Join The Team

I believe 7th & 8th grade students should be able to experience everything this area has to offer … hiking, biking, rafting, climbing … I also believe in giving back to the community, and wels is a great opportunity for that. — Christopher O., WELS Mentor

The backbone of The WELS Adventure Program is made up of our volunteers.  If you are interested in supporting and developing young leaders, we’ve got an opportunity for you!  All volunteers with the program must be 18 years old and must complete and submit state and FBI background checks.  

Adult Mentors: Must be 18 years old, and able to participate in at least 50% of the Sunday & Monday activities during the 6-week session.  Consistency is crucial to developing trust between the participants and mentors.  It is not necessary to be an expert in outdoor adventure! We have professional guides for that. It IS important that mentors are willing to actively participate in the adventure activities.  The most important mentor qualities we are looking for include:

1) an authentic interest in helping youth become dynamic leaders in our communities and

2) a willingness to listen to, encourage and guide our young people. 

Adult Mentors are required to participate in at least one orientation/training weekend prior to each session’s start. WELS HIGHLY RECOMMENDS Adult Mentors attend WELS Graduation, as well as the session’s evaluation & wrap-up session after graduation.

Photographers: We seek skilled photographers to capture the exciting action of youth facing whitewater for the first time or stepping over the ledge on rappel!  Must be able to keep up with the action and be prepared for shooting in unpredictable (and often rainy/wet) environments.

Monday Meal Providers: Each Monday evening, we begin our program session by sharing a meal.  Volunteers provide a simple, healthy meal (like spaghetti, lasagna, grilled cheese & soup, etc.) for approximately 20 youth and 4-6 adult mentors.  Meals must be delivered to St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Uniontown by 6:00 p.m.  In addition, we invite you to eat with us and interact with the WELS youth, mentors and interns.