Volunteers Needed for Equestrian Outing with Youth with Disabilities

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Wintertime is the perfect time for indoor adventure and fun with the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab's Caring for Kids Program!

If you like helping kids with disabilities have a great time while encouraging them to reach for their best, then volunteering with the Caring for Kids Program on January 5 for horseback riding and hippotherapy is a great opportunity for you!

Please note that there is a second volunteer opportunity for a laser tag outing too!

We are seeking 20 volunteers so that each child has a dedicated one-on-one support.

CONTACT Ashley Gruenwald at agruenwald@sralab.org for next steps if interested in volunteering for this event.

LOCATION: Equestrian Connection located at 600 N. Bradley Road, Lake Forest, IL 60045.

TIME OF EVENT

• If taking transportation from the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab (355 E Erie): Volunteer arrival time is 8:30 am. Volunteers taking transportation should expect to arrive back at the hospital around 3:30 pm.

• If meeting at Equestrian Connection: Volunteers traveling on their own should meet at the event location at 9:30 am. Volunteers with own transportation should expect to be done around 2:30 pm.

VOLUNTEER GUIDELINES

1. First responsibility is ensuring the safety of the youth during all activities.
2. Children come first in all activities.
3. Become actively involved and participate in all program activities.
4. If you are placed 1:1 with a child or supervising a small group, you are responsible for those specific youth during the duration of the day's event.
5. All staff/volunteers will treat all other staff, volunteers, bus drivers, and participants with respect.
6. All staff/volunteers will treat all equipment, facilities, and outside staff with care and respect.
7. Aid in pushing wheelchairs and walking alongside youth utilizing walkers.
8. Act as good role models and mentors and offer positive reinforcement.
9. Make sure someone knows where you are at all times - bathroom, concessions, etc.
10. Make sure your group stays on schedule and you are where you need to be at certain times.

ABOUT CARING FOR KIDS
Caring for Kids is a dynamic program for youth ages 7-17, who has a primary physical disability. The Caring for Kids Program offers year-round adaptive sports, recreational activities, special events, and social programming. All programs are designed to foster a positive quality of life for participants through promoting physical fitness, independence, socialization, activity, and adaptive programming resources. You can learn more about Caring for Kids at www.sralab.org/caringforkids.

CONTACT Ashley Gruenwald at agruenwald@sralab.org for next steps if interested in volunteering for this event.