CDS Volunteer Training Schedule
Unless otherwise noted for a specific location, all trainings begin at 4:30 pm on the start date.
October 9-10, 2026
Chalice Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
5612 Haden Road
Virginia Beach, Virginia 23455
Late registration fee after September 18
October 16-17, 2026
Manassas Church of the Brethren
10047 Nokesville Rd.
Manassas, Virginia 20112
Late registration fee after September 25
In lieu of online registration, you may print out and mail the registration form:
Volunteer Training Registration Form (PDF)
Cost
- $55.00 – early registration fee includes all meals, curriculum, and one overnight
- $65.00 – late registration fee when mailed less than three weeks before
- $35.00 – if you have taken the training before and are taking it as a refresher for certification
- $32.50 – student registration fee
- $15.00 – administrative fee for Professional Development Hours Certificate or Professional Development Units (PDU) Certificate if applicable
Workshops are scheduled throughout the year. To be notified of upcoming workshops, please send an email with your name, address, and e-mail address to: CDS@brethren.org.
For more information contact:
Children’s Disaster Services, 800-451-4407, ext. 4
Participants in the 25-hour training learn to provide comfort and encouragement to children by offering the healing young children need in traumatic situations. They learn to create a safe, friendly environment that gives children the chance to engage in therapeutic play activities designed to relieve stress and calm fears.
This training includes a simulated shelter experience (an overnight stay) and will be provided to any group of 15 or more adults interested in working with children after a disaster. Participants completing the course will have the opportunity to become certified Children’s Disaster Services volunteers.
Because children can experience personal disasters (when a friend moves away, a pet dies, etc.) people who come in contact with a distressed child can benefit from this training. Many of the concepts taught in the training are appropriate to use at those times as well as after disasters.
Overview
Children’s Disaster Services’ 25-hour training utilizes a variety of hands-on activities that the participants put into action when caring for children after a disaster. Topics include:
- shelter simulation (includes an overnight stay)
- disasters (types and phases)
- children
- needs after a disaster
- how to respond to children in a healing manner
- the role of play after a disaster
- how to use play to start recovery in children
- Children’s Disaster Services Centers
- set up
- operation
- safety procedures
- volunteers’ roles
- Self-care onsite and after returning home
What to bring
- An openness to new experiences.
- Clothing for active participation and sitting on the floor.
- Camping gear (sleeping bag or blankets, pillow, flashlight)
- Personal items (towel, washcloth, toiletries, soap, devotional books)