WHAT DO WE EAT?

All Campers, Counselors, and Staff volunteers are provided three meals in our dining facility, in addition to snacks throughout the day. 

WHAT IS THE CAMPER TO STAFF RATIO?

Summer Camp sessions offer a unique 1:1 ratio.  Each Camper is assigned to their own Counselor. However, there may be times where a Camper with more severe disabilities may be assigned 2 or more Counselors, or times where Counselors In Training (CIT's) are paired with higher functioning Campers under the supervision of another qualified Counselor.  This is at the discretion of the Camp Director.

HOW DO I APPLY?

Volunteers 18+ years of age may apply as a Counselor, and volunteers under the age of 18 may apply as a  Junior Counselor.  Complete and submit the application, and our Programs Team will get in touch to confirm or deny your acceptance. Backgrounds are checked for all Counselors and Staff that are 18+ years of age.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT ONCE I GET TO CAMP?

On the day you arrive, you will be involved in training and orientation sessions.  These sessions will provide details in the everyday routine of the camp and any other special considerations. Counselors will review their Camper's profile and prepare for their Camper’s arrival the following morning. Each Counselor and their Camper will go through a brief check-in process, and then begin their adventure together.

WHERE DO STAFF / VOLUNTEERS SLEEP?

Each Counselor sleeps in the same cabin as their Camper, and is responsible for their Camper's needs 24/7. Other Staff and Jr Counselors will either sleep in the cabins with the Campers, or in a Staff cabin as determined by the Camp Director.

IS TRANSPORTATION TO CAMP PROVIDED?

Not at this time, each individual is responsible for transportation to and from the Summer Camp facility.

WHO MAKES UP THE STAFF OF CAMP DREAM AND HOW DOES IT ALL WORK?

The Staff consists of individuals who have previously volunteered, and are a part of the Camp Dream Team outside of Summer Camp and Camp Out programs. With a combined 100+ years of service, our Staff are able to provide the knowledge and support needed for any situation that may arise.

WHAT TYPES OF DISABILITIES AND WHAT SEVERITY LEVELS ARE THE CAMPERS?

Camp Dream serves all disability types and all ages.  Camp Dream focuses on servicing children and young adults with moderate to severe physical and developmental disabilities through a 1:1 Camper-to-Counselor model. Camp Dream bridges the gap by accepting Campers that many other camps turn away due to the severity/ multitude of their disabilities, their age or their inability to pay.

DO I NEED TO HAVE ANY KIND OF MEDICAL BACKGROUND?

Unless you are serving with our Medical Staff (Doctor, EMT or Nurse), formal medical experience is not necessary. Before each session, Counselors are provided a profile of their Camper. Upon arrival, Counselors meet with the Camper's parents and a member of the Medical Staff to review their Camper's medical needs. Medical Staff is available at all times to address any medical issue that may arise.  If you wish to apply as a medical volunteer, you may register here.  

WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR IN A VOLUNTEER?

We are looking for bright, energetic individuals with compassion, patience, and understanding to create an environment for one child/ young adult with special needs to have a memorable and rewarding Summer Camp experience.  Experience working with children, teens and/or young adults with special needs, as well as experience at other camps is helpful but not required.

WHAT DO COUNSELORS DO?

Counselors are the primary volunteers responsible for the experience each Camper has while at Camp Dream.  Counselors are assigned to one Camper to bond with and care for during the entire session.  Counselors are responsible for ensuring their Camper is on time to activities and that all personal care, grooming, and bathing needs are met. 

WHAT DO JUNIOR COUNSELORS DO?

Jr Counselors assist Staff to provide the diverse activities offered during Summer Camp programs. This includes art projects, outdoor recreation, and special evening activities such as dances, karaoke, movies, etc… Jr Counselors also help Counselors during activities such as pool time, fishing, and other activities to ensure that each Camper has the opportunity to experience each activity, regardless of their disability.