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Volunteer Counselor - Camp Henry Sessions

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ORGANIZATION: Camp Sunshine

  • A group opportunity. Invite your friends.
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Camp Sunshine has been providing an overnight camp experience to teens and adults with developmental disabilities since 1983. Each year, the success of camp has relied on dedicated volunteers, especially our counselors. Volunteer counselors are paired with camper(s) to show love and support throughout the camp session. Each day of camp is carefully planned with traditional camp activities like ropes courses, creative expressions, swimming, music, meals together, and of course, a campfire with s’mores! Counselors can volunteer for one or two sessions or all four sessions. Counselors should be age 16 or older.

This year, Camp Sunshine is offering 2 four day/three night camp sessions at both Camp Blodgett (West Olive) and Camp Henry (Newaygo) in Michigan. We’re recruiting students at your school to join us for camp - this experience is perfect for students in education or human service areas of study, but everyone is eligible to apply! Join us for one or more sessions! We’re seeking dedicated, compassionate individuals who are interested in serving as counselors and ready to experience the transformation - and joy - that Camp Sunshine offers!

2025 Camp Sunshine Dates & Sessions:

2025 Camp Sunshine sessions will take place at both of our camp locations:​

Camp Henry in Newaygo

Camp Henry session 1: May 31-June 3, 2025

Camp Henry session 2: June 4-7, 2025

Counselors will arrive for training the evening before each session starts


Camp Blodgett in West Olive

Camp Blodgett session 1: June 23-26, 2025

Camp Blodgett session 2: June 27-30, 2025

Counselors will arrive for training the evening before each session starts



All counselors must attend virtual training prior to camp and a training session during camp. Details about training will be communicated closer to the event.

Overview of Counselor Responsibilities:

  • Attend training session

  • Attend orientation upon arrival to camp

  • Volunteer approximately 70+ hours per session (4 days, 3 nights)

  • Give one-on-one attention to your assigned camper(s)

  • Provide general care in areas such as grooming, bathroom needs, assistance while eating, assisting in recreation and creative expressions while also allowing for camper independence and decision making

  • Focus on the holistic nature of the camper including emotional, physical, recreational, relational, and spiritual needs

  • Love, Respect, and Dignity for All - We believe that every camper and person at camp has gifts to give and things to teach us. With that in mind and as we create grace-filled inclusive spaces, we ask that every volunteer come open to both giving AND receiving. This receiving requires humility and also serving each person with dignity and respect.

  • Represent the Mission and Organization - when you volunteer with us you become part of the Camp Sunshine community. As part of Camp Sunshine we ask that you continue to share the story of Camp in word and in deed in the spaces you occupy. YOU are the ones that will make the world outside of Camp Sunshine a more affirming and inclusive place.

More opportunities with Camp Sunshine

No additional volunteer opportunities at this time.

About Camp Sunshine

Location:

291 W Lakewood Blvd, Suite G, Holland, MI 49423, US

Mission Statement

To offer experiences that model and nurture a culture of inclusion, grace, and joy, through which people with and without disabilities can transcend barriers and value both their own gifts and the talents of others.

Description

There is a joyful spirit about Camp Sunshine that is transformative for every person who participates. We promote through words and actions a culture that honors each person with total acceptance and unconditional love.

Since 1983, Camp Sunshine has offered individuals with cognitive/developmental disabilities summer camp experiences in a safe, caring, and inclusive environment. We offer multi-day overnight camp sessions with activities designed to meet participants’ recreational, emotional, physical, spiritual, and relational needs. Uniquely, each camper is paired one-to-one with a volunteer counselor for their entire four days at camp. Camp Sunshine creates spaces for campers to feel included, learn from others, and grow in friendship. Within our programs, volunteers receive as much as they give and learn as much as they teach. Most of all, we have fun!

CAUSE AREAS

Advocacy & Human Rights
People with Disabilities
Sports & Recreation
Advocacy & Human Rights, People with Disabilities, Sports & Recreation

WHEN

Sat May 31, 2025 - Sat Jun 07, 2025

WHERE

5575 South Gordon AvenueNewaygo, MI 49337

(43.45335,-85.82327)
 

SKILLS

GOOD FOR

  • Teens
  • Public Groups

REQUIREMENTS

  • Background Check
  • Must be at least 16
  • Orientation or Training
  • Approx 70 hours per session

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