Volunteers are Vital

to the Ministry of Deer Run

We Love Our Volunteers!

Are you interested in donating your gifts, time, and passions to care for our property, build and repair facilities, serve our guests and campers, and be involved in community or family events?

Then, we would love for you and your family, friends, community group, or co-workers to be a part of the Deer Run family by volunteering alongside our team members!

Whether you love being behind the scenes or connecting with people as a frontline volunteer, we have numerous year-round volunteer opportunities for you! You can volunteer for a couple hours, a day, a week, or more. 

“Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.” 1 Peter 4:10

2021 Raised Bed Deer Run Garden

Calling all Gardeners!

Deer Run is looking for volunteers to help take The Garden to the next level as we fulfill our mission to provide nutritious food to Deer Run campers and guests!

Summer Camp Volunteer Nurse

A registered nurse or a doctor is needed during each summer camp session — for both day and overnight camps. Deer Run appreciates a camp nurse’s volunteer time and professional skills by providing a gift that can be used towards summer camps or family events at Deer Run. Email NurseManager@DeerRun.camp if you have questions.

  • Must be currently licensed to practice in the state of Tennessee
  • Must be a Registered Nurse or higher certification — LPNs or EMT-Paramedics can work during core hours, but are required to work alongside a RN or higher certification
  • Must have an up-to-date certification in BLS (Basic Life Support)
  • Must abide by state privacy laws at all times
  • Must sign and affirm our Mission, Vision, Values, and Statement of Faith & Beliefs, and support these in teaching and action
  • Must complete an authorization for background check
  • Must only practice within their scope of practice as outlined in the TN Board of Nursing
  • Must attend a scheduled nurse orientation/training at Deer Run (see below)

Deer Run asks that Camp Nurses have a desire to serve the campers to the best of their ability using their professional skills and knowledge to make medical decisions about treatment of the campers and summer staff.

Camp Nurses are responsible for administering medications brought to camp. Nurses may only administer prescriptions meds that are in the original container with the camper name and must follow the dosing on the bottle. The only exception for a change in dosing is a written and signed note from the prescriber with adjustments to the dosage.

Deer Run provides a gift for a Camp Nurse’s time and skills. See information below.

Our health center manager will keep all volunteer nurses updated on the dates for training and orientation. We offer multiple training dates in order to accommodate as many schedules as possible. We ask that all camp nurses make every effort to attend training/orientation to best prepare for the upcoming summer, meet new Deer Run team members, learn about camp health center practices (may be updated from year-to-year), and ask questions as needed.

Numbers vary based on the number of campers who are registered for a session. Day camp and overnight camp are taking place simultaneously during most sessions/weeks of camp.

The estimated maximum number of campers and summer staff per camp session who nurses are responsible for is:

  • approximately 500 persons during day shift hours — day and overnight campers plus staff
  • approximately 200 persons during night shift hours — overnight campers plus staff after day campers leave at 4 p.m.

The Health Center at Deer Run is available to summer campers and summer staff for general care and minor incidents/injuries and does not operate on the level of a health clinic or hospital, nor does it intend to.

The Health Center operates under the management of a Camp Nurse Manager and under guidelines and protocols that are approved annually by a Tennessee licensed medical doctor.

If a camper needs care beyond what the Health Center is able to provide, a parent or caregiver of the camper/staffer is contacted.

In the case of an emergency, 911 is called, followed by a call to the parent or caregiver. The Camp Nurse is responsible to care for the camper or staffer until emergency care arrives.

Deer Run Camp Nurses and Health Center Operations are covered under Deer Run’s liability policy with Church Mutual. Additionally, nurses are covered by professional liability insurance through Church Mutual.

51.5 total clinic hours

Deer Run provides breakfast and lunch for the Camp Nurse, Monday through Friday. No reimbursement is given if a nurse does not eat meals provided or brings their own meals.

