Volunteer Handbook 2021
Thank you for your interest in volunteering for Heroes and Horses. This handbook is designed to give you an overview of our mission, program, and policies, as well as our expectations for all of our volunteers. Please read through it carefully, as it is a great guide for beginning your journey with our organization, and serving our nations’ veterans.
WHO WE ARE:
Heroes and Horses is a Montana Based nonprofit organization that has created an innovative, three-phase reintegration program, which is offered to qualifying combat veterans (at no cost to them) suffering from PTSD. Our program utilizes the remote wilderness of Montana, along with the horse/human connection, to challenge and inspire personal growth in veterans suffering from mental and physical scars.
MISSION:
Heroes and Horses exists to redefine the relationship between challenge and purpose, by reintegrating combat veterans through an innovative, comprehensive, and effective process that uses the wilderness, the horse/human connection, and a proven leadership model.
VISION:
Our vision is a world where the over-prescribing of medications is replaced with ownership, and loss replaced with hope. A world where we are replacing the common narrative of damage and disorder associated with PTSD, with a narrative of how these experiences can empower, and be a catalyst for growth and forward movement in our lives.
THE ISSUE:
22 veterans commit suicide every day, and 20% of veterans with PTSD become addicted to drugs and/or alcohol. These are current statistics despite the federal government spending approximately $3 Billion every year on programs for veterans and soldiers suffering from PTSD.
It is time for a new solution.
THE HEROES AND HORSES PROGRAM:
We utilize expedition style horse pack trips to teach self-reliance, teamwork, and perseverance. Our veterans are tasked with various objectives that require them to look within themselves. The bond that our veterans form with the horses is like none-other. The connection that is formed with the horses, as well as fellow program participants, is much like the familiar sense of brotherhood that they experienced while in service. This bond for many of our veterans remains well intact after the completion of the program.
Our unique program challenges each individual to grow in new ways, it offers them a new way of approaching problems and solving them. We exist to redefine the relationship between challenge and purpose, by reintegrating combat veterans through an innovative, comprehensive and effective process.
This program is not a shortcut it is not the easy way out. Our program creates lasting change. It is challenging, intense, and requires each individual involved, from the veterans and staff to volunteers, to look within themselves. We must look within to rediscover our innate inner strength, confidence and ultimately our purpose.
Opportunities
Our volunteer dates vary from year to year, but for this coming 2019 season, we anticipate th needing volunteers from May 24 -September 14 . We require a minimum of a 5-day commitment. Please see our volunteer needs listed below, and our job descriptions, for a more detailed summary of our needs
Camp Cook - The camp cook volunteers are responsible for assisting the Head Chef with food preparation, cooking, making food runs to the store, clean up and assisting the Head Chef with various other tasks. We prepare 3 meals per day for the participants, staff, and volunteers (anywhere from 12 to 20 people).
Horseman/Ranch Hand - This position is responsible for assisting the Heroes and Horses staff with a multitude of ranch projects, feeding the herd, and dependent on the proficiency you have with horsemanship, you may be asked to assist with riding various horses and instructing various topics of basic horse skill sets.
Policies:
There are limited opportunities for volunteers under the age of 18. Anyone who is under the age of 18 and wishes to volunteer must present a liability waiver signed by a parent or legal guardian. All volunteers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian when volunteering for Heroes and Horses.
All volunteers and Heroes and Horses staff members are equally responsible for establishing and maintaining a safe working environment. Heroes and Horses will work to ensure safe working environments in accordance with state and federal laws. Heroes and Horses has lined out policies regarding injury and emergencies that will be provided to each volunteer upon start date.
Please take heed to the fact that there are inherent risks associated with residing in a camping environment and in dealing with horses. Should you have any questions regarding the environment, or potential risks associated with working with horses, please contact us directly.
● Individuals are required to commit a minimum of 3 days for our season specific volunteer opportunities. ● All volunteers are required to sign a liability waiver. ● Heroes and Horses has a NO DRUG AND/OR ALCOHOL policy. This policy must be adhered to by all staff, volunteers, and students. ● All volunteers are required to wear an HH volunteer t-shirt during working hours. (provided by HH). ● Although we love our furry four-legged friends, dogs are NOT ALLOWED. o If you are applying as a horseman volunteer and wish to bring your own horse please contact the office directly.
Volunteer Fee/Donation:
We do not require a volunteer fee this year, but we encourage each volunteer to make a contribution in the form of a donation. This donation will go towards covering food and camp “footprint” costs that are associated with your stay at camp – any remaining funds go directly to our program. We provide breakfast, lunch, and dinner for all of our volunteers, so making even a small contribution will help us cover those costs, and continue to allow us to offer our program free of charge to our veterans.
Volunteer Conduct:
● Arrive on time and ready to work every day. Early is even better! ● Always bring a smile, good work ethic, and positive attitude! ● Should you need to cancel, please let us know as soon as possible so we can fill your position. ● Dress Appropriately: ● Please use common sense regarding what is appropriate clothing for volunteering. No booty shorts or low cut tops (guys we are speaking to you here too ;) ) Please also be aware of environmental and weather conditions. You will be working in a camping environment. Weather in Montana can be unpredictable. Pack accordingly. Closed toed shoes are required for all positions, and appropriate riding boots are required for horseman volunteers.
Interacting with the Veterans:
Please refrain from disturbing the veterans and the staff during the instruction hours. Any unnecessary distractions can easily diminish the effectiveness of our program and curriculum. If you are a horseman volunteer, please do not interject while the lead instructors are teaching the lesson. Follow the lesson plan designed by our lead instructors, and do not veer from the content being taught.
All Heroes and Horses staff members will treat you with respect, and we ask that you do the same. If an issue should arise with a veteran, staff member, or fellow volunteer, please speak with the designated camp lead. DO NOT approach a veteran if you having an issue with that person – bring it directly to the camp lead.
The leadership portion of our curriculum will take place (primarily) after dinner, and are restricted to students and staff only. Please do not loiter during this sensitive and important time.
Conversations with the veterans and staff can be had during eating times in the mess tent, but please keep in mind that the students adhere to a strict schedule and cannot be held up in conversation.
Volunteer pledge:
RESPECT HONESTY
COMMUNICATION COMMITMENT
HARDWORK OPEN MIND
Please sign below to acknowledge that you have read, understand, and agree to all the terms above.
Signature: ______
Date:______
** Please note this is not our liability waiver.