Information for Camp Chihopi Staff

Staff at Camp Chihopi Providing a fun, rewarding and safe camp experience for the campers of Camp Chihopi is the primary goal of our exceptional staff. At Camp Chihopi, the staff strives to pay particular attention to the individual camper in an atmosphere of friendship, relaxation, and support. The camp is a well-supervised environment with 1 staff member for every 3 to 5 campers and with rules that apply to both campers and staff.

Camp Chihopi seeks volunteers who are enthusiastic role models for children, enjoy an outdoor environment, desire an opportunity for personal growth, and most importantly, who are compassionate in their interactions with children adapting to life after transplantation. Chihopi staff should have respect for each other and all campers, and display appropriate behavior by respecting personal property, promoting good sportsmanship and adhering to camp rules.

Please review the description for the role that interests you, then complete your registration for camp by July 15, 2026 through CampDocs. Virtual interviews will be scheduled for first-time applicants.

CIT applicants please note: The application process for a CIT position has additional requirements. Please read the CIT application process carefully if you are applying for this position. CIT applicants must submit two recommendation forms and will participate in a brief interview with Chihopi leadership by early July. If you have any questions, please call Bev Kosmach at 412-692-6115 or Beverly.Kosmach@chp.edu.

All Camp Chihopi staff 18 years and older must have security clearances within the last two years (valid to August 16, 2026). Staff who are accepted for positions at camp must submit their verified security clearances to Bev Kosmach by Monday, July 20, 2026. The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center mandates that security clearances be obtained every 2 years. There are no exceptions to this rule. Staff are strongly encouraged to begin the security clearance process as soon as possible as the process may take up to 8 weeks.

Act 33: Child Abuse Form (PDF)
Act 34: State Police Criminal Record Check
- Click on New Record Check (Volunteers only)
- Check the box on the bottom of the next page, then click on “Accept”
- On the next page, the reason for request is “VolunteerFREE” and organization name is Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh.Only starred items are needed.
- Click “Proceed” on next page.
Act 73 FBI Clearance Form

Act 73 FBI Clearance Form

Your Act 73 clearance will look like this.

Application registration for PA residents must be completed at https://uenroll.identogo.com/

Follow the steps below to complete the Act 73 FBI Clearance form application process.

Enter the Service Code 1KG756 on the main page of the website.
Select Schedule or Manage Appointment.
Enter the required personal information throughout the next few screens: Essential Info, Citizenship, Personal Questions, Personal Info, Address, and Documents.
- Please note that all information provided must match the form of ID you will present at your fingerprint appointment.
Select the most convenient location, date, and time to schedule an appointment. The scheduled appointment should only last approximately 10 minutes.
- You may select to be a walk-in, but it is highly recommended to schedule a specific appointment.
Review your appointment details and click “Done” to complete the registration.
You will receive confirmation of the scheduled appointment via the preferred method of contact you selected.
Payment will be completed during the appointment. Payment can be made via cash, credit card, certified check or money order.

FINGERPRINT SERVICES FOR OUT-OF-STATE RESIDENTS

If you are an out of state applicant, search for “FBI fingerprint clearance [your state].” Review the instructions for your state, which will include finding a fingerprinting location near you. You will need to complete an application, then go to a local center (often a FEDEx or UPS store) to get your fingerprints. These will be sent electronically for an FBI Background Check and you will receive the document above.

As a requirement for attending camp, all staff who are transplant recipients must obtain routine labs between May 15 and July 30, 2026. If you receive care at UPMC Children’s Hospital, your lab report will be accessed through your UPMC Children's medical record. If you receive care through UPMC or an outside hospital, please have your lab results faxed (412-692-6116) or scanned/emailed by July 15, 2026 (Beverly.Kosmach@chp.edu). If your care is managed by a transplant center other than UPMC or Children’s, please have your doctor or transplant coordinator send a copy of your most recent check-up or medical assessment as well as a letter stating you are healthy enough to attend camp.

A mandatory orientation for all staff will be held on Wednesday, August 12, from 4 to 6:30 p.m. CITs will meet for a pre-orientation session from 3 to 4 p.m. Detailed information will be sent to staff in late July. Staff are responsible for their roundtrip transportation to Pittsburgh and lodging in the Pittsburgh area as needed before or after camp.