Summer Camp Volunteers

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Special Needs Support Center (SNSC) is searching for several experienced, dedicated, and enthusiastic volunteers to support our Aspire Summer Camp program. This summer is our biggest yet and we cannot run this free camp without volunteers! Spend the day with a group of amazing kids and great staff while you help create an inclusive and fun environment that encourages growth.

Location: Hartford, VT & Hanover, NH (Location is shared with approved volunteers only)
Schedule:

• Monday - Friday 9 am - 3 pm
• June 19- June 23, June 26-June 30, July 31-August 4, August 7-11

Commitment: Minimum of one day per week for each week of summer camp or one full week (preferred)

About the Organization:

The Special Needs Support Center (SNSC) is a group of individuals and families throughout the Upper Valley and beyond who proudly work together to create a community where people with special needs, across the spectrum, can live their best lives. We believe all people with special needs, and their families, should have opportunities and support to pursue their goals and aspirations.

Program Description:

Camp Aspire is an extension of our year-round Aspire program for school-aged youth with disabilities. This summer campers will have opportunities to experience swimming, arts and crafts, music, and most importantly, developing friendships in a sensory-friendly, innovative, fun, and safe space!

Sending a child to camp is often a big step for parents. At SNSC, we take the responsibility of caring for your camper very seriously and we strive to maintain an environment that promotes safety and wellbeing of all participants and staff, as well as encourages personal growth and independence. Our goal is to provide joyful, life-changing experiences in a safe environment and build meaningful relationships in the lives of youth campers.

Objectives of Summer Camp Volunteers:

To support the positive physical, social, and intellectual development of program participants.

To provide program participants with a consistent support system including positive role modeling, inclusive group culture, and positive, safe space to be after school.

To increase program capacity by acting as a trusted responsible adult presence that can support program staff in carrying out the goals of the program.

Expected Duties:

Assist program coordinators with daily tasks such as set up and clean up

Supervise campers and ensure their safety, development, growth, skill achievement, and general well-being

Help facilitate group discussions and activities with participants assisting children to gain social skills and encourage personal growth

Create a positive and interactive learning environment while promoting inclusion

Assist with the organization and execution of special events or field trips

Model respectful behavior including no swearing, no put-downs, and healthy communication patterns

Communicate openly with staff after each session in a daily debrief

Other duties as assigned by program coordinators

Ideal Qualifications, Skills, and Knowledge:

Be at least 21 years of age (Volunteers ages 18-20 may be considered at the discretion of the SNSC team)

Experience working with kids with unique needs and diverse backgrounds

Experience or interest in working in educational or recreational programming

Reliable and willing to commit for at least a semester (½ of the school year)

First Aid/CPR certification is a plus

Must submit to and pass a background check

Team player with a positive attitude

Understand and commit to SNSC’s mission, vision, and values

Important Things to Know:

Please bring a water bottle, lunch, sunscreen, swimsuit, towel, and bug repellent with you.

We encourage you to share any special skills, interests, or hobbies you have. We also welcome you to brainstorm or come up with possible activities and ideas that we could incorporate. Just talk to Emma and we would love to have you share with us.

Next Steps:

• Complete the background check paperwork (for every state you have lived in)
• Electronically sign the SNSC Confidentiality Agreement, Liability Waiver/Photo Release, and Volunteer Manual Acknowledgement
• Schedule and complete an SNSC Orientation with Cortney, Volunteer and Development Coordinator (in-person or virtual, takes about 20-30 minutes)
• Onboard with Emma, Youth Program Services Coordinator, complete training by attending our April vacation camp, and schedule your first day! (Can’t attend April vacation camp? Let us know and we may be able to schedule another alternative).