United Cerebral Palsy of Greater Houston Camp Volunteers for disability assistance

CAMP BUCKAROO
What: Camp Buckaroo is a week-long day-camp for children with disabilities, including autism, cerebral palsy, Down Syndrome, and mental retardation. Each day at Camp Buckaroo is themed, from Rodeo Day to Snow Day, and each day is filled with crafts, activities, and entertainment that reflect those themes. Camp Buckaroo "buddies" work one-on-one or two-on-one with the campers, attending all activities with their camper and helping with their camper's daily tasks.

Volunteers must be at least 16 years old to volunteer independently; however, volunteers as young as 14 may volunteer if accompanied by a parent. Volunteers must be available to stay the entire day each day all week long, and volunteers are responsible for providing their own transportation and lunch. Volunteers earn 35 volunteer hours per week.

When:

Dates/Hours

Location

Ages Served

6/9-6/13/08

location - First Presbyterian Church, Conroe

2-14 with disabilities, 2-10 siblings

6/16-6/20

location - St. John the Divine Church, Houston

2-14 with disabilities, 2-10 siblings

6/23 - 6/25/08 from
9am -12pm

Neighborhood Centers Freedom Station, Bellaire

2-5 with disabilities, 2-5 siblings

7/14-7/18

location - St. John the Divine Church, Houston

2-14 with disabilities, 2-10 siblings

7/21-7/25

location - Calvary Episcopal Church, Richmond

2-14 with disabilities, 2-10 siblings

Where: Locations - TBA

DOWNLOADABLE APPLICATIONS:
Buckaroo Volunteer
Smiles Volunteer

CAMP SMILES
What: Camp Smiles at Camp For All is a week-long summer camp for children with cerebral palsy. Camp Smiles at Camp For All is held at Camp For All, a barrier-free camp that is fully equipped to serve children who are chronically ill or disabled. The campsite includes activities such as archery, arts and crafts, canoeing, fishing, horseback riding, outdoor camping, a ropes course, and swimming. The facilities include modifications and features to meet the needs of special campers.

Camp Smiles at Camp For All counselors act as "buddies", one to each camper. Counselors attend all activities with their camper and help with bathing, dressing, feeding, and toileting their camper; and counselors also sleep in the same cabin as their camper. Camp Smiles at Camp For All cabin leaders head each cabin, overseeing the activities of their cabin's campers and volunteers.

Volunteers must be at least 16 years old to volunteer as counselors and 18 years old to volunteer as cabin leaders. Volunteers must be available to attend the orientation and to stay the entire week, and volunteers are responsible for providing their own transportation to Camp For All (in Burton, TX). Volunteers earn 145 volunteer hours for the week.

When:
TBA (mandatory orientation)

7/6*-7/11/08
Actual week of camp (in Burton) *Volunteers arrive a day early, on 7/5/08

Where:
The Metropolitan Multi-Service Center @ 1475 West Gray/Houston, TX 77019 (orientation)

For more information on volunteering at these camps, please contact Erin Hauder,
713-838-9050 x 309, ehauder@ucphouston.org

DOWNLOADABLE APPLICATIONS:
Buckaroo Volunteer - Available late February or early March
Smiles Volunteer - Available late February or early March

All programs are based on certain eligibility requirements
and may be based on available funding.