SUN 2:00 to 6:00 p.m.
Assist with overnight camper check-in, parent consultation and organizing meds

MON 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Camper check-in and parent consultation PLUS regular camp responsibilities

TUES-THURS 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Regular camp responsibilities

FRI 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Regular camp responsibilities PLUS returning meds to parents at camper check-out and being available for parent questions

36 total clinic hours, 45 hours on call

Night shift nurses are asked to stay on Deer Run property and are on call after their shift from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. in case they are needed to assist with camper care during those hours.

Deer Run provides overnight lodging, Sunday p.m. through Friday p.m., and provides meals while on site: Sunday dinner through Friday dinner. No reimbursement is given if a nurse does not eat meals provided or brings their own meals.

SUN 2:00 to 10:00 p.m.
Camper check-in and parent consultation, organizing meds PLUS regular camp responsibilities, (remain on call until 7:00 a.m.)

MON-THURS 4:00 to 10:00 p.m.
Regular camp responsibilities (remain on call until 7:00 a.m.)

FRI 4:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Regular camp responsibilities PLUS returning meds to parents at camper check-out and being available for parent questions

WEEKEND OVERLAP OPTION
Additional shift offered twice per summer to cover an overlap between our 1-week and 2-week campers.

Deer Run shows appreciation for a camp nurse’s volunteer time and professional skills by providing a gift that can be used towards summer camps (day, overnight, family) OR family events (Father-Son Adventure Weekend in August, Mother-Daughter Weekend in September or Married Couples Weekends in February, March and November).

Any unused portion cannot be received as a monetary payment. Partial days or weeks are prorated based on the amount of time worked.

Day Shifts: For working the hours described above — Sunday through Friday — a Camp Nurse receives a gift amount of $1,245. Individual days Mon-Fri $229/day, Sun $100.

Night Shifts: For working the hours described above — Sunday through Friday plus being on call round the clock — a Camp Nurse receives a gift amount of $1,756. Individual nights Mon-Thurs $289/evening, Fri $200, Sun $400.

Weekend Overlap Shift: We have two 2-week camps each summer and need a nurse to provide care on the Saturday night of that overlap. The gift amount equals $849.

USING YOUR GIFT 
Any gift amount not used by the camp nurse or anyone to whom the gift amount was given by the following camp season will be forfeited and automatically donated to the Deer Run Scholarship Fund.

When using a gift amount, the cost for a camp or event is figured at the regular rate without discounts.

For events that require a reservation for accommodations, Deer Run reserves the right to choose the accommodation.

Gift amounts . . .

  • may be used for payment (excluding registration fee) of summer camps or family events.
  • may be given to a Camp Nurse’s immediate or extended family member, or to a friend or neighbor who has NOT previously attended a Deer Run camp or family event and who is NOT currently registered.
  • may be donated to the Deer Run MISSION 42:1 Scholarship Fund so that Deer Run can award the amount towards a scholarship to a child in need.
  • may NOT be used for purchases at the Camp Store or to purchase Camp Bucks for making purchases at the store

Registering Online: The Deer Run Nurse Manager will provide a link that allows you to complete your registration without payment. (You will be asked to pay for a $4.95 registration fee per camper.)

If Other Family Members or Friends Are Using the Gift: The registration should be made on that family’s online account, rather than on the nurse’s account. They can use the same link for registration.

Balance Due After Credit (NURSES, FAMILY OR FRIENDS): After completing your shifts, the gift amount is credited to the Camp Nurse, family member or friend’s account to pay for any registrations. If the account has a balance due after the credit, then an invoice is sent for any balance due and is payable within 15 days of the invoice date.

IMPORTANT INFO
A camper may attend camp before the nurse actually works their scheduled shift(s). For example, a nurse may be scheduled to work during a July camp, but the camper can attend a June camp.

However, if a camper attends camp and the Camp Nurse does not follow through on their responsibility to work enough hours to pay for the camper registration fee, then the value of the camp balance is invoiced to the registered family and is their responsibility to pay within 15 days of the invoice date.

3 Camp Nurses at Deer Run Camps & Retreats

Summer Camp Volunteers

MATURE CHRISTIAN TEENS, AGE 14 OR OLDER, OR ADULTS WHO WANT TO SERVE IN THIS SUPPORT ROLE

Serve alongside the camp staff to help with Day Camp ministry — campers who are age 5 through completed grade 6.

