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12 people are interested
Assist a child with special needs. Become a Buddy!
ORGANIZATION: Aaron's Acres
Please visit the new page to apply.
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12 people are interested
Aaron’s Acres seeks middle- and high school-aged volunteers to serve as Buddies for school-year and summer camp programs in Berks, Dauphin, and Lancaster Counties. Community service hours required by some school districts for graduation can be satisfied by this volunteer program.
Students ages 14-18 can apply to volunteer as "buddies" for children and young adults ages 5-21 with special needs. Each buddy is paired with a program or camp participant and works under the supervision of professionally trained and certified staff. The Buddy acts as a positive role model but also gains firsthand experience relating to a child with special needs. Barriers are broken down, and friendships develop among children and older adolescents with differing abilities.
More opportunities with Aaron's Acres
No additional volunteer opportunities at this time.
About Aaron's Acres
Location:
1861 Charter Lane, #Suite 114, Lancaster, PA 17601, US
Mission Statement
Aaron’s Acres offers individuals with special needs ages 5-21 year-round therapeutically based age-appropriate recreational programs in a supportive environment that enhances socialization and communication skills. Programs directed by specially trained and certified staff provide and facilitate emotional, educational, and recreational support for the entire family.
Description
Embracing possibilities beyond disabilities is the philosophy of Aaron’s Acres, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded 15 years ago by a group of parents who wanted to provide summer camp experiences for their children who had special needs.
With assistance from the Special Kids Network, a program of United Disabilities Services (UDS), a one-week summer camp program was established in Lancaster County, which served 11 children ages 4-9. Aaron’s Acres became a program of UDS for approximately five years. During that time, parent feedback was the catalyst for a school-year monthly recreational program.
Distinct advantages of Aaron’s Acres’ programs include:
- Focus on appropriate socialization and communication
- Positive and supportive environment for children and their families
- Professionally trained and certified staff (including a nurse)
- A 1:1 or 1:2 staff to child ratio
- Volunteer Buddy Program
- Fully inclusive regardless of disability or need
- Recreational activities for teens (ages 12-17) who have Asperger’s Syndrome to participate in the "A-team"
CAUSE AREAS
WHEN
WHERE
1861 Charter Lane, Suite 114Lancaster, PA 17601
DATE POSTED
March 8, 2019
SKILLS
GOOD FOR
- Kids
- Teens
REQUIREMENTS
- Must be at least 12
- Orientation or Training
- Must attend orientation
- Must commit to once a month 2 1/2 hours each month