News & Updates

See & read about what is going on in the Warm Beach Camp & Conference Center community

5 Ways to Retain Volunteers

Every nonprofit needs volunteers, but finding a good volunteer is like finding a hidden treasure. Unfortunately, there isn’t a map labeled with a big X designating where those volunteers are, but once you have good volunteers it’s very important to keep them. Volunteers are invaluable, cherish them like you would a precious gem!

Here’s 5 ways to retain volunteers.

  1. Invite volunteers to be an active part of your community. Many volunteers are able and willing, but don’t know if or how they are needed. A personal invitation to volunteer goes a long way. Explain how their service or giving would make a difference.
  2. Equip volunteers. Communicate clear expectations, give tours of the grounds, introduce them to other team members, and assign them a job that is well-suited for their skill set and will be mutually beneficial for both the volunteer and the nonprofit. Give them any training needed for the task to be completed well.
  3. Say thank you! When volunteers know they are appreciated and valued, they are more apt to continue their volunteerism. A thank you can come in many shapes and sizes, like a hand-written note, public recognition, verbal affirmation, small gifts or large celebration events.
  4. Show their impact. Show them that what they are doing however big or small matters. Volunteers want to contribute to something bigger than themselves and when they are able to see the ways in which their contributions have mattered, it can be life-changing. This can be done with emails, newsletters, and or events.
  5. Respect volunteers. Volunteerism is a choice. The fact that any given volunteer is at your organization is their personal choice. Respect their knowledge and respect their time.
  6. This one is a bonus… Say Thank you! I know I listed it above, but it can’t be said too many times. Being thanked is such a huge part in volunteer retention. Make your volunteers feel valued, appreciated and that they contributed to something that mattered.

 

As a Volunteer Coordinator, I have worked with all different volunteers- 5 year olds, skilled laborers, special needs adults and even 90 year olds! Every volunteer matters! Some volunteers have to be here (for school, community service, etc.…) and others willingly choose to give of their time and resources. One thing, I have seen time and time again, demonstrated through faithful volunteers is a heart of service; it is my favorite part of working with volunteers.

Faith Oates

Volunteer Coordinator

Unique Strengths of SunSparrow

When individuals are welcomed into an environment full of connection, inclusivity, and the love of Christ, transformation happens! They become active participants in the world around them and are reminded of their true worth. Camp SunSparrow is carefully constructed to help individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities build self-confidence and develop closer relationships with the Lord. Campers are encouraged to recognize their unique strengths and are allowed the time and space to share those with the group. Adriene Duguay, the ...
Students explore the forest at Outdoor School-Education-warm-beach-camp-Stanwood-WA

Hands On Outdoor Experiences

Across the 278 acres of land at Warm Beach Camp, there are wondrous little nooks and crannies teeming with life, just waiting to be explored! From a saltwater marsh to the upland forest and the bluffs that are perfectly designed to ease a bird's flight; the biodiversity is endless! With notebooks in hand, a quizzical eye, and curious minds, children step into a world of infinite possibilities! The Outdoor School Program at Warm Beach Camp is actively changing lives through ...

Small Beginnings, Big Outcomes

Jesus uses the smallest of beginnings (mustard seed and yeast) to describe big outcomes. Here is another illustration Jesus used: “The Kingdom of Heaven is like a mustard seed planted in a field. It is the smallest of all seeds, but it becomes the largest of garden plants; it grows into a tree, and birds come and make nests in its branches.” Jesus also used this illustration: “The Kingdom of Heaven is like the yeast a woman used in making ...