volunteering with children. https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/apply-for-a-working-with-children-check

    • WWCC not required for 17 year old Trainee Buddies

  • Complete the Camp Buddy application form (online or hard copy)

  • Provide three personal referees and understand they will be contacted by a Country Hope representative.

  • Attend a compulsory interview at a scheduled time and location (in person or online).

  • Attend all required Camp Buddy and volunteer training sessions.

  • Be available for the full duration of Country Hope Camp, typically held during the first week of the NSW September school holidays or the second week of the Victorian September school holidays.

Personal Attributes and Understanding

  • Demonstrated empathy for country children and their families.

  • Awareness that children you may be supporting could be:

    • Diagnosed with cancer or another life-threatening illness,

    • A sibling of a diagnosed child, or

    • A child who has lost a brother or sister to such an illness.

Conduct, Confidentiality and Safety

  • Maintain strict confidentiality to protect the privacy and dignity of families.

  • Conduct yourself in a respectful, appropriate and sensitive manner at all times.

  • Adhere to Country Hope’s Social Media guidelines.

  • Understand that children living with cancer or other life-threatening illnesses often have significantly reduced immunity. Illnesses such as measles, chickenpox, shingles, influenza and COVID-19 pose serious health risks. If you have been exposed to any of these illnesses within three weeks of camp week, notify Country Hope medical staff immediately.

Once applications are received and reviewed, a Country Hope representative will be in touch regarding the next steps in the application process.

Give us a call on 02 6971 8955 or email admin@countryhope.com.au if you have any further questions.

Manual Application

You can also complete a manual application and send to us by email or in the post:

You need to complete all four forms.

Email: admin@countryhope.com.au
Post: PO Box 134, WAGGA WAGGA NSW 2650

HINT: If you intend on emailing your application and forms, save the PDF files to your computer before filling it out so you can insert a digital signature.