What To Expect
Camp Sunshine was fortunate to have 2 groups of nursing students from the University of Southern Maine Nursing Program. Graduate students Dorene Dostal-Johnson and Jennifer Kimball created the following informative report for people who would like more information on what it is like to be a Camp Sunshine volunteer.
Introduction
Each six-day session at Camp Sunshine requires approximately 75 volunteers. The camp strives to provide a ratio of 1 volunteer for every 2 campers. You can help be part of this wonderful experience for children and their families.
Volunteers range in age from 16-80 and come from all over the United States and even from some foreign countries. Full time and part time volunteer positions are available.
The following pages will answer some of your questions about volunteer opportunities at Camp Sunshine. An application form is available and can be printed from your computer for mailing to the Camp's director.
While each volunteer's experience at Camp Sunshine is very individual, there is a universal sense among those who have gone before you that this is a profoundly rewarding experience. We hope you will chose to be part of helping these children and their families enjoy a week of fun, learning and relaxation.
Volunteer Opportunities
In 2004, Camp Sunshine offered 22 weekly sessions for campers. Each session required approximately 75 volunteers. The long-term goal is for operation to run for 40 sessions per year.
Volunteers are needed in the following areas:
- Nursery (ages 0-2)
- Arts and crafts
- Food service
- Tot lot (ages 3-5)
- Marina, beach & pool
- Children (ages 6-8)
- Older children (ages 9-12)
- Teens (ages 13-18)
- Adults
- Photographer
- Housekeeping
- Grounds MaintenanceEtc.
- Lifeguards
Each weekly session has a specific health focus* and currently includes:
- Oncology
- Fanconi Anemia
- Renal Disease
- Diamond Blackfan Anemia
- Post Treatment
- Lupus
- Ray of Hope, 9-11
- Solid Organ Transplant
- Bereavement
- * Different health emphases may be available in the future.
A Volunteer's Focus
- Your goal will be to help kids be kids and families be families.
- Each camper group has a mix of healthy siblings and children living with a chronic or critical illness.
- The volunteer's role varies from working directly with kids in a group setting to supportive positions such as: working in the kitchen preparing meals or in the maintenance areas.
- Each volunteer area has a head counselor or group leader who provides guidance to each volunteer.
- Volunteer schedules vary slightly depending on assignment area.
Daily Schedule for Volunteers
- 8:00-9:00 Breakfast.
- 9:00-12:00 Activities for kids and parents: Canoes, Kayaks, Paddleboats, Swimming, Archery, Ping pong, Arts and crafts, Whiffleball, Kickball, Pool, volleyball, Computer time, and Parent group sessions.
- 12:00-1:00 Lunch.
- 1:00-2:00 Rest period for younger campers and parents.
- 1:15-5:00 Activities (see morning options).
- 5:30-6:30 Dinner
- 7:00-9:00 Evening activities:
- Musical Entertainment, Pool, Activities, Group Bonfire, Talent Night, and Celebration Show.
- *Food service volunteers start and end their day earlier.
Volunteer Responsibilities
- 8:00-9:00 Breakfast.
- 9:00-12:00 Meet with assigned group for check-in. Interact with campers, help with projects and games. Be available to listen and talk with campers. Help keep track of group members and act as escorts to campers who need to leave an activity. Be aware of safety issues and follow appropriate protocols.
- 12:00-1:00 Return campers to parents, Lunch and free-time.
- 1:00-2:00 Rest period for younger campers and parents.
- 1:15-5:00 Activities (see morning options- Volunteer Schedule).
- 5:30-6:30 Return campers to parents: Dinner and free-time.
- 7:00-10:00 Evening Activities: Musical Entertainment, Pool, Activities, Group Bonfire, Talent Night, Celebration Show, DJ Dance Party.
Accommodations
- On-site housing is provided with preference given to those volunteers able to commit to a full session (Sunday to Friday).
- You may be required to share a two-room, 5 bed, suite with private bath with 1-4 other volunteers.
- The camp strives to make age compatible matching in rooming assignments but this is not guaranteed.
- Volunteer couples may room together.
- You will need to bring your own bed linens and towels.
- All meals are provided.
Handy Information for Camp
- Bring snacks (microwave popcorn, soda, bottled water, granola bars etc). Each room has a small refrigerator and microwave.
- Ear plugs may be helpful (you never know if your roommate snores)!
- Bug spray, sunscreen lotion, and a hat are helpful.
- Volunteers are provided with one yellow volunteer shirt. This shirt identifies you and should be worn every day that you are on duty. Extra shirts are available at cost ($7.00).
- Most volunteers wear comfortable shorts or pants. Footwear should be comfortable with most people wearing sneakers or Teva-style sandals.
- Bring a flashlight and extra batteries.
- Bring your smile and sense of humor ... they're contagious!
In Their Own Words
"Perhaps our kids will think about volunteering here as well. Nothing is more compelling than role-modeling this experience for our children."
-Peter Murphy
"I've been a Camp Sunshine volunteer for 11 years. Volunteering here is so important to me that for three years my family has sponsored a family at Camp Sunshine instead of giving each other Christmas presents." -Dan Paris
Greg has been a volunteer as the teen group leader since 1987. Greg found out about the camp at a Cystic Fibrosis (CF) support group. "Having CF, I thought I'd come up and volunteer."
"This is a time for parents to get away," says Greg, noting this is the catch phrase for Camp Sunshine. "I was very touched when a father walked across the beach, shook my hand while crying, repeated the catch phrase, and then thanked me."
Greg returns to volunteer each year "because I can't stop. It means a lot to be able to give back, have a unique experience, and have fun."
-Greg Bove
"This has really been an unforgettable experience for me. The experience itself is a great reward."
-Katie Roy
Mary has volunteered at Camp Sunshine in the 9-12 age group and the teen group.
"I was first asked up here as a chaperone because my daughter was coming up, now Im hooked."
-Mary Dewey
Penny's first experience as a Camp Sunshine volunteer.
"I was new to the area and wanted to volunteer." Although Penny is an R.N., she volunteered in Food Service. "There are many jobs in Food Service and I chose to be a server allowing me to interact with all the staff, volunteers and families."