We invite you to join us during June and July in this important ministry role as a VolunDeer (our summer camp volunteers). You can serve for a few days, a week, or more!

2024 VolunDeer Training Dates
May 21, May 23 & June 25 from 4-6 p.m.
RSVP to Emily Nash — EmilyN@DeerRun.camp

IMPORTANT: CREATING A CAMP VOLUNDEER (VOLUNTEER) ACCOUNT

**IMPORTANT: If your family already has a Deer Run account, ask your parent to do the following so you will have a separate login as a VolunDeer.

  • Log into your Deer Run account.
  • From the dashboard, click on the box that says “My Profile.”
  • Click on the box that says “Manage _____ Family.”
  • Click on the name of the person who is applying as a Camp VolunDeer. You can also Add a Member to your family at the bottom of the list.
  • Add an email address to the Camp VolunDeer’s account. Then, log out of your account.
  • Go back to the Camp VolunDeer application link. Now you can log in as the Camp VolunDeer.
  • You will need to click “Forgot Password” and follow the prompts to set a new password and then continue the application.
  • Email VolunDeer@DeerRun.camp or call (615) 550-9664 if you have questions.

RETURNING VOLUNDEERS If you have served as a VolunDeer before, please fill out an application each year so we have updated information from you.

QUESTIONS? A lot of your questions will be answered below.

However if you don’t see the answer to what you’d like to know, just contact Emily Nash at (615) 550-9663 or email VolunDeer@DeerRun.camp.

VolunDeers ages 14 and older have the opportunity to dedicate their time and energy to serve alongside Deer Run Camp Staff in various roles including day camp, recreation, crafts, lake, and other areas needed.

  • VolunDeers should be age 14 or older.
  • It is BEST if you can serve a full week of camp, Monday–Friday, but we accept any amount of time you are able to give!
  • Submit a VolunDeer application and Medical Release Form. CLICK HERE to fill out the online application.
  • First-time VolunDeers attend a VolunDeer Training before the start of their service. 

VolunDeers commute to and from camp each day during their week of service. VolunDeers in need of transportation may be able to ride one of the Deer Run Day Camp buses to and from camp if space is available. (See the camp website for the locations and times of the camp buses.

Deer Run provides lunch for VolunDeers while serving at Deer Run Camps.

  • a Deer Run camp shirt
  • a lanyard with name tag
  • handouts outlining expectations and responsibilities of a VolunDeer

 

Monday Arrival & Day Hours

  • Arrive at 7:00 a.m. on Monday morning and receive assignments.
  • All VolunDeers serve in Day Camp or other areas from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.


Tuesday–Friday Arrival & Day Hours

  • Arrive at 7:30 a.m. 
  • All VolunDeers serve in Day Camp or other areas from 7:45 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

 

You will need to wait until you are at least 14 to serve as a VolunDeer. 

As long as you can remember the good ole days of being a kid and enjoy laughing, exploring, caring for kids and sharing about Jesus, then come on out to camp. We promise to make you a kid again!

If you cannot commit to serve an entire week, we can still use your servant heart!

As you can imagine, training is pretty important to help prepare you for serving! We make every effort to provide multiple options for training so every VolunDeer has the opportunity to learn what is needed before serving. If for any reason you are unable to attend one of our scheduled VolunDeer training dates, please email VolunDeer@DeerRun.camp to let us know about your situation.

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Volunteer at Deer Run Year Round

Throughout the year there are a variety of volunteer opportunities including:

  • serving meals to guests
  • construction
  • property clean up
  • assisting with recreation
  • helping with events

You or a group can serve for a day, a weekend, a few days, or a week. We would also LOVE to host your community group, Bible study, Scout troop, or any other groups that would enjoy serving together! Having more hands helps us immensely!

