Spring Break Camp Volunteers Needed - April 10-12, 2017

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Do you like helping kids have a great time and helping them reaching for their best? Then this is a perfect opportunity for you to volunteer with the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab's (the future of the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago) Caring for Kids Program.

Volunteers are needed to assist kids with physical disabilities get the most out of an exciting three-day Spring Break Camp April 10-12, 2017. The schedule of activities is below. Volunteers will provide hand-over-hand assistance, pushing participants’ wheelchairs, keeping participants engaged and safe, and most of all, bring an encouraging and enthusiastic attitude!

Volunteers can choose any one or more of the three days to help out - Volunteers must be able to commit to an entire day's program. If interested, contact Ashley Gruenwald agruenwald@ric.org.

DAY ONE: Monday, April 10 - Equestrian Connection

LOCATION OF EVENT: Equestrian Connection (600 N Bradley Rd, Lake Forest, IL 60045)

TIME OF EVENT: Arrival time is 8:30 am if taking transportation from Shirley Ryan AbilityLab or 9:30 am if meeting at Equestrian Connection. Volunteers taking transportation should return to Shirley Ryan AbilityLab around 3:30pm. Volunteers traveling to Equestrian Connection on their own will be done around 2:30pm.

*Be sure to wear attire suitable for being in the arena and closed toes shoes. Also, please pack a sack lunch.

DAY TWO: Tuesday, April 11 - Fosco Park-Triathlon Day

LOCATION OF EVENT: Fosco Park (1312 S Racine Ave, Chicago, IL 60608)

TIME OF EVENT: Arrival time is 8:45am if taking transportation from Shirley Ryan AbilityLab or 9:30 am if meeting at Fosco Park. Volunteers taking transportation should return to Shirley Ryan AbilityLab around 2:45pm. Volunteers traveling to Fosco park on their own will be done around 2:30pm.

*Be sure to bring your swimsuit, towel and lunch

DAY THREE: Wednesday, April 12 - Sky Deck-Willis Tower

LOCATION OF EVENT: Sky Deck, Willis Tower (233 S Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60606)

TIME OF EVENT: Arrival time is 9:00 am if taking transportation from Shirley Ryan AbilityLab or 9:30 am if meeting at the Sky Deck. Volunteers taking transportation should return to Shirley Ryan AbilityLab around 12:45pm. Volunteers traveling to the Sky Deck on their own will be done around 12:30pm.

*Lunch is provided

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

ATTENDANCE: Attendance is highly important and affects the youth that you are paired with for these events. The best way to communicate with Ashley on the day of will be to text/call Ashley at 815-252-6022.

TRANSPORTATION: Transportation from Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is available. If you will be taking transportation from Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, please communicate with Ashley as soon as possible (agruenwald@ric.org). Spots on transportation are limited and filled on a first-come, first-serve basis. If taking transportation from Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, you will meet in Shirley Ryan AbililtyLab lobby located at 355 E Erie St, Chicago, IL 60611. We will be on the main floor when you enter the building.

SPRING BREAK VOLUNTEER RESPONSIBILITIES

• Being actively involved and participate in program activities.
• If you are placed 1:1 with a participant or supervising a small group, you are responsible for those specific youth during the activity.
• Treat all campers, staff, volunteers, bus drivers, participants, equipment, facilities, and outside staff with respect.
• Aiding in pushing wheelchairs and walking alongside youth utilizing walkers.
• Acting as good role models and mentors and offer positive reinforcement.
• Making sure someone knows where you are at all times, bathroom, concessions, etc.
• Volunteers must stay within an arm’s length distance to their assigned participant or group at all times.
• Bringing an encouraging, enthusiastic and positive attitude - after all, camp is all about having a great time!
• Keeping participants engaged and safe

About

The Shirley Ryan AbilityLab’s Caring for Kids Program (CFK) hosts an annual Spring Break Camp for kids with physical disabilities ages 7-17 and is in need of energetic, enthusiastic, committed and caring volunteers. The Caring for Kids program offers adaptive sports, recreation, special events, and social activities. The programs are designed to foster a positive quality of life for participants through promoting physical fitness, independence, socialization, cultural activity, and adaptive programming resources.

For more information about volunteering for the Caring for Kids Spring Break Camp, contact Ashley Gruenwald at agruenwald@ric.org or call 312-238-5005.