A Typical Build Weekend
Please note: You are invited to begin building on Thursday morning, but all volunteers are asked to be onsite by Friday evening at the latest.
|
| Wednesday:
|
The Executive and a core group of experienced tradespeople arrive to prepare the site.
|
| Every Day:
|
We are generally onsite and working from 8:30 a.m. until dusk.
Plenty of time is given to meal and snack breaks.
Evenings include personal time, parties, dances, entertainment, campfires and singsongs.
Sleep has also been rumoured to happen!
|
| Of Special Note on Sunday:
|
Completing a project includes leaving the camp in great shape.
Each volunteer is asked to assist with cleaning all facilities before leaving.
This includes the work site, accommodations, kitchen, dining hall and any other areas used by us before leaving.
If onsite work continues on Sunday, we are usually finished by early afternoon.
|
|
| Food & Refreshments
|
VB provides three nutritious, tasty meals a day, plus countless snacks, and we can adjust menus for vegetarians and specific allergies.
As well, we ensure that water and juices are available at all times.
|
| Accommodations
|
Volunteers sleep in camper cabins and eat in the dining hall.
We also use existing washroom-shower facilities.
Because many camps operate in the summer only, many buildings are not insulated.
|
| Safety & Well-being
|
We have a full team of volunteers with current certification in CPR and First Aid, provide First Aid kits, and are aware of routes to nearby hospitals.
The build is fully insured.
|
| Weather
|
Given that it's spring, you can expect anywhere from 10 to 30 degrees, with the odd black fly and mosquito.
|
| Clothing & Equipment
|
Dress for sun and rain, warm and cold, day and night, and have lots of dry socks!
Work gloves are recommended.
Tools and equipment are provided onsite, but please bring your favourite hammer, measuring tape and toolbelt, if you like.
|
| Entertainment & Recreation
|
Parties held on Friday and Saturday nights provide great opportunities for volunteers to socialize.
Our closing banquet includes a silent auction and a slide show.
Camp rec facilities are usually open to us.
|
| Personal Responsibility
|
All volunteers are responsible for themselves.
This includes providing emergency contact information and allergy information, plus overseeing their own cabin clean-up, prescribed medications, etc.
|
Remember:
All volunteers receive an information package prior to the build which includes maps and directions, a list of items to bring, contact phone numbers and an agenda for the weekend.
|