Current Volunteer Opportunities

KITCHEN VOLUNTEERS

Come alongside our chefs and kitchen staff to prepare and serve meals to:

  • families
  • retreat groups
  • campers
  • guests at family events like Married Couples Weekends and Parent-Child Adventures


If you are volunteering to serve meals in the dining facilities at Brookside Barn or The Lodge be sure to review the following dress code before arriving.

THE LODGE
Business Casual

• Closed-toed shoes only
LADIES: Nice jeans (no holes), khakis, dark pants and dress shirt or sweater
MEN: Nice jeans (no holes), khakis, or casual dress pants with a button-down or polo shirt
DEER RUN PROVIDES: a cap or hairnet (required) and a chef coat (stays at Deer Run)

 

THE BROOKSIDE BARN
Casual — yet modest

• Closed-toed shoes only
• Jeans (no holes) or casual pants
• Plain casual shirts including t-shirts; only solid colors or patterns
DEER RUN PROVIDES: a cap or hairnet (required)

 

WHAT NOT TO WEAR
BOTH Locations

• No open toed shoes such as sandals or flip lops
• No bandanas
• No tank tops, spaghetti strap shirts, low cut blouses, or sleeveless shirts
• No sweatpants or yoga pants
• No shorts, skirts or skorts
• No shirts with graphics or artwork except for Deer Run shirts
• No excessive holes in clothes
• No tight-fitting clothes

THANK YOU FOR FOLLOWING THESE GUIDELINES for Food Service safety and so guests at Deer Run enjoy their experience without distraction.

BUILDING & GROUNDS VOLUNTEERS

We have a very limited crew and our projects keep stacking up. We need lots of help! We would LOVE to schedule some volunteers or volunteer groups to knock some things off the list. If you know someone or have a group from church or work who can dedicate some time to help with projects, we need you. 

We have 4 areas of need…

  • Construction/remodeling facilities
  • Tree work: cutting trees which have fallen during storms; chopping and stacking wood
  • Hiking trails: Our short-term need is clearing trees and debris, setting posts for signs, etc. For a longer-term volunteer opportunity, you or a group of friends can join our “Adopt a Trail Team” to make our trails functional and beautiful.
  • Gardening: Our garden is growing, so we need volunteers to build more raised beds and trellises for berries, plant more vegetables, and care for the already-sprouting garden. Individuals or groups can join our “Adopt a Garden Team” if you are interested in helping maintain the garden throughout the growing season.

It’s great if you have experience in these areas. However, if you don’t, our staff are willing to teach and guide you in helping with these projects.

 

We look forward to having you at Deer Run!

Click the link below to fill out the volunteer interest form. Once we receive this form, our volunteer coordinator will reach out to connect with you about serving!

WANT TO SERVE AS A GROUP?
Fill out the group interest form.

WHAT’S NEXT? Before serving…

  • Download and complete the Volunteer Waiver of Liability. (Click button below.)
  • Review Deer Run’s mission & values.

HAVE QUESTIONS?
• Email Volunteer@DeerRun.camp
• Call Sheila Brown (615) 550-4093

Join Us for 2025 Volunteer Spring Serve Day!

Saturday, April 2025 • 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. (Date TBD)

This annual post-winter volunteer work day is vital to cleaning up debris from winds so the property looks gorgeous for retreat groups and summer camps! We have numerous projects: removing fallen trees on the property, repairing trails, spreading pine straw/wood chips, lining trails with deadfall, and leveling uneven paths.

Bring work gloves and wear shoes that can get dirty.

Volunteers must be age 5 and up. Youth ages 5 to 15 must be supervised by an adult volunteer; 1 adult for every 6 youth.

Schedule: Serve the full day or a half day (a.m. or p.m.)
Full Day — 8:00am to 4:00pm
Morning — 8:00am to 11:30am
Lunch provided for everyone — 11:30am to 12:30pm
Afternoon — 12:30pm to 4:00pm 

volunteer group with rakes and wheelbarrow at Deer Run Camps & Retreats Spring Serve Day

Or contact our Volunteer Coordinator at Volunteer@DeerRun.camp
or 615-550-4099 to sign up or if you have questions.

Interested? Invite a friend to serve with you at Deer Run!